Traditional Worshippers Seek Equal Treatment With Other Religions In Plateau

Traditional worshippers have requested the Plateau State government to consider them for palliatives to cushion the economic hardship being faced in the country.

Ma-Ajin Pankshin and the Ngo-Long Vel, Nde Monday Tokzakka made the demand while also advocating for equal treatment by the state government to carry them along in the scheme of things.

Nde Tokzakka made the call while speaking on the sideline of the celebration of the 2025 Morgi masquerade festival in Pankshin.

Our correspondent reports that the festival is traditional worshippers’ day, where over 300 different masquerades will be displayed to the admiration of the people.

“We understand that the state government gives them palliative during Christmas and Sallah celebrations. Traditional worship, which is the first religion, is not being carried along or considered for anything.

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“We have not been given any attention or consideration. Consequently, we are being relegated to the background,” he lamented.

Tokzakka also pleaded with the Plateau State Government to support them in promoting the annual Morgi Cultural Festival, noting that the state is known as the ‘Home of Peace and Tourism.’

“The Morgi festival, if sustained, will also attract tourists and generate revenue to the state because of the array of different masquerades that will be on parade,” he said.

According to Tokzakka, all tribes in Nigeria can be found in Pankshin, emphasising his people have always ensured that they are well protected during the festival.

“The masquerades during procession are not allowed to enter government’s establishments, school mosque, church and business centres by their handlers,” Tokzakka said.

Speaking on the significance of the festival, Tokzakka said it is a period of offering prayers for blessing the land, for a bumper harvest, and also seeking cleansing, forgiveness, healing, and purification of the land from evil.

He warned that failure to preserve cultural heritage will lead to the erosion of traditions and loss of historical knowledge, potentially leading to cultural disconnection and confusion.

Also speaking, the Galadima Pankshin, Nde Gobak Yilchir and the Ngo-Long Chwil, Nde Garba Yiltok underscored the need to preserve cultural heritage towards providing a sense of belonging and identity to individuals, and foster community cohesion and social bonding.

According to them, showcasing their culture will help to safeguard historical events, traditions, and customs for future generations to gain valuable insights into the past and its impact on the present.

The duo urged Pankshin sons and daughters not to forget their roots and to always endeavour to bring their children home to watch this festival.

LEADERSHIP gathered that the Morgi Masquerade festival is celebrated by the Ngas people of Pankshin district, Pankshin local government area of Plateau State.

The cultural festival is celebrated annually from Saturday and Sunday of the first or second week of March to usher in the raining and farming season.