Skip to main content

CULTURAL AND SPORTS FESTIVALS: Harnessing Cultural and Sports Festivals for Peace, Unity and Development in Taraba State

By: Kamal Hammajo

Cultural festivals and sporting events have long been powerful platforms for fostering peace, unity, and tolerance among citizens. In diverse states like Taraba, where multiple ethnic groups coexist, these activities provide opportunities for people to come together, share traditions, and celebrate common values. They bridge cultural divides, encourage dialogue, and promote mutual respect, essential elements for a stable and harmonious society.

ENGAGING YOUTH AND PROMOTING TOURISM

Sports, in particular, offer a constructive outlet for youth energy, reducing the risks of crime, drug abuse, and social unrest. By engaging young people in structured sporting activities, the State can nurture talent, instill discipline, and build teamwork skills. When properly organized, sporting festivals attract visitors from other states and beyond Nigeria’s borders. This influx boosts local hospitality, transportation, trade, and entertainment industries. Vendors, artisans, and service providers benefit from the increased economic activities, as well as boost State IGR.

LESSONS FROM DANBABA SUNTAI’S ERA

During the administration of the late Governor Danbaba Suntai, Taraba witnessed a renewed vigor in sports development. His government invested in hosting State sports festivals and ensuring broad participation across the 16 Local Government Areas. These events did more than entertain; its unite communities, promoted healthy competition, and elevated Taraba’s profile in national sporting circles. Cultural activities during that period also received strong Government backing, its helped preserve heritage while opened new opportunities for tourism-driven revenue.

LEVERAGING THE JOLLY NYAME STADIUM

Taraba State is already equipped with one of the best sporting infrastructures in the region, the modern Jolly Nyame Stadium. This facility boasts diverse sporting amenities and equipment capable of hosting local, national, and even international tournaments. Unfortunately, such potential remains underutilized. With strategic planning, the Stadium could become a hub for year-round sporting and cultural activities, drawing athletes, artists, and spectators to the State.

A CALL TO ACTION FOR GOVERNOR KEFAS

If Governor Agbu Kefas is truly committed to attracting investment to Taraba, as showcased during the recent Taraba Investment Summit, then the cultural and sports sectors should be among his first points of focus. Echoing the words of business magnate Aliko Dangote, meaningful investment begins with empowering local entrepreneurs, providing essential infrastructure like access roads, steady electricity, and ensuring a secure environment for both residents and investors.

By revitalizing cultural and sports festivals, fully utilizing the Jolly Nyame Stadium, and ensuring peace and security, the Kefas administration can not only foster unity among Tarabans, but also position the State as a thriving destination for investors, tourists, and talent. The path to economic growth may very well begin on the playing fields and festival grounds of Taraba.

Time to act it now.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Taraba Welcomes Northeast Governors’ forum to Jalingo

By Kamal Hammajo Adam Journalist and Taraba Citizen, Advocate for Northeast Progress | +2347069274878 | August 29th, 2025  Taraba State, fondly called “Nature’s Gift to the Nation,” warmly welcomes the Governors of the Northeast to Jalingo for the Northeast Governors’ Forum Meeting holding today and tomorrow. Created in 1991, Taraba is a land of scenic beauty, cultural richness, and vast resources. The State shares boundaries with six States; Bauchi, Gombe, Adamawa, Benue, Nasarawa, and Plateau States, as well as the Republic of Cameroon, making it a strategic hub for trade, tourism, and investment. A HAVEN OF NATURAL WONDERS As our distinguished guests gather in Jalingo, Taraba proudly invites them to explore some of its unique treasures: • Gashaka-Gumti National Park: Nigeria’s largest national park, home to diverse wildlife and breathtaking landscapes. • Mambilla Plateau: The highest plateau in Nigeria, blessed with cool weather, rolling hills, tea plantations, and dairy farms. ...
Post a Comment
Read more

North-East Governors Reaffirm Commitment to Security, Agriculture, and Regional Development at Jalingo Meeting

By: Kamal Hammajo | August 30th, 2025 The North-East Governors’ Forum (NEGF) has pledged renewed commitment to tackling security, humanitarian challenges, agriculture, and energy poverty across the subregion. The resolution came at the end of its 12th meeting held in Jalingo, Taraba State, on August 29-30, 2025. The Forum, which comprises the Governors of Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba, and Yobe States, said it remained focused on strengthening cooperation in matters relating to security, social development, and economic integration of the subregion. In a communiqué signed by its Chairman, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State, the Governors acknowledged progress in the fight against insurgency but noted that the region “is still confronted by daunting humanitarian and infrastructural challenges.” On climate risks, the governors raised concern over predictions of severe flooding and urged proactive measures, including sensitization of residents in flood-prone areas. They ...
Post a Comment
Read more

GSU VC Unveils Expansion Plans, Engineering Faculty for Kolmani, and Global Partnerships

By Kamal Hammajo, Gombe | August 29, 2025 The newly confirmed Vice Chancellor of Gombe State University (GSU), Professor Sani Ahmed Yauta, has announced ambitious plans to transform the institution, including the creation of a Faculty of Engineering to provide manpower for the Kolmani Oil and Gas Project, the expansion of agricultural education, and the construction of new lecture halls to accommodate thousands of students. Professor Yauta, whose appointment was recently confirmed by Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, said the University is committed to expanding opportunities for young people. “ We are making every effort to expand access for our teeming youth to gain admission and pursue their studies, ” he told journalists. Speaking in his office, the Vice Chancellor disclosed that the University had secured ₦4 billion for infrastructure projects. “ Out of 18 universities selected, we were fortunate to secure this ₦4 billion, and we will use it to build more large lecture halls ,” he ...
Post a Comment
Read more