<\/p>\n
By Uthman Baba-Al-Naseer- Minna<\/p>\n
The Gbagyi Forum has pledged to do everything possible to protect and preserve its culture for the development of its people across the entire country.<\/p>\n
The Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Gbagyi Elders Forum (GEF), Elder Peterson Kaura, stated this while presenting the communique of the forum\u2019s meeting at Azzarh Hotel in Minna, the Niger State capital at the weekend.<\/p>\n
Elder Peterson Kaura added that the Gbagyi people, known for their rich cultural heritage and significant contributions to Nigeria\u2019s development, face growing threats from urbanization, economic challenges, and political marginalization.<\/p>\n
He noted that despite their deep historical roots, there is very little documentation on Gbagyi history, with even fewer records written by the Gbagyi people themselves. This lack of documentation has contributed to the erosion of their cultural identity and historical recognition.<\/p>\n
Peterson Kaura emphasized that the Gbagyi people have played a vital role in Nigeria\u2019s development, particularly in the establishment of Northern Nigerian capitals, including Zungeru, Kaduna, and today\u2019s Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Additionally, Minna, the capital of Niger State, is historically linked to the Gbagyi. Unfortunately, the cherished values of the Gbagyi accommodation, trust, hard work, and hospitality are being exploited. The ownership of ancestral lands in Abuja, Kaduna, and other parts of Nigeria remains a contentious issue.<\/p>\n
The elder added that in the past, a significant leadership vacuum hindered Gbagyi unity and political participation, leaving the community vulnerable to socio-political marginalization. The absence of strong leadership allowed external influences to determine the political fate of the Gbagyi people.<\/p>\n
He pointed out that economic hardships, lack of infrastructure, and high poverty levels continue to impede the full potential of the Gbagyi people. Without targeted economic empowerment programs, the community remains at a disadvantage compared to other ethnic groups in Nigeria.<\/p>\n
He stressed the urgent need for initiatives that promote educational and economic advancement, particularly in the areas of Gbagyi history, cultural heritage, and economic empowerment. Strengthening these areas will ensure that future generations are equipped to preserve and promote Gbagyi traditions.<\/p>\n
He, therefore, urged governments at all levels to collaborate and address the insecurity and banditry affecting Gbagyi ancestral lands, particularly in Kaduna, Niger, Kogi, and the FCT. He added that security concerns have displaced many Gbagyi communities, further threatening their cultural survival and economic stability.<\/p>\n
The Gbagyi Elders Forum also appreciates President Ahmed Bola Tinubu for appointing Hon. Zephaniah Bitrus Jisalo to his cabinet, representing the Federal Capital Territory. This appointment is a significant step toward recognizing the contributions of the Gbagyi people and promoting inclusivity in governance.<\/p>\n
The forum also acknowledges the Federal Government\u2019s continued recognition of the late Ladi Kwali, a renowned Gbagyi potter, whose artistry remains a source of pride and inspiration. Such recognition highlights the need for more efforts to document and promote Gbagyi contributions to Nigeria\u2019s cultural and economic landscape.<\/p>\n
“The GEF will work towards fostering unity among Gbagyi communities, ensuring that religious and dialectical differences do not hinder progress,” Elder Peterson Kaura stated.<\/p>\n
He added, “A Gbagyi Land Rights Committee will be constituted to engage policymakers and government authorities to address ancestral land ownership issues and secure compensation for displaced communities.”<\/p>\n
He also announced that an Economic Development Initiative will be facilitated to promote skills acquisition, entrepreneurship, and job creation.<\/p>\n
Elder Peterson Kaura further urged the Federal Government to expedite the completion of the Sarkin-Pawa to Kaduna Road to enhance security and economic activities.<\/p>\n
The Gbagyi Elders Forum remains committed to collaborating with all levels of government and other stakeholders to tackle the challenges facing the Gbagyi people. By fostering inclusivity, recognition, and representation, the GEF believes it can help build a more just, equitable, and prosperous Nigeria.<\/p>\n
The GEF expresses deep appreciation to the Deputy Governor of Niger State, Comrade Yakubu Garba; Hon. Minister of Special Duties and Inter-governmental Affairs, Hon. Zephaniah B. Jisalo; and Senator Philip T. Aduda for their moral and material support in hosting the historic unveiling of the GEF. Special recognition is also given to Dr. Gaza Dogara Gomna and Lawrence Atafache Garki for their facilitation, technical services, and support.<\/p>\n
The GEF extends gratitude to the numerous Gbagyi individuals who attended the event, reaffirming its commitment to working collaboratively to ensure cultural preservation, economic advancement, and political inclusion. The Board of Trustees of the Gbagyi Elders Forum has agreed to convene the First Annual Gbagyi Cultural Festival on February 5-8, 2026, with further details to be announced later.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
By Uthman Baba-Al-Naseer- Minna The Gbagyi Forum has pledged to do everything possible to protect and preserve its culture for the development of its people across the entire country. The Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Gbagyi Elders Forum (GEF), Elder Peterson Kaura, stated this while presenting the communique of the forum\u2019s […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":2255,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[1373,1371,440,993,1372,1374],"class_list":["post-2254","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-arts-life-style","tag-advancement","tag-communique","tag-culture","tag-economic","tag-heritage","tag-skills"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/dailyechoes.ng\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2254","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/dailyechoes.ng\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/dailyechoes.ng\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dailyechoes.ng\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dailyechoes.ng\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2254"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/dailyechoes.ng\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2254\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2257,"href":"https:\/\/dailyechoes.ng\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2254\/revisions\/2257"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dailyechoes.ng\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2255"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/dailyechoes.ng\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2254"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dailyechoes.ng\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2254"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dailyechoes.ng\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2254"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}