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From Jude Owuamanam, Jos
Traditional worshippers in Plateau State have urged governments at all level to carry them along in the scheme of things.
The kingmaker to the Ngo-Long Pankshin traditional stool, Ma-Ajin Pankshin and the Ngo-Long Vel in Plateau State, Nde Monday Tokzakka also demanded equal rights, just as he called on the state government to provide them with palliatives to cushion the economic hardship being faced in the country.
Nde Tokzakka made the call while speaking on the sidelines of the celebration of the 2025 Morgi masquerade festival in Pankshin.a
He maintained the traditional religion adherents would soon conclude arrangement for the registration of their group with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) so that the three tiers of governments can accord them the necessary recognition like their Christian and Muslim counterparts in Plateau State.
“We understand that the state government gave them palliatives during Christmas and Sallah celebration. Traditional worshippers, who practise the first religion, are not being carried along or considered for anything.”
“We have not been given any attention or consideration, and we are being relegated to the background.”
He also pleaded with the Plateau State Government to support them to promote the annual Morgi cultural festival, adding that Plateau 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 masquerade that will be on parade,” he added.
“The masquerades during their procession are not allowed to enter government’s establishment, school, mosque, church and business centres by their handlers.” Also speaking, the Galadima Pankshin Nde Gobak Yilchir and the Ngo-Long Chwil Nde Garba Yiltok underscored the need to preserve cultural heritage, noting that it provides a sense of belonging and identity to individuals and foster community cohesion and social bonding.
