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…..community relatively safe for habitation
From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
People of Chibok Community in Borno State, resident in Abuja, under the umbrella of Kibaku Area Development Association (KADA), have appealed to the Federal Government to intensify efforts to free KADA communities that are still being held by Boko Haram insurgents.
They lamented that though, larger part of the KADA communities is relatively safe for human habitation, but there was the need for total freedom so the people can fully return to their ancestral land, feel safe and recover their culture, traditions and heritage.
A member representing Chibok/Damboa/Gwoza Federal Constituency, Hon. Ahmed Jaha, said they observed that the knowledge of culture and heritage of the Chibok people is diminishing particularly among the younger generations, hence the need for periodic cultural activities to expose their children to Chibok culture, food, music and other unique identities of Chibok people.
The 2023 KADA cultural festival which was held in Abuja, at the weekend, provided opportunity for display of culture, music, food, attire and other cultural uniqueness of Chibok people of Borno State.
It was indeed a moment of joy, happiness, laughter and reunion, as KADA sons and daughters who are based in Abuja, as well as those from neighbouring states participated in the annual cultural celebration.
The event, according to the organizers, was to constantly remind the people that they have root, hence they should appreciate their culture and brotherhood despite the challenges of life which are threatening the love and brotherhood among the people.
Hon Ahmed Jaha, in his remarks at the event, said that over 10 years of Boko Haram activities in Borno State has terrorized and displaced Chibok people from their ancestral home. “Within the period, many children were born and others grown into adolescent, unfortunately, outside their ancestral homes. This has, obviously, resulted in disconnect from the true culture, heritage and uniqueness of Chibok Community.
“So, the essence of the cultural day is to bring them face to face with our culture. Remind them of their root, connect them their brothers and sisters who they rarely meet because of several reasons, and we are happy that we achieved that.”
National President of KADA, Mr. Dauda Iliya, told journalists that the cultural day was a great opportunity to refresh the minds of Chibok people of the need to protect their culture, tradition and heritage, and also made deliberate effort to pass it to their offsprings for posterity.
He confirmed that the cultural event has been an annual programme for them even though it’s held outside our ancestral home. “We would have loved to hold it in Chibok but for the absence of peace and tranquility as a result of Boko Haram activities in the state for over 10 years.
“Our people have been displaced since 2011 as a result of Boko Haram activities. Since then, we have children, teenagers and adolescents who were born afterwards. These children need to know their roots and culture. The cultural day in Abuja will serve as stop-gap so they can see our culture and heritage.”
He confirmed that relative peace has returned to the Chibok Community, and it’s expected that the cultural day event will be celebrated in Chibok next year, bigger and better.
Chairman of Chibok Local Government Area, Umar Ibrahim, appreciated the efforts being constantly made by KADA leaders to preserve the culture and traditions of the people, despite the security challenges that led to the displacement of the people.
He assured them that government was working hard to ensure that lasting peace and development is returned to Chibok Community and its environs.
