The Governor of Niger State, Abubakar Sani Bello, on Saturday reiterated government’s commitment to supporting initiatives by individuals, groups and associations that are geared towards making youths viable.
Bello gave the assurance at the second edition of the Paigokni annual cultural festival held in Paiko Local Government Area of the state.
Governor Bello, who was represented by the Commissioner of Water Resources and Dams Development, Alhaji Mamman Musa, stressed the need for people of the state irrespective of ethnic and religious differences to unite and live in peace with each other so as to enhance rapid development.
Governor Bello expressed delight that the concept of the festival is for the typical Gbagyi to rediscover its historical background that is full of positive activities.
The President of the Association, Ambassador Zubairu Dada, emphasized that the PaiGokni Development Association is non political and makes deliberate effort to promoting the cultural values as well as safeguarding the Gbagyi language from extinction.
Ambassador Dada, who enumerated various educational assistance and support rendered to some schools and youths in the area, implored parents to enroll their children, especially girl child in schools.
Former Niger State Governor, Dr. Muazu Babangida Aliyu, in his remarks explained that without culture, people will not appreciate who they are.
Aliyu said: “For example if you go to other countries even in Africa they have been so colonized that you dont see their cultural values in them but only the European values thus the important of the gathering.”
Among those who graced the occasion were the Chairman of Paiko Local Government Area, John Mai karfi; state Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Tanko Beji; Umar Khadi Kuta, former Head of Service; Vice Chancellor Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai, Prof. Nasiru Maiturare, while the Emir of Minna, Dr. Umar Faruk Bahago, was represented at the occasion.