By Aderogba George
The Gbagyi individuals have been urged to embrace unity, protect their cultural id and pursue formal training to strengthen their participation in politics and management.
Dr Theophilus Tanko, a keynote speaker, made the decision on the second version of the Most Influential Gbagyi in Nigeria (MIGIN) Awards and Magazine ceremony on Saturday in Abuja.
The occasion’s theme was: “Building the Gbagyi/Gbari Nation: Advancing Unity and Development Through Politics, Tradition, Religion and Education.”
Tanko mentioned disunity was weakening the individuals’s collective political affect and limiting their improvement prospects.
He referred to as for sensible buildings to advance their frequent pursuits throughout state boundaries, together with a non-partisan platform to watch public budgets, have interaction political representatives, organise coverage discussions, educate voters and monitor political commitments.
“We need to have a common agenda and a rallying point capable of uniting the Gbagyi/Gbari people, irrespective of their political affiliations.
“Our people should assess political candidates based on competence, character, performance and commitment rather than ethnic identity alone,” he mentioned.
Tanko criticised divisions amongst Gbagyi individuals on social media, saying inside assaults undermined efforts to construct unity.
He mentioned the success of a standard agenda ought to be measured by its influence on communities, particularly the poor and weak, including that training was important to improvement.
In his welcome tackle, the pioneer and Chief Executive Officer of MIGIN Awards, Dr Israel Lissa, referred to as for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to be granted state standing.
He additionally advocated the creation of further space councils and an FCT House of Assembly, in addition to a rise within the variety of senatorial districts from one to 3.
Lissa mentioned the awards, established in 2020, recognised distinguished Gbagyi little kids, documented their contributions and promoted unity amongst Gbagyi/Gbari communities throughout the North-Central area.
He mentioned the initiative additionally sought to advertise equitable illustration and tackle marginalisation and discrimination towards the individuals.
Lissa recommended President Bola Tinubu for appointing an FCT indigene, Mr Zephaniah Jisalo, as Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs.
He additionally recommended the FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike, for his inclusive governance and the appointment of indigenous individuals to strategic positions.
The Etsu Karu and Paramount Ruler of Karu Chiefdom in Nasarawa State, Dr Luka Panya, referred to as for stronger collaboration amongst conventional rulers and the institution of a Gbagyi/Gbari Traditional Rulers Association.
Panya mentioned political boundaries had divided communities with shared geographical and cultural ties, urging the individuals to pursue collective progress with out permitting state boundaries to undermine their pursuits.
He recalled that cultural festivals and different platforms had beforehand introduced Gbagyi communities collectively however famous that such gatherings had develop into much less frequent.
He urged the organisers to distribute copies of the keynote tackle to contributors to assist additional discussions on the event of the Gbagyi/Gbari nation.
The chairman of the event, Amb. Ayuba Ngbako, urged Nigerians to carry governments accountable on the native, state and federal ranges.
Ngbako, a Federal Commissioner on the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission, mentioned residents ought to converse as much as right authorities insurance policies and actions slightly than stay silent.
He additionally advocated inventive training, saying the organisers and his workplace may discover methods to advertise progressive studying amongst younger individuals.
He inspired Gbagyi individuals to embrace information and use accessible instruments to enhance themselves.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) experiences that award recipients included Sen. Philip Aduda, Wike, Jisalo, Ngbako, Panya, Prof. Andrew Zamani, Prof. Ibrahim Katampe, Prof. Mathew Dada and Dr Timothy Zakwai.
Others have been Dr Lydia Abraham, Dr Solomon Bawa, Mr Isaac Danladi, Sumner Shagari and musician Yung Willis.
Posthumous award recipients included Mr Enock Jarumi, David Sanya, Dr Dimas Zamayi, Mrs Grace Adayilo, Isah Bwari, Samuel Igu and Samuel Gwamna.
Wike acquired the Friend of the Gbagyi Nation Award, whereas different recipients have been recognised for contributions to politics, conventional management, academia, the civil service, media, legislation and music.
The occasion additionally featured the launch of a commemorative journal documenting the achievements and contributions of distinguished Gbagyi personalities for future generations. (NAN) www.nannews.ng
Edited by Tosin Kolade
