Emmanuel Ayalo, chairman of Eggon Cultural and Development Association (ECDA), Karu branch in Nasarawa State, has called on the people of Eggon communities to revive their cultural heritage for the benefit of the upcoming generation.

Mr Ayalo made this call on Saturday night at the award/cultural day celebration of the indigenous people of Eggon in Karu, Nasarawa State.

The people of Eggon are inhabitants of Nasarawa State in the mid-belt of Nigeria. Predominantly located in Lafia, few more at Akwanga, Keffi, and Eggon local government areas of Nasarawa.

They are also found in little settlements like Kokona, Doma, Obi, Keana and Wamba.

According to Mr Ayalo, it is imperative for the indigenous people of Eggon to revive their rich cultural heritage, which happens to be an essential part of their world, history and identity.

He said this would help in crucial preservation for future generations, as well as serve as an antidote to many societal issues.

“Today’s occasion is a remarkable one because of the calibres of persons that are here to witness this historical, cultural heritage.

“We have selected few persons to be given awards for their immense contributions in order to spur them to do more because there is a popular saying that to whom much is given, much is equally expected,” he said.

He appealed to all Eggon illustrious sons and daughters residing in Karu to join hands with the leadership of ECDA in Karu, to move ‘Eggon Nation’ to a greater height.

The chairman commended Christopher Nanza for developing the website that would accommodate the entire Eggon nation worldwide, as well as creating a labour market for youths.

“Although the developer passed through thick and thin, we are proud of him for his doggedness and resilience in ensuring the completion of the platform that will soon be inaugurated for the entire Eggon nation worldwide”.

Also speaking, a chief magistrate in Mararaba, Victor Maga, urged the people of Eggon communities to be united in order for them to excel in their future endeavours

Mr Maga, who was the guest speaker of the occasion, described people as intelligent and hardworking but failed in politics in spite of their educational background.

“The first enemy of Eggon nation is the ‘Eggon man’; until such is addressed, they have a long way to go.

“Arrogance has become the other of the day, an Eggon man must respect neighbours, as well as people,” he said

The chief magistrate called on all sons and daughters of Eggon to collapse their differences and respect one another.

“Eggon must begin to drive the political ambition by supporting others. Restructuring should be the best option to adopt for a better Eggon nation.

“Of what value is your education when you cannot translate it into the development of your people?

“Stop fighting each other; you do not expect anybody to vote for Eggon nation when it appears as If the person is taking a dangerous part.

“This is because they may end up fighting each other and betraying their struggle.

“Our cultural values are dying; the young people should respect their leaders, as well as the cultural heritage left by our parents,” Maga added.

He urged the youths to rewrite the history of Eggon by ensuring that they respect and value the interests of other ethnicities in Karu, Nasarawa.

In his remarks, Adoji Aliku, Wakilin Eggon Karu, the development of Eggon’s ‘Kyenkyen’ social network by Christopher Nanza was commendable.

“I, the Aren (wakilin) Eggon Karu, hereby appoint Nanza as Anwye Ayiokpo moa-Eggon ba Karu (Dan Iya Eggon Karu), meaning a ‘Champion Child of Eggon in Karu’, on acting capacity pending your confirmation and coronation next year.

“I am seeing him on top of the world for making the Eggon ethnic group the first in the world at large to have a social network,” he said.

Mr Aliku, while commissioning the network, said the Eggon communities should utilise the great opportunity given to them by God Almighty for the betterment of their people in Nassarawa.

Mr Aliku urged Eggon communities to extend their hands of fellowship to other ethnic personalities within them as Eggon people were known for warm hospitality.

The awardees were Hon. Jonah Ali Dizaho, member, Nassarawa State House of Assembly, representing Gitata /Gitata constituency; Saratu Audu, associate professor of Nasarawa State University, Keffi and others.

(NAN)