Former Defence Minister Theophilus Danjuma has identified culture and tradition as veritable tools for strengthening unity, national cohesion and integration amongst Nigerians.

He stated this in a message to the 2024 Zuru Emirate Uhola Cultural Festival and Agricultural Show in the Zuru Emirate of Kebbi on Saturday.

Mr Danjuma, represented by the president of the Middle Belt Forum, Bitrus Bagu, declared that he witnessed the festival’s agricultural show, where indigenous technology was displayed, and agricultural produce was showcased in an unprecedented fashion.

The ex-minister said the event had portrayed the beauty and richness of the country’s cultural values to the outside world, having a positive impact on the Nigerian tourism landscape.

He recommended the establishment of an Uhola Festival Development Fund to create funding sources with approval from the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA).

On his part, the chairman of the organising committee, Lt.-Gen. Ishaya Bamaiyi thanked Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi for providing financial support to stage the event.

He also commended the Emir of Zuru, retired Maj.-Gen. Muhammad Sani-Sami, for being the grand custodian of Zuru culture and tradition.

Mr Bamaiyi thanked the federal government and President Bola Tinubu for including Uhola in the NTDA’s calendar of national cultural events.

The chairman appealed to the federal government to hasten the rehabilitation of the Zaima-Zuru road, Kontagora-Zuru road and KoKo-Zuru road, saying they were dilapidated and negatively affecting the economic activities of the entire emirate.

(NAN)