By Peter Duru, Makurdi

The Benue State Universal Basic Education Board, SUBEB, in collaboration with the Takuruku Entertainment Creative Group have held the Benue Culture Revival Fiesta for Basic and Post Basic Schools in the state.

Tagged Mbakaange 2024, the three-day cultural showpiece was held at Mbakunde Primary School in Vandeikya Local Government Area, LGA, of the state.

The Executive Chairman of Benue SUBEB, Dr. Grace Adagba said the event was put together to honour Governor Hyacinth Alia’s sterling transformation and accomplishments in the sector.

She said it also signified the commencement of the blend of culture and basic education to galvanise a more friendly, effective and people oriented learning environment across the state.

According to her “the initiative aligns with  Governor Alia’s vision to make schools and host communities complement each other in the preservation and promotion of culture and moral values for growth and development.”

The Chief Executive Officer of Takuruku Entertainment Creative Group, Mr. Stephen Tyozua, said the showpiece would help revive Tiv cultural heritage among learners in the basic and post basic schools including communities in Mbakaange as well as celebrate the Governor for his outstanding accomplishments.

Also, the acting Tor Jechira and Ter Kunav, Chief Nyiyongo Achiaku and District Head of Mbakaange, Chief Samuel Songo who both commended SUBEB for integrating culture in the learning environment, commended the Dr. Adagba for the initiative.

They urged her to continue to work closely with the Governor in his avowed commitment to transform basic education and uplift the overal standard of education in the state.

They also pledged sustained support for Governor Alia to enable him actualise his vision for a new Benue urging sons and daughters of the area to unite in his support for the unity and progress of Kunav nation and development of the state at large.

The Royal Fathers expressed gratitude to the Governor for appointing indigenes of the area into key positions in his administration.

The Deputy Chairman of Vandeikya LGA, Mrs Janet Orukuna advised Kunav people to desist from pulling down those making great impact for the good of the society and engage in positive ventures to ensure growth in the society.

Speaking, the State Coordinator, Rural Access and Agriculture Marketing Project, RAAMP, Stephen Numbeve, commended Dr Adagba for her dedication to service and delivering on the task assigned her by the Governor and urged her not to waiver or get distracted.

The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Elders Forum for Vandeikya LGA, Philip Baaki declared the party’s unalloyed support for Governor Alia in his determination to provide more democracy dividends for the people of the state.

The event which attracted guests from far and near featured cultural processions and dances, folklore and cooking competition for basic learners and community members from the five kindreds of Mbakaange as well as presentation of various prizes to winners in the categories of events.