The Ngas people of Plateau state living in Niger state have celebrated its bi-annual Festival of Arts and Culture, tagged “Puusdung” as a means of reaffirming who they are and where they come from.
The two-day event began with a gala night where a beauty pageant was held among young ladies who competed for the crown of the Miss Puusdung, and the guests were enthralled by the NGAS culture, which included its food and dances by cultural troops and performers, including Nhitshi Dancers and Pargol and group.
The second day, which was the main event of the 3rd edition of the Puunsdung festival of arts and culture, also included a fundraising for the completion of the Ngas tenement house in Minna.
Speaking at the event, the Chairman of the NGAS Development Association (NDA), Niger state Chapter, Nde Yilmuwa Dakup said that Puusdung which means a day of mass gathering is a unique day and is more than a celebration as it is a reaffirmation of who they are.
He said that one of the purpose is to keep their culture alive especially to several of the children who were born and bred in Niger state adding that the Ngas culture is the foundatio upon which their identity stands.
“Through our music, dances, attire, language and traditions, we tell the stories of our ancestors and pass enduring values to the next generation. This festival reminds us that no matter where we find ourselves, we remain united by a shared heritage that we must proudly preserve.”
Dakup said the need to invest in the future led to the housing project stating that the project is a symbol of the group’s identity and support to members in need, “this project reflects our commitment to uplift one another and build a stronger and more caring society.”
The Chairman said that the Ngas, as a tribal association, are proud of how far they have come in Niger state revealing that the community has grown from just a few members to over 900 nominal members.
He called on the guests and well wishers to support the association in completing the project which is five units single bedroom self contain tenement is already at the finishing state.
In her address, the Chairperson of the fundraising and cultural display committee, Matwok Rotdelmwa Godiya said that the fundraising was to get doors, windows, plumbing, and flooring for the Ngas house in Minna, adding that the house will be a home for all Ngas people, it will be a place for meetings, support, and preserving their identity far from home.
She assured that every money donated for the project would be accounted for .
Several guests praised the association for maintaining their culture while living elsewhere and pledged their support to help them stay in the state without challenges or crises.
The association conferred some personalities with chieftaincy titles, awarding them for their silent but uncommon commitment and support to humanity and progress to the Ngas Development Association in Niger state.
