By:Monday Munkaila, Gombe
The Deba Emirate in Gombe State made history by organizing its first-ever cultural festival, an event aimed at highlighting and preserving the rich cultural heritage of the Emirate.
Held at the Emir’s Palace in Deba on Wednesday, 2st January 2025, , the festival attracted a large crowd, including dignitaries from across the country, such as the Shehu of Borno, the Mai Kaltungo, and several other traditional rulers.
The festival, an unprecedented event for the Emirate, showcased the unique traditions, values, and practices that make Deba stand out.
In his speech, the Deputy Governor of Gombe State, Dr. Manassah Daniel Jatau, commended the Emirate for its initiative to preserve and promote its culture.
He emphasized that culture is the identity of a people, and its impact on society goes beyond heritage, influencing moral upbringing and discouraging societal vices. He also revealed the state government’s plan to organize a mega cultural carnival, where each Emirate and local government would be tasked with presenting their unique cultural assets, and urged the people of Deba to prepare for this opportunity to showcase their traditions on a larger scale.
Dr. Jatau encouraged the people of Deba to ensure that cultural knowledge and traditions are passed down to the younger generation, stressing the importance of preserving legacies for future generations.
The event also garnered support from national lawmakers. The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajjudeen Abbas, who was represented by the Member for Ningi/Warji Federal Constituency, Bauchi State, praised the festival’s organizers for their efforts. He described the event as an impressive display of the cultural diversity of the Deba people and pledged a donation of 5 million Naira to support the planning committee.
Similarly, Hon. Inuwa Garba, the Member representing Yamaltu Deba Federal Constituency, announced a generous donation of 100 million Naira, with 50 million for combine cultural festivals for both Yamaltu and Deba Emirates, and 25 million Naira each for the Deba and Yamaltu cultural festivals.
The Shehu of Borno, Alh. Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai El-Kanemi, who chaired the occasion, highlighted the historical and cultural ties between Borno and Gombe States. He called for greater unity, understanding, and cooperation among the people, underscoring these values as essential to preventing conflicts and fostering peace in the region.
The Chairman of Yamaltu Deba Local Government Area also welcomed the guests and encouraged everyone to enjoy the festival, which aimed to bring the cultural heritage of Deba to the attention of the global community.
The cultural festival featured various traditional performances, including a dramatic retelling of the history of the Deba people, as well as cultural displays from the Waja, Tangale, and Bolawa tribes, illustrating the region’s vibrant diversity.
This groundbreaking event in Deba Emirate is seen as a pivotal step in preserving the traditions of the people, while also serving as a platform for broader cultural exchange and unity.
