By Emmanuel Kwada
The streets of Yola came alive with vibrant colours, rhythmic beats, and joyful celebrations as thousands gathered for the grand cultural fiesta organised by the Gongola Peoples Forum (GPF). This colourful event marked a powerful celebration of unity, progress, and the deep shared heritage among indigenous tribes of North East Nigeria.
The GPF serves as an umbrella body for tribes from Bauchi, Gombe, Taraba, Yobe, Borno, and Adamawa.
The fiesta highlighted stunning cultural displays from various groups, but the Tiv people from Taraba and Adamawa stole the show. Their energetic performances with powerful African drums and graceful dances left the audience spellbound and earned them top honours.
Other tribes also brought their unique traditions, filling the air with diverse music, dances, and colourful attire from across the North East region.
Retired General Paul Tarfa, Chairman of the occasion, described the event as a historic milestone in Adamawa’s cultural rebirth. “This grand fiesta was organised to celebrate our unity, identity, and shared heritage,” he said.
The event was supported by several groups, including the Adamawa Unity Forum, Middle Belt Awareness Forum, Nigeria Indigenous Language Development Council, and Numan Federation Foundation – all dedicated to preserving indigenous values.
Gen. Tarfa emphasised that gatherings like this allow people to come together, celebrate as one family, and speak with a united voice. This strengthens bonds among the state’s many ethnic groups.
He showered praise on Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri for his visionary leadership.
The governor’s creation of seven new chiefdoms and emirates has restored dignity and belonging to many communities. “It corrected old imbalances, improved local governance, built peace, and supported fair development,” Gen. Tarfa noted.
He added, “Your Excellency, we are proud of you for changing history. Your policies have deepened cultural identity and laid a foundation for lasting peace.”
Gen. Tarfa also highlighted the governor’s achievements in infrastructure, education, healthcare, security, and economy, saying these have put Adamawa on a strong path of progress.
Dr Alheri Bulus Nyako, the Tol Hoba, spoke on behalf of the new chiefdoms. He called the creation a “gift of unity and inclusion” and a dream come true. He pledged that the new traditional leaders would promote peace, unity, and development.
Nyako thanked the State Assembly and stakeholders, urging everyone from Toungo to Madagali to support the government.
Governor Fintiri, represented by Commissioner for Culture and Tourism Mr Aloysius Babadoke, reaffirmed his commitment to unity and cultural preservation in the old Gongola region (now Adamawa and Taraba).
He described the fiesta as a key platform for celebrating shared heritage and peaceful coexistence. “It showcases Adamawa’s rich culture and our resolve to keep traditions alive,” he said.
The governor thanked organisers and communities for supporting his inclusive policies. He stressed that new chiefdoms bring government closer to the people and protect cultural institutions. The state will continue promoting cultural rights, tourism, and harmony.
This joyful fiesta, filled with gratitude and hope, ended on a high note. Participants left with stronger community ties and colourful memories of a united North East.
The ethnic nationalities honoured Governor Fintiri and presented to him a gift of a horse and rained accolades of thanks for leading Adamawa State well to high level of development.
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