Tangale TCDA Jos Branch Calls for Unity, Cultural Preservation Among the Youth

By Asile Abel, Jos

The background of a man is very key; hence, one cannot ignore his past. People are increasingly becoming conscious and concerned about their roots or beginnings because one’s feeling of sense of belonging in most cases depends on his history or background.

Chairman, Tangale Community Development Association (TCDA) Jos branch, Mr. Atiku Useni, has charged all Tangale-speaking natives to ensure that they teach their children culture and dialect as a means of preserving their traditional heritage.

Mr. Atiku gave the advice in Jos, Plateau State, at the occasion of the maiden edition of an end-of-year event, organized by TCDA Jos branch to appreciate God for his faithfulness throughout the outgoing year 2025 and seek blessings in the coming year 2026. Atiku added that the Tangale are peace-loving and hardworking.

Mr. Atiku said next year, 2026, TCDA shall focus its activities on youth development and training of youths, and will begin intensive teaching of the Tangale language and culture.

He stressed that during monthly meetings, there would be hours that would be dedicated to teaching of the Tangale dialect and culture.

He stressed further that the need to teach the mother tongue has become necessary, because some tribes are going extinct, and they won’t want Tangale to fall prey to it.

Speaking on insecurity in Nigeria, the TCDA chairman noted sadly that the Nigerian insecurity challenges have escalated; however, he commended the Gombe State government for nipping the situation in the bud.

Atiku thanked Tangale elders and the entire people for the unity and peace they have enjoyed in the Jos branch.

On his part, the traditional leader of the Tangale, John Sheget, while speaking to his subjects, urged them to endure peaceful coexistence.

Reciting the history of the Tangale people, an elder statesman, Abel Mairuwa, revealed that the Tangale natives’ kingdom had its roots right in the pre-jihad (pre-colonial era).

The Tangale state system was uprooted by the British spoils. Hence, it was one of the British-recognized traditional institutions in Nigeria.

He further said that the land is the mainstay of the people and so the people are mainly farmers. The Tangale are good pottery makers, blacksmiths, wood carvers, and weavers; trading is fast being adopted. He added.

It was learnt that currently, Tangale people are not at peace with their traditional ruler at home in Gombe, because it was alleged that the present paramount ruler was imposed on them by some government authorities.

It was gathered also that Tangale people practice Christianity and Islam, while some still practice their forefathers’ religion.

Earlier, the chairman of the planning committee of the end-of-year celebration, Tamsaga Yaro, in a welcome address had emphasized the need for peace and unity; however, he noted that the Jos branch has indeed been peaceful.

“Our community in Jos is a testament to the ingenuity and determination of the Tangale people. We have built a vibrant community, with rich achievements.” He revealed the reason for the gathering: “We gather to rejoice for the outgoing year, and pray for better days in the coming year.”

There was a fundraising through display of Tangale traditional cuisines prepared for the maiden end-of-year 2025 celebrations. The occasion was packed full, graced by Tangale people across Nigeria, including non-Tangale-speaking people.