By Aloysius Umalo, Makurdi
The Government of Benue State has said, it has taken proactive steps to promote and preserve the cultural values of the Benue people from total extinction.
Governor Hyacinth Alia who stated this at the weekend said the measures were taken in a bid to ensure that the rich heritage and traditions of the Benue people are not lost to modernization.
He was speaking during the commissioning ceremony of a Digital Music Studio in honour of a folk singer and Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Entertainment and Cultural Affairs, Mfater Kaha Mikael, popularly known as El-Stuffy.
The Governor who was represented at the occasion by the Coordinator of Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP), in Benue State, Mr. Stephen Numbeve, said his administration has implemented various initiatives to celebrate and promote the cultural diversity of the state.
He disclosed that one of the key efforts made by administration is the establishment and revamping of cultural festivities in different parts of the state where traditional dances, music, and art are showcased.
"These cultural centers serve as hubs for showcasing the vibrant cultural heritage of the Benue people and provide a platform for local artists and performers to display their talents".
He said the administration has encouraged the teaching of indigenous languages in schools across the state to ensure that younger generations have the opportunity to learn and appreciate the languages spoken by their ancestors.
"This initiative aims to preserve the linguistic diversity of Benue people and prevent the extinction of indigenous languages over time".
Governor Alia said his administration would continue to support various cultural festivals and events in the state to celebrate and promote the cultural values of the Benue people.
"These festivals serve as an important platform for communities to come together, showcase their traditions, and pass down cultural knowledge from one generation to the next".
Governor Alia described the Master Mfater Kaha as one of the very few talented folk singers who has used his songs to promote his administration and it's policies.
He urged youths in the state to think outside the box by emulating the initiative of El-Stuffy by setting up business ventures that will secure their future beyond the life span of the present administration.
He expressed the optimism that such investments would attract extra income to them instead of looking up to people in government for assistance and waiting for white collar jobs.
He observed that there are lots of youths in the state who were yet to discover their God given talents in order to harness and properly utilize them and urged the youths to look inward as according to him, "everyone created by God has a unique importance and usefulness".
Earlier, popular Benue born folk singer,Mater Mfater Kaha El- Stuffy acknowledged Governor Hyacinth Alia's efforts to promote and preserve the cultural values of the Benue people which he said are highly commendable with prospects to play a crucial role in maintaining the unique identity and heritage of the various cultures of the state.
El-Stuffy highlighted the importance of reviving cultural festivities and supporting local artists to showcase their talents.
