By Moses Gbande
The Governor of Nasarawa state, His Excellency, Engineer Abdullahi A. Sule last Saturday bagged a prestigious traditional title of ‘Zege-Mule U Tiv’, in recognition of his dogged posture in bringing the Tiv extraction of Nasarawa state out of the wood.
The little, “Zege-Mule- U- Tiv’ which means the Great Shelter of the Tiv People, is one of the highest traditional tittles in Tiv land that is bestowed on who ever the traditional institution recognises as the best friend of Tiv people, and Engr. A. A Sule has been recognised as such, just like the Tiv traditional Council had recognised Alh. Atiku Abubakar, wuth the tittle when he was the Vice president of the federal republic of Nigeria.
Engineer A . A Sule’s honour was performed by the Ter Tiv of Nasarawa state, who doubled as the Grand Patron of Tiv Development and Cultural Association, TIDA, Chief Clement Ibo, JP during the occasion of the 2022 Tiv Day celebration, held at Imon, Awe local government of Nasarawa state.
The Governor of Plateau State, Rt. Hon. Simon Bako Lalong and twelve others were also honoured with various tittles in recognition of their contributions to the Tiv struggle.
The State Executive Committee of the Tiv Development Association (TIDA), Council of Elders and entire Tiv people of Nasarawa State, believe that the Governor has no doubt demonstrated that he is truly the great shelter of the Tiv people.
They are equally grateful to God, who has brought a messiah in the person of an amiable Governor, Engr. Abdullahi A. Sule, who has been able to restore peace, not only in the Southern Zone of Nasarawa state, but the state as a whole.
Those also honoured during the occasion with various tittles include; Rt. Hon. Simon Bako Lalong, Governor of Plateau state, ( Akpabam U Tiv, Nasarawa state); Senator George Akume, Minister of special duties ( Akinde U Tiv Nasarawa state): Chief Senator Jacob Tilley Gyado- (Jime Nor U Tiv, Nasarawa state); Hon. Dr Joseph Kigbu, fmr Member House of Representatives, Lafia/Obi ( Zege Tsar U Tiv, Nasarawa state); Rt Home. Ibrahim Balarabe A., Speaker, Nasarawa state house of Assembly, (Asir Tar U Tiv, Nasarawa state);, and Chief (Mrs) Mbawuese Joy Tor Tsuwa, Business Tycoon Benue State, (Suma Kwase u Tiv, Nasarawa state), among others.
In his during the ceremony, the president of TIDA, Comrade Peter Ahemba, recognised the proactive security measures of the State Government under the Governor has led to the relative peace being enjoyed by Tiv people in the state. “Indeed Tiv people made no mistake to bestowed on His Excellency, the traditional title of Zege-Mule U Tiv. meaning the Great Shelter of the Tiv People, which is to be officially crowned during this occasion”.
He said Nasarawa State Tiv Day is an annual event a period when Tiv sons and daughters all over the State and beyond travel to Imon town, for reunion and discussions on unity, peace and development of the Tiv nation. It is a cultural day that showcases our traditional fabrics such as Anger, Chado and Tugudu, among others.
“This event could not hold after the one held in 2013 due to security challenges that affected the Southern Senatorial District, particularly the Tiv people, who are predominately in the southern zone.
“We are however grateful to God, who has brought a messiah in the person of our amiable Governor, Engr. Abdullahi A. Sule, who has been able to restore peace, not only in the Southern Zone but the state as a whole. The proactive security measures of the State Government under the Governor have led to the relative peace being enjoyed by our people,
“In complimenting the peace efforts of the state government, the Tiv Development Association under my leadership has been working assiduously to ensure sustenance of the existing peace. On assumption of office in April 2021, the TIDA leadership, in collaboration with the Ter Tiv with support from Ate-U-Nasarawa embarked on courtesy visits to our highly respected traditional rulers and other stakeholders across the state with a view to building bridges of peace and harmonious coexistence. The visits no doubt yielded positive result as it has gone a long way in dousing tension and reducing mutual suspicion between the Tiv and other ethnic nationalities in the State.
“This, is in line with our mandate to promote and provide a forum for peace, unity and harmony among the Tiv people in particular and the good people of Nasarawa state in general, as well as promote, secure and enhance social, cultural and agricultural advancement that will contribute to food security in the state, among other initiatives that could enhance peace, unity and development.
“Thank you once again the Zege Mule-U-Tiv of Nasarawa state, His Excellency, Engr. Abdullahi A. Sule for not only providing the right atmosphere for peace to flourish, but also championing the cause of unity by been proactive and dealing decisively with security threats in the state. Today’s occasion would not have been possible if not for the existing peace. I make bold to say that the Tiv people are the greatest beneficiaries of the Governor’s peace initiatives”
The president however used the opportunity to draw the attention of the governor to the fact that, despite government peace efforts, some Tiv people, especially those from Kwara in Keana and Doka in Doma LGAs as well as some Tiv villages in Assakio, Lafia East Development Area have not been able to return to their places of abode since they were displaced in April last year and 2014 crises respectively.
“It is my humble appeal that our amiable Governor, will in his usual style expedite action for the quick return of our people to enable them continue with their economic activities as the raining season is already at hand.
“Records will continue to bear witness to the love demonstrated by His Excellency to the Tiv Community for the appointment of six of our Sons and Daughters to work in your government with other appointments in the pipeline. This number is unprecedented. While we will continue to pour out our heartfelt gratitude, we beg you to consider us in the next phase of appointments to enable us stamp our talents and ingenuities on your people’s-oriented government.
The Holy Scripture says “to whom much is given, much is expected” The government of Engr. Abdullahi A. Sule has given so much to the Tiv people. To this end, be rest assured of our continued support to to Peoples’ oriented policies and programmes of your government.
“Finally, I wish to appreciate our Royal Fathers and other esteemed guests here present, for creating time out of your busy schedules to g this occasion. Your presence here today has not only added colour to event but also given the Tiv Nation of Nasarawa State a greater sence of belonging” .
Nasarawa Reporters 