By Sylvanus Viashima, Jalingo
JALINGO – Dr. Abubakar Girei, a senior lecturer in the department of languages and linguistics, University of Maiduguri, has called on Fulani people to retrace their steps back to their true values and cultural way of life to avoid the erosion of their rich tradition and cultural heritage.
Girei made the call in Jalingo at the weekend during the celebration of the National Day of Pulaaku, organised by the Fulbe Development and Cultural Organisation (FUDECO)
He urged them to embrace both Religious and Western education in order to remain relevant in the scheme of things, maintain their dignity and pride as a people, noting that education, agriculture and Keeping livestock have remained the occupation of the Fulani for centuries and could be improved to tally with modern techniques.
He commended FUDECO for the laudable initiatives and urged them to do more in order to enhance the culture and value system of the Fulbe, not only in Taraba State but Nigeria and elsewhere that the Fulani people are found.
The State chairperson of FUDECO Aishatu Ardo (Sarauniyar Pulaaku Taraba State), who is also a member of Board of Trustees FUDECO National, in her speech noted that the successful hosting of the first National Day of Pulaaku marks a milestone in the history of the Fulbe people and a wake up call for their people to hold unto the values that defined them.
“Today, we gather here to celebrate National Day of Pulaaku, a day dedicated to celebrate the rich cultural heritage, values, and traditions of the Fulani people. This is a defining moment for Fulbe in Nigeria and FUDECO, a young and steadily growing Fulbe humanitarian, development and cultural organization in particular, which is operating in 13 states across northern Nigeria.
“The day is being organized for the first time, to promote Fulbe cultural heritage, unity and peaceful coexistence among the broad diversity of Fulbe and their neighbors. The event is organized in commemoration of the United Nations International Day of Indigenous People which takes place annually to celebrate Indigenous Peoples and their values.
“The Day highlights rights of Indigenous Peoples to make their own decisions and carry them out in ways that are meaningful and culturally appropriate them. Pulaku represents more than just a way of life; it is a code of conduct that emphasizes respect, dignity, patience, and unity. It is a guiding principle that has shaped the identity of the Fulani people for generations, influencing how we interact with one another and with the world around us.
“In a world that often seems divided, Pulaku teaches us the importance of togetherness and mutual respect. It encourages us to live in harmony with nature and our fellow humans, to approach challenges with patience, and to always uphold our values, even in the face of adversity which is synonymous to a lot of cultures.
“We urge all Nigerians to stay away from all forms of criminality, ethno religious hatred and violence and to promote their positive cultural values, peace and unity. Today, let us take a moment to reflect on the significance of our culture and the values that define us as a people. Let us remember that our strength lies in our unity, in our commitment to our traditions, and in our ability to adapt while still holding on to the core principles that makes us who we are.
As we celebrate this day, let us also look to the future with hope and determination” she submitted.
Our Correspondent reports that the day feature cultural exhibition of Fulbe artifacts and literary works, public lectures and interactive sessions, horse racing and durbar, traditional habitat display, music, dance and poetry competition.
The day also feature the dramatization of Soro- the love conquest as it is popularly known, an old cultural practice of bravery by potential male suitors, at a ceremony of stick fighting among competitors, where young maids are usually at stake.
…Calls for probe, stiffer penalties
The President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, CON has condemned in strong terms the ill-treatment of members of the nation’s senior team, the Super Eagles, and its delegation to a return leg of the 2025 African Cup of Nation (AFCON) qualifier in Libya.
Akpabio, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Hon. Eseme Eyiboh decried the antics and shameful behaviour of the Libyan officials and authorities saying, “This unfortunate incident is a stark reminder of the disregard for human dignity and the lack of respect for international norms”.
He declared that the reported mistreatment of our players is not only unacceptable but also a breach of the principles of fair play and sportsmanship that underpin international football competitions.
As the President of the Senate, I stand in solidarity with the Super Eagles, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), and the entire Nigerian football community in condemning this unjust treatment. The Nigerian Senate will continue to monitor this situation closely and ensure that the rights and dignity of our citizens are protected. We will not tolerate any form of mistreatment or disrespect towards our nationals, regardless of the circumstances.
We demand a thorough investigation from the Disciplinary Committee of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and appropriate sanctions to be meted out against those involved.
It is also imperative that the Libyan authorities take immediate action to investigate this incident and ensure that those responsible are held accountable to prevent future occurrences.
We call on the international football community to condemn this unacceptable behaviour and support our demand for justice.
