Bauchi CLA celebrates culture, lauds Bala for promoting peace

Segun Babatunde Awofadeji, Bauchi

The Bauchi State Community Leaders Association (CLA) has celebrated its first ever Cultural Heritage Day with a call on all Nigerians to continue to Imbibe the spirit of love, tolerance, peaceful coexistence and harmonious relationship with one another irrespective of ethno – religious, socio – political and cultural differences for the growth and development of the state.

The Association’s President – General, Chief Matthew Osochukwu in a welcome address during the occasion held over the weekend at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium (ATBS) Annex, Bauchi, applauded the State Governor, Senator Bala Abdukadir Mohammed for promoting love, peaceful coexistence and harmonious relationship among the various communities across the state.

According to him, “it may interest you to know that the communities under the CLA in Bauchi State are
enjoying a robust, cordial and good relationship with the host communities especially under the leadership of the State Governor, His Excellency Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, who has carried everyone along in the
administration of the State.

Osochukwu explained that the main aim of forming the CLA is to foster unity,progress and harmonious relationship between the indigenous communities and the state.

“This cultural festival is the first of its kind in the whole of the 36 States of the Federation including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. We have lived peacefully and harmoniously with one another and with our host communities irrespective of our socio-cultural, political and religious differences.

“So, this festival is organized to further strengthen our relationship as well as showcase our diverse
cultural heritage”.

The CLA President – General stated that “As today’s celebration marks a significant milestone in the
history of our great Association, I would like to acknowledge
the efforts and unwavering commitment of His Excellency,
Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, CON, Fnipr (Kauran
Bauchi, Kauran Daular Usmaniyya) for promoting peaceful
and harmonious coexistence in the state as well as ensuring
a conducive and enabling environment for socio-economic
and commercial activities to thrive.

“In the last six years or thereabout, his administration, despite dwindling financial resources, so many successes were recorded in the critical sectors of the State economy. Successes were recorded in the areas of roads, schools and hospitals construction, expansion of water system, improving access to healthcare delivery services, youth and women empowerment as well as sustenance of peace and security,
among others”.

He said that Governor Bala Mohammed’s passion and
visionary achievements in all facets of life is worthy of emulation “and a tremendous source of inspiration to all of us. We are really proud to associate with you, Your Excellency.

“As we share a common commitment to promoting peaceful co-existence, unity, cultural and moral values and spiritual
growth, the Association deems it appropriate to honour His
Excellency, Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed as the
Grand Patron” of the Community Leaders Association, Bauchi
State”.

The Guest Speaker, Prince Munkaila Gbola Adeyemi in a paper presentation at the occasion commended the CLA for believing in Nigeria as an indivisible and indissoluble nation as well as trusting the Bauchi State Government for the relative security residents are enjoyin

In his paper titled “Our Individual Uniqueness As Cultural Ambassadors of Our Generation” Prince Adeyemi also commended CLA for taking Bauchi as their permanent home and abode; daunting all threats of insecurity;
practically displaying to the world the full love they have for Bauchi State and loving Bauchi State more than they love themselves.

He further commended the Association for winning the sentiment and war of ethnic jingoism; living above board of mediocrity and sheer suspicion of one’s neighbors and being above greedy self interest, greater lack of patriotism and an abashed shamelessness.

Furthermore, members of CLA were lauded for revering honour, treasured integrity, embrace honesty, and cherish patriotism, practically displaying true Nigerianness as their national interest has practically bury self interest while there is no any other country they can call their own.

According to him, “when I was contacted to write on today’s programme, I deeply heaved a sign of relief that hope is however not lost about the future of our children and the unborn generation whose ways of life is already negatively affected technologically and digitally.”

He lamented that,”The current Social Media craziness among the youths has been worrisome, because it has started eroding our value system, our youths now talk, walk, think and behave dogmatically as it’s being propelled by what they see and hear on the Social Media.”

Prince Adeyemi to that,”The idea of organizing this Cultural programme must be applauded for it is timely, consequential, and tangible for our youths moral re-birth and in line with both UNESCO and UN General Assembly declarations.”

“I ascribed to the saying that “Your Culture is You” because your culture dictates your attitudes, your way of life, your relationship parameters, your dressing, your food and your humane attributes,” he added.

Prince Adeyemi then enjoined members of CLA to be more united and supportive of each other for their growth and development just as he urged them to remain committed to peace and peaceful coexistence in the State.

He further called on them to remain loyal and support the current administration in the State led by the Governor, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed who has made peaceful coexistence in the State, a priority.

Highlights of the occasion included cultural display, dance performance,parade of traditional attires, goodwill messages,among others. Awards of Excellence will be presented to Vice President Kashim Shettima, Governor Bala Abdukadir Mohammed, Governor Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State, Bala Maijama’a Wunti, former Group General Manager, National Petroleum Investment Management Services NAPIMS), and Emir of Bauchi, Dr Suleiman Adamu END