From Noah Ebije, Kaduna
A community of Plateau state indigenes resident in Kaduna has concluded plans to honour Kaduna State Deputy Governor Dr Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe, Senator Hezekiah Dimka, Hon Yusuf Adamu Gagdi and other top Nigerians with meritorious awards of excellence at its festival known as ’Pusdung Kaduna 2022’.
Pusdung Kaduna is the annual Ngas Festival of Arts and Culture which is celebrated with pomp and pageantry to exhibit the rich cultural heritage of the Ngas people from Plateau State and residing in different parts of the country and the world at large.
A statement issued by the Chairman, Planning Committee for the Festival, Prince Gana Yilwatda, said Ngas Community in Kaduna has a rich history that dates to the early 1920s.
According to Yilwatda, “when the first Ngas native(s) settled in Kaduna, from then till now the Ngas community in the State have grown to be about the largest Diaspora group of the Ngas people.
“Since 1992 when the first edition of the ‘Pusdung Kaduna’ was held, it has continued to happen annually with the exception of times when there had been security challenges in Kaduna State.
“The theme for the 2022 Kaduna Pusdung is ‘The Resilience of Ngas People in a Challenging and Changing world’.
The festival will feature traditional dances, cultural displays, arts & culinary exhibition, folklore and poetry.
The legendary traditional music artiste Dantala and his Ndengdeng Music and the Sombi Troupe (Traditional Horn Assemble) will feature at the event.
“His Excellency Mallam Nasir El’rufai the Executive Governor of Kaduna State is the Special Guest of Honour at the festival to be held in the second week of November, while a Gala & Awards Nite will happen at the Ahmed Musa Neighbourhood Center Hall.
“Her Excellency Hajia Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe, the Deputy Governor of Kaduna State will lead the honour roll of award recipients at the Gala & Award nite, including Senator Hezekiah Dimka, the Senator Representing Plateau Central and Chairman Senate Committee on Narcotics, Hon. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi – Member Representing Pankshin, Kangke and Kanam Constituency of Plateau State and Chairman House Committee on Navy, and The Sarkin Kudenda and Jarman Gbagyi – Gabriel Bagudu Galadima amongst others for demonstrating the highest ethical standards, integrity, civic and social responsibility,” he said.
Yilwatda however said that the festival is open to the general public who may want to experience the unique and rich culture of the Ngas people in Kaduna.