VICE PRESIDENT SHETTIMA HAILS HAM PEOPLE'S HISTORIC LEGACY IN NIGERIA AND THE WORLD

 

By: Abubakar Labaran

Nigeria’s Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, has expressed immense pride in the unique historical significance of the Ham people in Nigeria and global history.  

The Vice President made the remarks while felicitating the Chief of Ham, HRH Dr. Danladi Gyet Maude, and the entire Ham nation during the annual Tuk Ham Cultural Festival in Kwoi, Jaba Local Government Area of Kaduna State, on Saturday.  

Represented by **Mr. Stephen Shekari**, Senior Legislative Aide to the Deputy Senate President and member of the Presidential Committee on Nigeria Youth Investment Fund, Shettima stated:  

"I am extremely proud of the unique place the Ham people occupy in Nigeria’s and the world’s history. As the homeland of Nigeria’s first and one of the world’s earliest civilizations—the Nok Culture—the Ham people boast an extraordinary cultural heritage." 

He noted that the Nok terracotta, first discovered in 1928, stands as proof of the civilization’s advanced achievements in agriculture, technology, social organization, and religious practices.  

"Despite being a small settlement, the Nok civilization was a sophisticated, culturally rich society that displayed remarkable ingenuity for its time. It is widely believed to have influenced later cultures in the Niger River forest regions, including Igbo-Ukwu, Benin, and Ife, he added.  

Shettima emphasized that the legacy of the Nok Culture should inspire the people of Southern Kaduna, home to over fifty ethnic groups, to revive the ancient spirit of resilience and progress in agriculture, industry, technology, and culture.  

This is why I not only commend but fully endorse the organizers of this year’s festival for choosing ‘Unveiling the Rich Cultural Heritage of the Ancient Nok Civilization’ as its theme," he said.  

However, he stressed that achieving this vision requires unity, dialogue, and collaboration among the people, government, and stakeholders to restore peace and drive progress in security, agriculture, education, healthcare, and infrastructure —key pillars of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda  "

'To truly unveil the Nok heritage, we need substantial investments in road infrastructure, healthcare, education, and—most critically—peace and security,"* he stated.  

Shettima praised President Tinubu’s initiatives, such as the Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia, and the Federal Medical Centre, Kafanchan, while urging Kaduna State officials and elected representatives to complement these efforts.  

He also lauded Governor Uba Sani for fostering a more secure, united, and equitable Kaduna State, concluding:  

"With collaboration, there’s no limit to what we can achieve. I wish you all a memorable celebration."

Kaduna State Deputy Governor, Dr. Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe, representing Governor Uba Sani, reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting cultural activities as a means of fostering unity.  

"Our diversity does not divide us; rather, it enriches our identity, fuels innovation, and strengthens our resolve to build an inclusive society,"* she said.  

She emphasized that cultural coexistence promotes resilience, mutual respect, and progress, urging communities to harness tradition for peace and development.  

Senator Sunday Marshall Katung (Southern Kaduna), represented by his wife, Mrs. Abigail Marshall Katung (Lord Mayor of Leeds and Gimbiyan Jaba), congratulated the Ham people and stressed the importance of education.  

Education remains the bedrock of development, which is why my husband championed the establishment of the Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia, alongside numerous youth empowerment initiatives," she said.  

Earlier, Ambassador Bulus Lolo (Sardaunan Ham), Chairman of the Tuk Ham Organizing Committee, outlined the festival’s purpose—thanking God for a bountiful harvest and seeking blessings for the next farming season.  

He appealed to the Kaduna State government to address poor road conditions, water shortages, and the restoration of 19 abolished districts  in the Ham Chiefdom. Additionally, he urged the National Assembly to rename Jaba Local Government to Ham Local Government

Larai Sylvia Ishaku, Chairperson of Jaba LGA, reminded the Ham community that *"our culture is our identity"* and urged its preservation for future generations.  

In his address, the Chief of Ham, HRH Dr. Danladi Gyet Maude, expressed gratitude to Governor Uba Sani for fostering peace and commended all contributors to the festival’s success. 

The event featured cultural dances, exhibitions, and speeches, celebrating the rich heritage of the Ham people