Preserving Heritage: Ngas Community Sets Date for 38th Puusdung Cultural Festival

Timescope news 

The Ngas community has officially announced that the 38th edition of its annual festival of arts and culture, Puusdung 2026, will take place in April 2026.

The Chairman of the Central Planning Committee, Professor Noel Wannang, made the announcement during a world press conference held at the NUJ Press Centre in Jos on Thursday. He described Puusdung as a cornerstone of the Ngas identity, embodying the history, resilience, and cultural soul of the people.

Professor Wannang emphasized that this year's edition is poised to be the most ambitious yet, aiming for greater national and international visibility. "Puusdung is more than a festival," he stated. "It is the soul of the Ngas people. It is a sacred platform where tradition meets modernity and where we proudly showcase the richness of our heritage to the world."

He noted that over its nearly four-decade history, the festival has evolved into a powerful unifying force for Ngas people at home and in the diaspora. It serves as a catalyst for promoting peace, strengthening communal bonds, and stimulating local enterprise and tourism.

The theme for Puusdung 2026 is “Ngas: Identity, Legacy, and Continuity.” According to the Chairman, this theme is designed to encourage deep reflection on cultural roots while simultaneously charting a course for a prosperous future.

Key objectives for the 2026 festival include:

· Preservation and Promotion: Showcasing Ngas heritage through music, dance, traditional rites, arts, and crafts.

· Youth Engagement: Creating platforms for talent discovery and entrepreneurship.

· Community Building: Fostering unity and reconciliation within the community.

· Tourism Development: Highlighting the tourism potential of Ngas land to attract visitors and investors.

To ensure a peaceful and successful event, Professor Wannang disclosed that the Central Planning Committee is collaborating closely with traditional rulers, community leaders, government and security agencies, cultural groups, and private sector partners. Several sub-committees have already been inaugurated to manage logistics, security, sponsorship, media, and cultural authenticity.

The week-long festival will feature a vibrant array of activities, including exhibitions dedicated to Ngas arts and cultural heritage.

In his appeal for support, Professor Wannang called on Ngas sons and daughters, corporate organizations, development partners, and all levels of government to rally behind the event. "Culture is not just about celebration; it is about identity, continuity, and development. Together, we shall make Puusdung 2026 a resounding success," he said.

In a notable moment during the conference, Professor Wannang commended the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Plateau State Council, Ayuku Pwaspo, for her vibrant leadership and developmental support in the state. He formally invited her to the festival and decorated her with traditional Ngas attire, naming her a special guest of the occasion.

In response, Pwaspo appreciated the gesture and assured the committee of her support and that of the entire journalism community on the Plateau