On Saturday, November, 13, 2021, the Gbari natives of Kwali Area Council in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) marched out in their traditional attires and converged on Ijah community to mark their pounded yam festival.
Our reporter who witnessed the festival reports that hunters, drummers, traditional dancers, masquerades, as well as other Gbari entertainers, thrilled guests.
The youths who slaughtered a cow for the event, came with cooking utensils, firewood and condiments.
Speaking at the event, the Etsu Kwali, Alhaji Shaban Audu Nizazo, said the festival was aimed at showcasing what the Gbari indigenous people of Kwali were known for – farming.
Alhaji Shaban said the annual festival was right from the times of their forefathers, adding that it was aimed at fostering unity and peace among Gbari natives, as well as non-natives, in the chiefdom.
He used the occasion to urge community leaders in the chiefdom to continue to support security agents in tackling insecurity and other crimes in the area.
Also speaking, the Chairman of Kwali, Danladi Chiya, commended the Gbari youths for organising the festival, adding that such festivals were a clear indication of the unity and peace among the youths of the council.
On his part, the Sadauki of Kwali, Mr Tanko Shazin, said the festival was to showcase the culture and tradition of the Gbari speaking natives of Kwali, including how the pounded yam festival had been held right from the era of their forefathers.
He said the pounded yam was eaten on fresh leaves the very way and manner their forefathers did.
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