Worried by the spate of kidnapping, banditry and herders/farmers conflict in many Kaduna communities, the Global Peace Foundation has engaged some youth in a cultural fiesta to promote unity and understanding among the diverse ethnic groups in the state.
Daily Trust Saturday reports that the fiesta, which featured 10 cultural troops from various parts of the state and the country, witnessed a large turnout of youth and women groups who took part in the cultural dance.
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According to the Director General, Global Peace Development, Mr Ebruke Eskie, the fiesta hopes to address critical issues hampering citizen’s safety, peace and development of the country, particularly Kaduna State, saying, “Our inability to curb these menaces can be linked to trust deficit, lack of synergy and disunity among the diverse cultures in the state.”
He then stressed that the aim of the program was to ensure there is unity, harmony and brotherhood among the over 50 indigenous ethnic nationalities across the 23 local government areas of the state.
The Kaduna State governor, Malam Nasir El-rufai who was represented by the Permanent Commissioner, Kaduna Peace Commission, Hajiya Khadija Gambo, identified the loss of cultural values and ignorance of identity as being responsible for the insecurity and economic challenges facing the country.
The Resilience Coordinator, ActionAid Nigeria, Anicetus Atakpu, hoped that the cultural fiesta will promote peace, showcase the beauty in diversity and create awareness on the dangers of violent extremism.