The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Jos (UniJos), Prof. Ishaya Tanko, has urged Nigerians to use culture for economic and social gain.
Speaking at the launch of a book titled, “Zuru People of Northwest Nigeria,” Monday in Abuja, Tanko stressed the need to teach local languages in schools for students to know more about their heritage.
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He added that the Zuru ethnic group in Nigeria had contributed to nation-building by participating in the military and in educational pursuit.
He recommended the book to students of history, saying it will help them in re-writing and studying the beautiful, rich and culturally-prolific tradition of the people of Zuru.
Speaking at the event, the lawmaker representing Kebbi South Senatorial District, Senator Bala Ibn Na’Allah, decried the absence of mutual synergy and love among the people of Zuru.
He said Zuru Emirate had been left behind in politics in Kebbi State due to their aloofness and attitude towards politics, which gave rise to their delineation “That has constantly put us at a disadvantage.”
The author of the book, Bawa Amos, said he took the task to document the history of Zuru due to the lack of any material or mention of the group by the British colonialist.
While stating that his research showed how the group influenced some cultural practices in northern Nigeria, he called for the cultural identity of the group through clothing and other materials that would make them distinct and not be subsumed by the larger Hausa culture.
