By Aderogba George
The Gbagyi people have been urged to embrace unity, preserve their cultural identity and pursue formal education to strengthen their participation in politics and leadership.
Dr Theophilus Tanko, a keynote speaker, made the call at the second edition of the Most Influential Gbagyi in Nigeria (MIGIN) Awards and Magazine ceremony on Saturday in Abuja.
The event’s theme was: “Building the Gbagyi/Gbari Nation: Advancing Unity and Development Through Politics, Tradition, Religion and Education.”
Tanko said disunity was weakening the people’s collective political influence and limiting their development prospects.
He called for practical structures to advance their common interests across state boundaries, including a non-partisan platform to monitor public budgets, engage political representatives, organise policy discussions, educate voters and track political commitments.
“We need to have a common agenda and a rallying point capable of uniting the Gbagyi/Gbari people, irrespective of their political affiliations.
“Our people should assess political candidates based on competence, character, performance and commitment rather than ethnic identity alone,” he said.
Tanko criticised divisions among Gbagyi people on social media, saying internal attacks undermined efforts to build unity.
He said the success of a common agenda should be measured by its impact on communities, especially the poor and vulnerable, adding that education was essential to development.
In his welcome address, the pioneer and Chief Executive Officer of MIGIN Awards, Dr Israel Lissa, called for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to be granted state status.
He also advocated the creation of additional area councils and an FCT House of Assembly, as well as an increase in the number of senatorial districts from one to three.
Lissa said the awards, established in 2020, recognised distinguished Gbagyi sons and daughters, documented their contributions and promoted unity among Gbagyi/Gbari communities across the North-Central region.
He said the initiative also sought to promote equitable representation and address marginalisation and discrimination against the people.
Lissa commended President Bola Tinubu for appointing an FCT indigene, Mr Zephaniah Jisalo, as Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs.
He also commended the FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike, for his inclusive governance and the appointment of indigenous people to strategic positions.
The Etsu Karu and Paramount Ruler of Karu Chiefdom in Nasarawa State, Dr Luka Panya, called for stronger collaboration among traditional rulers and the establishment of a Gbagyi/Gbari Traditional Rulers Association.
Panya said political boundaries had divided communities with shared geographical and cultural ties, urging the people to pursue collective progress without allowing state boundaries to undermine their interests.
He recalled that cultural festivals and other platforms had previously brought Gbagyi communities together but noted that such gatherings had become less frequent.
He urged the organisers to distribute copies of the keynote address to participants to support further discussions on the development of the Gbagyi/Gbari nation.
The chairman of the occasion, Amb. Ayuba Ngbako, urged Nigerians to hold governments accountable at the local, state and federal levels.
Ngbako, a Federal Commissioner at the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission, said citizens should speak up to correct government policies and actions rather than remain silent.
He also advocated creative education, saying the organisers and his office could explore ways to promote innovative learning among young people.
He encouraged Gbagyi people to embrace knowledge and use available tools to improve themselves.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that award recipients included Sen. Philip Aduda, Wike, Jisalo, Ngbako, Panya, Prof. Andrew Zamani, Prof. Ibrahim Katampe, Prof. Mathew Dada and Dr Timothy Zakwai.
Others were Dr Lydia Abraham, Dr Solomon Bawa, Mr Isaac Danladi, Sumner Shagari and musician Yung Willis.
Posthumous award recipients included Mr Enock Jarumi, David Sanya, Dr Dimas Zamayi, Mrs Grace Adayilo, Isah Bwari, Samuel Igu and Samuel Gwamna.
Wike received the Friend of the Gbagyi Nation Award, while other recipients were recognised for contributions to politics, traditional leadership, academia, the civil service, media, law and music.
The event also featured the launch of a commemorative magazine documenting the achievements and contributions of prominent Gbagyi personalities for future generations. (NAN) www.nannews.ng
Edited by Tosin Kolade
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