
Nupe ethnic Nationality living in Lokoja , kogi state capital , have been enjoined to bring their ingenuity to bear in the growth and development of the state and the country.
This is just as it has been challenged to reclaim it’s rights as the original owner of the lokoja and some environs.
Prince Emmanuel Akamisoko Dauda Shelika, the Convener of
Nupe Natives of Lokoja, gave the challenge at the end of year Cultural activities of the Nupe people of Lokoja held at Crowther Memorial College Lokoja.
He noted that the history of Lokoja cannot be complete without recognising the Nupe ethnic tribe as the owner of the town and urge the people to use the end of year celebration to rekindle their hold on the Lokoja local Government area.
Speaking on the importance of the 2023 Nupe Natives of Lokoja Cultural Activities, Prince Shelika decried the slow pace of development in Lokoja, considering its prime place as the first capital of the country.
Prince Shelika said the essence of the Nupe’s of Lokoja events is geared towards bringing the State Capital to it rightful position by the Nupes as the original owners.
While lamenting the backwardness of their people, who are now better known as scavengers , charged all meaning Nupe sons and daughters to urgently change the narratives.
He , however calls for unity of Nupe aborigines of lokoja so as to contribute their quota to the development of the state.
” Lokoja is the earliest cradle of Nupe civilization. Over the years, a lot have happened that has almost sent Nupe’s into oblivion in their land of Lokoja
” Interestingly, Nupe has shades as branches. We have the Bassa-nge, Kakanda, Eggan , Kupa and Ganagana, all of these tribes are shades of Nupe. Our today’s gathering is made up of all the segments”.
” The essence of our gathering here today is to ensure that we celebrate our culture and for our people to appreciate the journey so far in our course to bringing ourselves together in taking our rightful position in the place of Lokoja.
” It is unfortunate that the Nupe’s at the home front in Lokoja are not well positioned. This is because over the years, we have been decimated into shades.
” We are looking towards partnering with the Government to see that Lokoja is brought to It position in terms of infrastructure and other areas of development” He stated.
Prince Shelika urged younger Nupe parents to teach their children and wards how to speak the dialect and the culture, pointing out that the 14 point agenda of the coming together of the Nupe’s of Lokoja is to promote the speaking of the language .
The highlights of the 2023 Nupe Natives of Lokoja Cultural Activities display of various cultural troupes who took turn to showcase their masquerades and acrobatic dance to the delights of guests.