Gombe Gov. harps on peace, preservation of cultural heritage in Kaltungo carnival (Pictures)
Story from Ahmad SAKA, Bauchi
The Gombe State Governor, His Excellency Alhaji Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has appealed to traditional and religious leaders to take the lead in mobilising their subjects, especially youths towards ensuring peaceful coexistence among various ethnic groups and preserving their norms and values being their identity.
The Governor stated this at the occasion of Kaltungo Carnival which is a Kaltungo cultural festival hosted by the Mai Kaltungo, Engineer Sale Muhammadu Umar which took place at Kaltungo Stadium in Kaltungo Local Government Area of the state.
Represented by the Commissioner of Education, Dauda Batari Zambuk the governor said the carnival is apt and at the right time and called on the people to continue to send their wards to school as education remains the bedrock of development in any society while assuring the people of more developmental projects before the end of his administration. 
The Chairman Planning Committee, Hajiya Sa’adatu Saad Mustapha Alkebban Kaltungo said the festival has over the years provided the forum for interaction, celebration and showcasing of the rich cultural heritage of Kaltungo people to the world.
Sa’adatu said, “It also promotes the rich multiple cultures of the people of the chiefdom that comprises of many ethnic communities with interesting cultural background and common heritage.”
She said the carnival is being organised yearly not only to enhance social interaction but to intensify peace, unity and cooperation among subjects and also to promote socio-economic development of the chiefdom and the state at large.
The Emir of Fika, His Royal Highness Alhaji Muhammadu Abali ibn Muhammadu Idrisa commended the Mai Kaltungo, organisers of the festival and all the sons and daughters of Kaltungo Chiefdom for their cooperation and understanding in maintaining and reviving their culture and traditions.
The Emir who is the Chairman of Yobe State Council of Emirs prayed to God to continue to unite the people towards the progress and development of their community, state and the country at large.
He urged other emirs to emulate Mai Kaltungo in his effort to preserve the culture and traditions which he said will bring peace and harmony among the people.
Alhaji Muhammadu said as the 2023 election is approaching, traditional rulers have a role to play in ensuring peaceful coexistence among their subjects and enlightening the people on government policies and programmes.
On his part, Mai Kaltungo, Engineer Sale Muhammadu Umar thanked all those who attended the occasion and commended the state government for all its developmental efforts in the community and the state at large.
Also in an interview, the Emir of Dass and Emir of Gwoza from Bauchi and Borno states, Usman Bilyaminu Usman and Muhammadu Timta stressed the importance of the event which they said promotes peace and harmony among different ethnic groups.
The event was also attended by 11emirs from within and outside the country, some of the emirs include emirs of Dutse, Jajere, Fune, Gwoza, Dass, representative of the Emir of Gombe and Sultan of Damagaram; some state house of assembly members and special advisers, security chiefs, top governments and political party officials among others.
