By Adamu IMAM
Festivities usually marked the end of the year with a lot of carnivals that showcase the cultural heritage and diversity of Nigeria people
At the 2023 Kaltungo Carnival, agriculture development and food security were set the tune for this year’s message as the celebrations took a somber tone due the current economic climate.
The carnival is an annual celebration of Kaltungo's rich culture, marking the culmination of the year, featuring diverse ethnic communities united in celebrations
However, the festival aim to spotlight Kaltungo's cultural diversity while fostering peace and development within the region, different ethnic groups gathered for the annual celebration, while the atmosphere is so vibrant with cultural display from various ethnic communities far and near
Engr. Sale Muhammadu Umar, His Royal Highness (MAI KALTUNGO) caution his subjects not to sold off their grains after bountiful harvest and become helter skelter looking to buy at the market again
"We are farmers here I urged you not to sell your hard earned farm produce and remain empty, sell some to cater for immediate needs and keep the rest for consumption, as food security is the way to go"
Mai Kaltungo also wishes all guest that grace the occasion far and near, safe journey, while going back to their respective destination
The festival attracts distinguished guests, including traditional rulers from across northern states, diplomats, and other notable figures, both local and international.
Emir of Zazzau Ambassador Nuhu Ahmad Bamali who is the royal father of the day, pray for continue existing relationship with other communities around in promoting peace and harmony in Kaltungo chifdom,
He also appreciate the organizers effort in setting standard for others to follow in relationship as well
During the event the Deputy Governor Gombe state Daniel Menasah Jatau urged people of the state to uphold culture as a way of identity and respect to others
"Any one who's abandon his culture he is capable of collapsing if cares is not taken, we have five hundred and nineteen ethnic groups but unfortunately even here in Gombe I have record with me two are in the badge of collapse (extinction)
I don't want to mention them if you are among them come and meet me I tell you if you are among them". he said
So also during the carnival the son of the Kaltungo dynasty a famous business man Mr. Jerry John the Kaura of Kaltungo chifdom expressed that cultural norms and values made them what they are presently withing their community with respect and dignity
"the self cultural values are use as a prelude not just to progress and development but majorly for peace, our culture is our identity and a way of life,
as reflected in our credence to the fact that a man without culture he has no identity, if person doesn't have a culture if he approach you just run" he stressed.
A notable highlight features the release of pigeons by the Emir of Zazzau, Mai Kaltungo, and Jerry John Kauran Kaltungo respectively symbolizing the enduring peace and harmony within Kaltungo clans