The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, has urged the Tiv ethnic group to embrace unity and collaboration to drive collective progress. This call was made during the grand finale of the Tiv Cultural Fiesta 2024, held on November 16 at the National Stadium in Surulere, Lagos.

Themed “Tiv Heritage: Promoting Unity, Preserving Culture and Traditions,” the event celebrated Tiv traditions and gathered community members from diverse sectors. The two-day festival, held from November 15 to 16, was organized by the Tiv Community in Lagos (Mdzough U Tiv Lagos) to honor and preserve the rich cultural heritage of the Tiv people.

Represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr. Christopher Tarka, Senator Akume commended the efforts of Mdzough U Tiv Lagos for fostering cultural preservation. He called on the Tiv community to maintain unity and extend fellowship to others, highlighting President Bola Tinubu’s respect and admiration for the Tiv people. Akume assured attendees that the Tiv people would continue to play vital roles in Nigeria’s development under Tinubu’s administration.

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Hon. Steven Terfa Uzer, President of the Tiv Community in Lagos, emphasized the need for solidarity among Tiv people, encouraging them to set aside differences for the advancement of their community. He noted that diversity within the group should be viewed as a strength, capable of driving greater achievements.

In his remarks, Hon. Atondu Thomas, Chairman of the Community Planning Committee (CPC), revealed plans for future development projects, including the construction of Ayatutu House, a communal space in Lagos aimed at strengthening the Tiv community’s presence and unity in the region.

The event saw the participation of several dignitaries, including His Royal Highness, Tor Tiv Lagos, Chief Cletus Kukunu, and HRH Luke Atane Och’Idoma Akubo Agaba Idu of Lagos. Both leaders expressed a strong commitment to working with Mdzough U Tiv Lagos on initiatives that promote cultural identity and unity. Other notable attendees included ESV Kwaghbo Simeon Shangev-de, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Tiv Community in Lagos, and prominent businessman Mr. Terry Atoba.

The Tiv Cultural Fiesta 2024 stood out as a celebration of unity, culture, and the potential for collective progress among the Tiv people.