This is a positive development from Kaduna State after a period marked by hardship and insecurity.
Valid View Network reports that a heartening event in Jaba Local Government Area of Kaduna State, where the Ham people celebrated the annual ‘Tuk-Ham festival’ after a six-year hiatus due to security challenges.
The Tuk-Ham festival, deeply rooted in the cultural heritage of the Ham people, was revived amidst a gathering of hundreds of dignitaries from various ethnic groups within and outside the state.
Paramount Chief Kpok Ham, Dr. Gyet Maude, explained that the festival had been suspended due to increased attacks, banditry, and kidnappings that disrupted daily life and activities.
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“It is a moment of joy to gather again after years of fear and uncertainty because things have returned to normalcy,” he remarked.
The Tuk-Ham festival, initiated in 1980 to coincide with the Easter season, holds significant meaning for Christians worldwide. It serves as a time of thanksgiving for the past harvest and supplication for blessings and protection in the upcoming farming season.
Chief Maude emphasized the festival’s connection to farming, the primary occupation of the Ham people, and encouraged communal farming traditions among youths to sustain the cultural heritage.
Reflecting on challenges faced by ginger farmers during the pandemic, he appealed for government support to mitigate losses incurred.
Ambassador Bulus Lolo, chairman of the occasion, stressed the importance of preserving the Tuk-Ham cultural festival, emphasizing their commitment to safeguarding Ham culture.
Local leaders like Hon. Gideon Jock and Engr. Mamudi Ladan highlighted the festival’s global significance and potential for tourism, showcasing the region’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.
Overall, the revival of the Tuk-Ham festival signifies a renewed sense of unity and cultural pride among the Ham people, offering hope and optimism for the future.
