The people of Asholio also known as Moro’a in Kaduna State Northwest Nigeria have converged on Abuja Nigeria’s capital to mark their maiden edition of Mam Asholio (Moro’a Day) cultural celebration and thanksgiving.

The event showcased the rich cultural heritage, such as dances, music, drama and awards for their illustrious sons and daughters for impacting positively on their people, communities and the world at large.

Among those recognized were Mr. Thomas Yatai, Facility Manager, Baze University Teaching Hospital, Abuja, and Dr. Jerry Bonet, Human Resource Officer, Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission.

Also honoured were Dr Obadiah Nkom, Director-General, DG, Nigeria Mining Cadastre, Dr. Simon Nkom and DG, Abuja Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Victoria Akai.

The Chairman of the branch, Mr Kaboshio Dauda, in his speech, said that the recipients had done so much for the Asholio community and had to be recognized and honoured for others to emulate.

Mr. Dauda explained that their contributions ranged from youth empowerment, community development, capacity building to promotion of peace and unity of the Asholio people.

“This award is in recognition of your excellent leadership and for serving as worthy ambassadors of the Asholio people in your current places of service, as well as your support to the Association and Moro’a land,” he said.

He explained that the annual cultural festival was targeted at sustaining and promoting the Asholio cultural heritage of Asholiob (Moro’a) chiefdom. He added that the event was also organised to bring Asholio sons and daughters together to contribute to nation building through promotion of peace for sustainable development.

He said that the Association started as a branch in Abuja in 1995 and had grown over the years with 10 sub-branches across the Federal Capital Territory. The chairman said that the group had, over the years, contributed immensely to the sustenance of peace, economic growth and development of the FCT.

“This is being done through the operation of private businesses by the sons and daughters of Asholio in the city.

“We have also contributed seasoned civil and public servants serving in different capacities in different government agencies in the six Area Councils of the FCT,” he said.

The Chairman of the occasion, Mr. Yatai, commended the Association for his recognition, noted that “the event provided an opportunity for the Asholio people to consider the roles of ethnic nationality in nation building.”

He added that the Asholio people “can choose to be better people by standing for one another for the growth of our father land and continue to pray for our leaders to succeed in their respective leadership roles”.

One of the awardees, Dr. Jerry Bonet, the immediate past National Youth Leader of the Association, who was also the guest speaker, urged the Asholio youths to be good ambassadors of the land.

Dr. Bonet, spoke on the topic, “The Role of Ethnic Nationalities in Peace and Nation Building: Asholio of Kaduna State in Perspective”, urged the people to be peace builders and worthy partners in the development process of Nigeria.

“Contribute your quota in your own way and trust God to bless you. Let us shun negative lifestyles that can disrupt peace and truncate our chances of succeeding in life.”

He, however, stressed the need for government at all levels to provide basic social amenities and promote inclusive governance to enable ethnic nationalities to contribute immensely to nation building.

The D. G. Abuja Chambers of Commerce Victoria Akai who spoke to Voice of Nigeria said the award was a sign of recognition of her good work to humanity and ” it will make” her “to do more”.

The House of Representatives Member Representing Kaura Local Government Area Mr. Donatus Mathew, said that “peace and unity” are “key to sustainable development”.

Mr. Mathew commended the Asholio people for the effort toward promoting peace and unity through cultural festivals, and pledged his continued support for the growth and development of Kaura local government area.

He called for sustained partnership and support to enable him deliver quality representation for the Kaura people in the National Assembly.

The highlights of the event included the unveiling and launching of the branch bye laws, cultural dances and drama depicting unity in diversity.