Eggon People Charged To Unite As ECDA Ozzi Hold Day In Lafia
By Samson Ahmadu
Eggon people have been charged to unite to attract meaningful development to Nasarawa State and make it an enviable place.
The Nasarawa State Commissioner for Science, Technology and Innovation, Mr. Samuel Kafu Emgba, gave the charge during the maiden edition of the Lafia Ozzi day celebration organized by Eggon people of Ozzi extraction living in Lafia the capital of Nasarawa State. The celebration was also to raise 15 million naira for the completion of their hall, along Shinge Road in Lafia.
He said the Eggon are like the foundation of a building which consists of many blocks. According to him, for the Eggon people to properly perform their role as the foundation of Nasarawa State, the constituting blocks have to be united, shunning all clannish or religious differences and working together for the good of the State.
Earlier in his welcome speech the host and Chairman of ECDA Ozzi Wing, Lafia Branch, Mr Christopher Kudu, expressed his gratitude to God Almighty, for making the day a possibility.
Speaking on the purpose of organizing the event, Mr. Christopher Kudu appreciated all who honoured their invitation and appealed for support so that the Ozzi people in Lafia can actualize their dream of completing the hall.
Also speaking the National Chairman of ECDA Ozzi Wing, Dr. Mark Akpandum, added his voice to call on the invitees to ensure that they contribute their own quota for the building of the Ozzi Hall saying no amount is too small as long as it is from a willing heart.
Dr. Mark Akpandum who is also the Deputy Director, Livestock and Veterinary Services at the Nasarawa State Ministry of Agriculture, called on Ozzi sons and daughters all over the globe to try their best to send something tangible for the building, reminding them that no stranger will develop their home.
In his paper presentation, the guest speaker Dr. Ali Gabu, a former Rector of Isa Mustapha Agwai I Polytechnic Lafia, emphasized the need for the Ozzi people to know about their history, where they came from as well the struggles and successes of their ancestors.
According to Dr. Ali Gabu, knowledge of the past can help shape a better future and he urged the younger generation especially to draw nearer to the elderly ones to learn more about their ancestry.
Highlight of the ceremony was a display of varieties of local dishes prepared by the Ozzi women who appeared in cultural attires adding colour to the event. Anzalu dancers were also on hand to thrill the guests.
