SSG Magaji, Iliya Ibn Aliyu, ISE Honoured As 2026 Galle Day Highlights Culture, Peace, Mineral Development

By Eric M. Kuju

The Secretary to the Nasarawa State Government, Dr. Labaran Magaji, SAN, the Chairman of Nassarawa Eggon Local Government Area, Barr. Iliya Ibn Aliyu, and the Islamic Society of Eggonland (ISE) were among individuals and organisations honoured at the 2026 Galle Day celebration.

The event, organised by the Galle Branch of the Eggon Cultural and Development Association (ECDA), marked the 5th edition of Galle Day since its inception and was held on Saturday, January 3, 2026, at the premises of Government Secondary School, Galle, in Nassarawa Eggon Local Government Area.

Dr. Magaji was represented at the event by two Special Advisers to the Governor of Nasarawa State attached to his office; Hon. Abdullahi Yusuf Loko, Special Adviser on Intergovernmental Affairs, and Dr. Justina Anjiode-Kotso, Special Adviser, SSG Office.

Speaking on behalf of the SSG, Dr. Anjiode-Kotso said the Nasarawa State Government remains committed to promoting culture, peace and development, noting that communities endowed with cultural heritage and mineral resources are strategically positioned for growth.

She described the Eggon nation as richly blessed with a vibrant culture, abundant mineral resources and, most importantly, a large and energetic youth population that must be positively engaged.

According to her, the State Government recognises the need for unity and cooperation, particularly at a time when the Eggon nation is mourning the loss of several illustrious sons and daughters.

“The office of the Secretary to the State Government stands with the Eggon people during this most trying period. These losses are not only to the Eggon nation, but to Nasarawa State and Nigeria at large,” she said.

Dr. Anjiode-Kotso noted that the 5th Galle Day was coming at a critical moment in the history of Nasarawa State, stressing that solid minerals have become a new global currency, and that communities that speak with one voice and cooperate with government stand to benefit more from their mineral, human and cultural resources.

In his remarks, Hon. Abdullahi Yusuf Loko urged the Galle people to embrace peace and respect constituted authority, describing peace as a prerequisite for security and development.

“If there is peace, there will be security. If there is security, there will be progress,” he said, calling on the community to support the leadership of the Nassarawa Eggon Local Government Chairman, Barr. Iliya Ibn Aliyu, as a way of supporting the administration of Governor Abdullahi A. Sule.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Occasion, Dr. Daniel Ewuga Asele, Special Adviser to Governor Sule on Science and Technology, described Galle Day as a platform created to showcase Eggon culture and ensure that younger generations understand their identity and heritage.

He commended Governor Sule for sustained efforts in strengthening security across the State, noting that Nasarawa State continues to enjoy relative peace compared to many other parts of the country.

As part of the celebration, an intellectual session featured a paper presented by Associate Professor Allu Augustine Umbugadu titled “Youth Engagement and Economic Empowerment Through Mineral Resources Development in the Galle Hills of Nassarawa-Eggon Local Government Area.”

In the paper, Umbugadu described Nasarawa State as Nigeria’s “Home of Solid Minerals,” noting that mining has historically played a significant role in the economy of the North Central region, with the Galle Hills remaining a traditional mining zone dominated by youth participation.

He disclosed that Nigeria’s solid minerals sector has recorded significant growth in recent years, with annual revenue increasing from about ₦6 billion to ₦38 billion in 2024, while cumulative revenue as of October 2025 stood at ₦58.6 billion. He added that Nasarawa State is now among states earning over ₦1 billion monthly from solid minerals royalties.

Tracing mining activities in Galle Hills to the pre-colonial era, Umbugadu said indigenous Eggon communities engaged in small-scale mineral extraction long before colonial rule, while colonial mining later expanded into the area due to its geological similarities with the Jos Plateau.

He identified gemstones such as aquamarine, tourmaline and topaz, alongside silica sand and quartz, as major minerals found in the area, lamenting that most are extracted informally without processing or value addition.

According to him, the lack of mineral development and processing limits job creation, skills acquisition and entrepreneurship for youths, while exposing young miners to safety risks and economic exploitation.

He recommended the formalisation of artisanal mining, establishment of vocational and mineral processing centres in Nassarawa-Eggon LGA, promotion of local value chains, enforcement of environmentally responsible mining practices, and provision of youth-focused financing through cooperatives and microcredit schemes.

In his remarks, Chairman of the Galle Branch of ECDA, Alhaji Umar Abdullahi Galle, expressed gratitude to members of the association, invited guests and cultural troupes that participated in the event.

“Our ability to sustain this event for the past five years shows our commitment to cultural reawakening. Our people are reconnecting with their culture, and many now look forward to Galle Day every year,” he said.

Alhaji Galle, who also serves as General Secretary of ECDA, said the celebration has created opportunities for interaction and networking with other communities, adding that the benefits of such relationships would continue to be felt at community, local government, state and national levels.

During the award segment, Dr. Labaran Magaji received an award for Distinguished Public Service and Leadership, while the Islamic Society of Eggonland was honoured for its contribution to education. Barr. Iliya Ibn Aliyu received an award for Political Leadership.

Other award recipients included Hon. James Kpason, Dr. Janet Angbazo, Alhaji Safiyanu Gbaku, Hon. Mohammed Ibrahim Ehlenyu (popularly known as Vandalism), Professor Abdullahi Yau, Professor Ali Ishaq Shugaba, and Chief Isaac Kigbu.

A posthumous award was also presented to late Jonathan Agu Esla in recognition of his contributions to education in Galle during his tenure as Principal of Government Secondary School, Galle.