Gade Youth Summit, harps on Cultural values as tool for Nation Building

By Genesis ogiri, Abuja 

The Gade natives of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), have a rich culture and tradition just like other ethnic groups in Nigeria. Despite the fact that urbanization has changed their environment and landscape, they still hold on to their cultural norms and values, and find time to showcase and celebrate their uniqueness.

These Gade natives, who are predominantly farmers in Kuje area council, are among the nine indigenous groups in the Federal Capital Territory. 

On Saturday  June 8th, 2024, the Area Council Civil service Commission Conference Hall which was the venue of the event, was filled to the  brim as people especially the Gade natives trooped out in large numbers to graced the first National Gade Youth Summit.

The Summit which was organized by Gade Youth Movement  ( GYM ), theme “Strategic Designing and implementation of a Roadmap for  promoting Gade Cultural Values and its Impact in Nation Building” attracted prominent sons and daughters of the Gade ethnic groups, including traditional rulers, technocrats, academicians and top politicians, such as Barr.Ibrahim Haske Dikko, Hon. Yunusa, Ambassador Alewa Akawu, Sir. Ronald Goje, and among others.

Newsway Media understands that the Gade in the FCT have a rich cultural heritage  that has been lying fallow and un-tapped over the years, so as to showcase and uplift the status and cultural relevance of the Gade people in the contemporary Nigeria , and to trace and restore the historical and cultural background/values of the Gade people, therefore , Gade Youth Movement decided to organized this first National Summit 

Noting that the origin of Gade people could be traced back to the language family at the Congo-Niger Basin, and  he said its first ancestors were called ‘Adakpu.’

According to Ambassador Alewa Akawu, the importance of culture to any people all over the world cannot be over emphasized, saying people would lose their identity and history when they are not attached to their culture and traditions.

He said the youth has made history by called for the first National Summit, this will promote peace and unity, as well fostering social advancement. He charged  Gade youth to take advantage of the outcome of the Summit as this will boast their  knowledge about cultural heritage.

He called on Gade (Babye) people and its elites both at  home and abroad to commit themselves to the pursuit of the educational advancement of their people. 

“Therefore, we must uphold our culture in all its ramifications, as this summit is thus aimed at Resurrecting the ideas of enhancing cultural values .

Amb.Alewa, lauded the current administration, he expressed gratitude and satisfaction with the level of projects delivering and implementation. He scored the administration 8% on the scale of one to ten. He urged them to continue the good works 

Sir. Ronald Goje ,  called on the youth to shun all forms of social vices that will embarrass the Gade tribe, and embrace education at all levels, which he said was a means of livelihood. He made this known while addressing the journalists at the event. 

He encouraged the youth to participate in politics and imbibe the spirit of hardwork and perseverance.

As the event unfolded, it became evident that this first National Summit  was more than just a milestone; it was a testament to the Gade Youth Movement to  Build a shared future for enhancing cultural values and youth participation in Building strong Nation. Also the ability of youth to bring in  technocrats and traditional rulers together in joyous camaraderie. The overwhelming response from the attendees, who left the event fulfilled and yearning for more, spoke volumes about the success of the program and the anticipation for future engagements