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Traditional worshippers in the Plateau State lament that the government has not given them the same considerations for Christians and Muslims.
NDE on Monday, NDE tokzakka demanded equal rights to traditionalists and called on the state government to provide them with palliation agents to put them in trouble.
Nde Tokzakka made a phone call while speaking at the celebration of the 2025 Morgi Masquerade Festival in Pankshin.
The festival begins annually from the first or second week of March and is celebrated every year from Saturday and Sunday, and is considered a traditional worshipper’s festival through the rainy season and the agricultural season.
NDE Tokzakka announced that they will soon end the arrangements for registration with the Company Affairs Commission (CAC) so that the three levels of government can provide them with the recognition they need, such as Christian and Muslim counterparts in the state.
“We know that during Christmas and Sarah celebrations, the state government gives them pampering. Traditional worshippers are the first religion and are not carried with them or thinking about anything,” he said.
“We didn’t get any attention or consideration, so we were downgraded to background”, he added.
He also begged the Plateau State Government to support them in promoting the annual Moji Cultural Festival, as the state is known as “home to peace and tourism.”
“The Malgi Festival will also attract tourists and bring income to the state, thanks to a series of masquerades that will be attending the parade,” he said.
According to him, all tribes in Nigeria can be found in Pankshin, so they always ensure good protection during the festival.
“Masquerades during the parade are not allowed to enter the establishment of governments, school mosques, churches and commercial centers.”
Meanwhile, Galadima Pankshin Nde Gobak Yilchir and Ngo-Long Chwil Nde Garba Yiltok highlight the need to preserve cultural heritage as it provides individuals with a sense of belonging and identity and promotes cohesion and social connection in the community.
According to them, by showing their culture, it will help preserve historical events, traditions and customs for future generations so that they can gain valuable insights into the past and its impact on the present.
The two urged Panksin’s son and daughter not to forget their roots and always strive to take their children home to see the festival in a bid to serve as offspring.
