The Nasarawa State Government has urged citizens and stakeholders to promote youth engagement and economic empowerment through the sustainable development of the state’s mineral resources.
The call was made by the Secretary to the State Government, Barrister Labaran Magaji, during the 5th Galle Cultural Day celebration held in Galle, Nassarawa Eggon Local Government Area of the state.
Barrister Magaji emphasised the need to create employment opportunities for youths through the proper and regulated exploitation of mineral resources across Nasarawa State, noting that effective utilisation of the sector would boost economic growth and reduce youth unemployment.
Represented at the event by the Special Adviser on Intergovernmental Matters, Hon. Abdullahi Loko, the SSG commended the Galle community for organising the cultural festival, describing it as a platform for sustaining Eggon cultural heritage among the younger generation.
He stressed the importance of preserving and promoting cultural values for long-term societal development and called on the people of Galle, residents of Nasarawa State and Nigerians at large to uphold their cultural traditions as a catalyst for unity and national development.
In his remarks, the President of the Eggon Cultural Development Association, Mr Mandy Abuluya, applauded the Galle community for sustaining the Galle Cultural Day, saying it promotes unity, peace and harmony among the Eggon people and other ethnic groups.
According to him, “I want to use this medium to call on the Eggon nation and all others to embrace love, unity, and peace for the overall development of the state.”
Also speaking, the Chairman of Nasarawa Eggon Local Government Area, Barrister Ibn, said the cultural day fostered unity of purpose and togetherness among the Eggon people, while appreciating the organisers for the award presented to him, which he said would spur him to do more for his people.
The Chairman of the ECDA, Galle Branch, Mr Umar Abdullahi Galle, described Galle as a community globally recognised for promoting unity and cultural diversity.
He said the 2025 celebration was unique, with the theme, “Harnessing Galle Hill’s Mineral Wealth: Preserving Culture, Promoting Peace and Powering Development.”
Mr Umar explained that the Galle Cultural Day serves as a platform for celebrating unity, shared values and communal bonds, bringing together sons, daughters, friends and neighbouring communities.
According to him, “Our ability to sustain this event for five consecutive years reflects the successes recorded in cultural revitalisation and community cohesion.”
Delivering a lecture at the event, the guest speaker, Dr Allu Augustine Umbugadu of the Department of Entrepreneurship Studies, Faculty of Administration, Nasarawa State University, Keffi, highlighted opportunities embedded in the mineral wealth of the Galle Hills for youth economic empowerment beyond direct mining activities.
Speaking on the topic, “Youth Engagement and Economic Empowerment through Mineral Resources Development in the Galle Hills,” Dr Umbugadu noted that mining had played a significant role in Nigeria’s economic history, particularly in the North Central region where Nasarawa State is located.
He said value addition, entrepreneurship and allied services around mineral resources could serve as viable avenues for empowering youths and fostering sustainable development.
Voice of Nigeria reports that the event’s highlights included award presentations, fundraising activities, cultural displays, and goodwill messages from various stakeholders.
Lateefah Ibrahim