Writing By Adamu Yusuf; Editing By Yusuf Zubairu
Fulbe Development and Cultural Organization has successfully organized the maiden Pulaaku Day 2024, with a call for pastoralists to adapt to the current realities of Nigeria and Africa.
The day is being organized for the first time, to promote Fulbe culture, heritage, peace, unity and peaceful co-existence among the broad diversity of
Fulbe and other cultures.
The event took place at the Emir of Zazzau’s Palace in Zaria, Kaduna State, and featured Quran recitations, an exhibition of cultural artifacts, public lectures, a fashion parade, cultural dances, traditional stick fighting displays, and more.
In his address, the Founder and National Chairman of the Fulbe Development and Cultural Organization (FUDECO), Mr. Sali Sadou Nana, said the event was organized to commemorate the United Nations International Day of Indigenous Peoples and their knowledge, which is scheduled to take place annually.
The Day also highlight the rights of Indigenous peoples to make their own decisions and carry them out in ways that are meaningful and culturally appropriate to them.
Mr. Sali Nana urged Fulbe and Nigerians to stay away from all forms of criminality, ethno-religious hatred and violence and to promote their positive cultural values, peace and unity, as well as respect other people’s cultures.
The Chief Host of the occasion, the Emir of Zazzau, Malam Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli described Fulbe community in Nigeria as peace loving that hold their core values for their heritage not violence.
“It is the bad eggs that gave bad names to the real Fulbe in this country, describing them as the most learned and enlightened in Nigeria because the late Islamic scholar Shehu Usman Fodio had greatly impacted knowledge on them even before the colonial master era” he said.
The Emir expressed dissatisfaction on how Fulbe were linked with cases of banditry and kidnapping in Nigeria, adding that it was not their heritage and it was blackmail.
In his remarks, Kaduna State Coordinator of FUDECO, Bar. Abubakar Ibrahim Naseh said, the wrong names giving to Fulbe by some section of Nigeria is a planned to destroy them on the history they have in the country.
He cited an example, stating that when any Western or Eastern tribe commits a criminal offense, they are referred to as “unknown gunmen,” whereas the Fulbe are labeled as “bandits” or “kidnappers.
Also speaking on the significance of the occasion, the former Director General of Voice of Nigeria (VON), Alhaji Abubakar Jijiwa, said it was an opportunity for all Fulbe to gather and discuss issues affecting them directly or indirectly.
He appealed to them to reunite and address the lingering issues which gave them very bad name in Nigeria.
Alhaji Jijiwa also urged them to wake up and reclaim their position and values among Nigerian states, which were in danger of being lost.
Earlier in his remarks, the Ardon Ardodin Zazzau, Alhaji Abubakar Umar expressed confidence that Fulbe would bounce back to reclaim their position in Nigeria.
In an interview, the National Coordinator of Pulaaku day, Fatima Zahra Bashir said Fulbe are peace loving people and they made significant contributions to Nigeria’s socio-economic development.
She advised youths on the importance of acquiring both Western and Islamic education, as well as skills acquisition, to become self-reliant.
” This holistic approach to education and personal development is essential for the Fulbe community’s continued growth and contributions to society” she said.
The theme of this year’s event is “Celebrating Fulbe Culture, Heritage, Peace, and Unity,” in collaboration with the United Nations International Day of Indigenous Peoples.
Cov/Adamu Yusuf
