Kwete Festival : Governor Fintiri Advocates for Agricultural Development and Cultural Preservation

Kwete Festival : Governor Fintiri Advocates for Agricultural Development and Cultural Preservation

The 5th Annual Kwete Festival in Lamurde Council Area, Adamawa State, was marked by a call from Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri for the Bachama people to prioritize agriculture to enhance food security and foster development. Represented by Deputy Governor Professor Kaletapwa George Farauta, Governor Fintiri emphasized the importance of preserving cultural heritage and promoting unity during the festival’s wrestling event.

Celebrating the Kwete Festival

The Kwete Festival is a significant cultural event for the Bachama community, symbolizing the commencement of the farming season and serving as a prayer for bountiful harvests. Traditionally, it features wrestling competitions where youth demonstrate their strength, alongside women’s traditional dances that showcase rich cultural attire. These activities play a vital role in ensuring the preservation of the Bachama’s cultural heritage.

A Call for Unity and Development

His Royal Majesty, Dr. Daniel Shaga Ismaila, the Hama Bachama, highlighted the necessity of peace and justice for development and unity. He commended Governor Fintiri’s dedication to correcting past injustices and promoting peace in Adamawa State. The Governor reassured the people of Adamawa of his administration’s commitment to supporting cultural activities that foster unity and peaceful coexistence.

In his address, Governor Fintiri urged youths to pursue education and skills acquisition, reiterating his administration’s zero-tolerance policy for any threats to the safety, peace, and security of the state. He also encouraged the Bachama people to maintain their socio-cultural, economic, and political identities to positively contribute to their communities and society at large.

Promoting Culture and Tourism

Aloysius Baba Doke, Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, praised the Bachama people’s cultural pride and announced plans for the 2025 Festival Carnival in April. He noted that such festivals not only showcase Adamawa’s cultural heritage globally but also attract investors, thereby boosting the state’s internally generated revenue.

Joab Sahma, Commissioner in the Ministry of Land and Survey and Secretary of the festival’s organizing committee, described the Kwete Festival as a crucial event that unites people from across the state, Nigeria, and the diaspora in celebrating the rich traditions of the Bachama people.

A Time for Reflection and Celebration

Chairman of Lamurde Council Area, Bulus Daniel, described the festival as a moment of thanksgiving and prayers for good health and favorable farming conditions in the coming rainy season. He called on all indigenous sons and daughters of the Bachama Kingdom to collaborate and support initiatives aimed at preserving their cultural heritage.

The Kwete Festival serves as a unifying event, drawing attendees from various backgrounds to celebrate the Bachama’s cultural norms and heritage. It provides an opportunity for communal prayers, cultural displays, and fostering strong communal ties. The festival’s role in uniting people and preserving cultural identity underscores its significance in the socio-cultural landscape of Adamawa State.