By; Bala B. Bitrus, Minna.
Canadian investors are to arrive Niger state next month on trade mission for the development of the Tatiko Fabrics, the Gbagyi pottery and other arts and crafts, Governor Abubakar Sani Bello has said.
The Governor mooted that the invitation was to explore ways the famous Tatiko Fabrics and arts and crafts of the Gbagyi people could be harnessed to draw earnings for both the people and the state.
Governor Bello made this known in Paiko at a cultural fiesta organized by the Paigokni Development Association which is a Pan Gbagyi ethnic group in Paikokoro area of Niger state.
The Paigokni Development Association at the weekend conferred a traditional title on the Chief of Staff to Governor Bello, Mr. Mikhail Bmitosahi at the maiden edition of the Paigokni Cultural Festival held over the weekend.
Bmitosahi is one of the few Gbagyi men occupying a high political profile office in the administration of Governor Abubakar Sani Bello amidst growing outcries and complaints from the Gbagyis for more political appointments and stakes for their kit and kins.
But Governor Bello has however assured the the Gbagyi ethnic groups in the state of his administration’s commitment to the development of their culture and traditions.
He said he is ready to support the promotion of the culture and traditions of Gbagyi people in order to keep their rich cultural heritage alive and prosperous.
The Governor spoke through the state’s Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Mr. Jonathan Tsado Vatsa. He said culture is a veritable tool for the identity of a people and for the propagation of history and the evolution of man and his society.
While he charged the organizers of the cultural fiesta to do more in packaging the annual fiesta, Governor Bello said Paiko was one of the listed cultural heritage sites of the state hence the government was committed to preserve the rich culture and traditions of the people of the area.
He disclosed plans by his administration to explore ways to modernize the Tatiko fabrics and it’s local textile industries and as well as the local arts and crafts, (pottery) of the Gbagyi people of Paiko.
He said investors from Canada were expected in the state next month to partner with the government on how to develop the local textile industries of the famous Tatiko hand woven textile local technology.
Senator David Umaru, Niger East senatorial district who was Chairman at the occasion, assured that he will continue to use his resources and influence to advance the growth of the rich culture of the Gbagyi people. He also promised to upgrade some of the existing amenities and infrastructure in the area for the benefit of the people.
He commended the President of the association, Ambassador Zubairu Dada for the foresight in organizing the cultural fiesta. He said the rich arts and culture of the Paiko people must be sustained and propagated for history and posterity.
Ambassador Dada commended the state government for donating N500, 000 towards hosting the fiesta. He said the festival was not a cult nor fetish practice. He explained further that the association is a non political and non-profit making association aimed at advancing the cultural heritage of people of Paiko.
