By Rabiu Sanusi in Gombe
The morning sun bathed the rolling hills of Kaltungo in golden hues, signaling the dawn of the much-anticipated 2023 Cultural Festival.
The air was alive with excitement as people from all walks of life converged on the chiefdom to witness a celebration of unity, identity, and resilience.
”This was not merely a carnival; it was a declaration of heritage, woven together by the collective pride of the people.
Under the stewardship of His Royal Highness, the Mai Kaltungo, and the guidance of the dynamic chairperson Hajiya Saadatu Mustapha—fondly known as Alkyabban Kaltungo the festival had grown to become a beacon of peace and cooperation.
The 2023 edition, a prelude to the grander 2024 event, promised an unforgettable experience.
By mid-morning, the festival grounds buzzed with energy, Delegates from various ethnic groups, including the Wurkunawa, Chamba Tangale, and Tangale Waja, donned their finest regalia.
” Each tribe performed traditional dances, their movements telling age-old stories of love, war, and survival.
The rhythmic beats of drums echoed through the valley, mingling with the melodies of flutes and the cheers of an enthralled audience.
”With camera in hand, he captured the vibrant scenes, ensuring the stories of Kaltungo’s cultural richness reached far beyond the hills.”
His work underscored the importance of preserving history through modern technology, a bridge between the past and the future.
”As the festival unfolded, dignitaries arrived in droves, their presence a testament to the event’s significance.
Among of them was the Sarkin Gaya, who sat alongside the Mai Kaltungo, both leaders united in their vision of a harmonious society.
”Together, they applauded the performers and addressed the crowd,urging everyone to uphold the values of peace and unity that the carnival symbolized.
The climax of the day came with a heartfelt speech from His royal Highness Engr.Sale Muhammad Umar Mai kaltungo,His words carried the weight of his commitment:
“Our culture is our identity. Today, as we dance, sing, and tell stories, we are not just celebrating the past but building a future where diversity is our strength.”
In his remark the Gombe State governor Alhaji Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya ably represented by the commissioner of security and internal affairs Lit.col.Abdullahi Bello (rtd) thanks the people of kaltungo and His royal Highness Mai kaltungo Engr.Sale Muhammad Umar for organizing such beautiful occasions
Earlier, in his welcome address the chairman of the occasion Mr.Meso C. Dickson Said the 2024 Kaltungo Cultural Festival was more than a day of festivities. It was a living testament to the power of heritage in uniting people.
Also In his remark professor Jerry Gana a former minister of information and culture said In every drumbeat, dance step, and shared meal, the message was clear: Kaltungo’s spirit of unity would endure for generations to come and he promise to bring more development to kaltungo and Gombe State at large
As the sun set, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink, the festival reached its crescendo with a grand parade.
The streets of Kaltungo transformed into a river of colors, sounds, and smiles. Strangers became friends, and the bonds of community grew stronger.
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