Writing By Daniel Karlmax, Editing By Godwin Duru
Over the past two and a half decades, the Koro Chiefdom in Kagarko Local Government Area of Kaduna State has continued to play a crucial role in safeguarding the Koro language, festivals, and traditional institutions, as well as ensuring the inter generational transmission of its values.
Despite numerous challenges, the Chiefdom has recorded notable achievements in leadership, cultural preservation, social cohesion, and community development under the stewardship of its Paramount Ruler, His Royal Highness, Dr. Yohanna Akaito, the Ere Koro I.
The cultural festival, themed “Koro Tradition, Culture and Progress: 25 Years of the Koro Chiefdom’s Journey So Far,” showcased the rich cultural diversity of the Koro people.
The highlights included traditional farming practices, hunting skills, indigenous music and dances, traditional attire, and cultural artifacts, among others.
The cultural festival provided a platform for reflection, rededication, and renewed determination to build a stronger, united, and progressive Koro Nation.
In his address, the President of the Koro Community Development Association (KCDA), Professor John Magaji Kutaho, described the historic celebration as timely and reflective.
He drew the attention of government and relevant authorities to critical development needs within the Chiefdom, including the upgrade of the Chiefdom to First Class status, strengthened security, rehabilitation of rural road networks, establishment of banking facilities, and provision of reliable telecommunication services across Kagarko Local Government Area.
Other pressing needs, according to him, include the reinstatement of districts within the Koro Chiefdom, rehabilitation and reconstruction of rural electrification projects, and the construction of a befitting palace and secretariat complex to enhance coordination, administration, and community development initiatives.
In his speech, Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, said that beyond the colourful displays of music, dance, drumming, and traditional attire, the festival serves as a platform for development and economic empowerment.
Represented by his Deputy, Dr. Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe, the Governor stated that the state government recognises culture as a catalyst for sustainable development.
He assured that the government would continue to work with traditional and community leaders to create an enabling environment for them to celebrate their culture and heritage in the interest of peace, unity, and progress.
The Minister of Defence and Chairman of the occasion, General Christopher Musa (rtd), represented by his Senior Special Adviser, Mr. Musa Likita, said the festival was more than just a celebration of history, but also of origin, cultural resilience, unity, and preparation for a better future.
In line with the theme of the celebration, he noted that progress is built on peace and cooperation, stressing that unity and harmony are essential for development and growth.
He further observed that the Koro Chiefdom has been instrumental in promoting peace and grassroots development in Kagarko, Southern Kaduna, and the State at large.
According to the Minister, this aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the inclusive governance of the Senator Uba Sani-led administration, aimed at restoring confidence, strengthening security, and creating real opportunities for the people.
“Let me state this clearly: development does not start in Abuja; it starts in communities like Koro. In this regard, I commend our traditional rulers, community leaders, and sons and daughters at home and in the diaspora who continue to strive to create an enabling environment for development to thrive in Koro.
“You are proof that when a community stands together, nothing can stop it. As we celebrate this silver jubilee, I challenge you to think bigger—build more schools, empower the youth, support our farmers, grow our businesses, and strengthen peace. Indeed, Koro is not just celebrating history but preparing for the future,” he said.
In his remarks, the Paramount Ruler of Koro, HRH Dr. Yohanna Akaito, Ere Koro I, expressed gratitude to God and the people of Koro for the opportunity to serve, describing the Koro people as peaceful, humble, hospitable, and accommodating.
The Monarch appealed for the upgrade of the Koro Chiefdom to First Class status and the reversal of its name from “Kubacha Chiefdom” to “Koro Chiefdom,” a name deeply rooted in its history and cultural identity.
“On this very date, January 10, 2001, exactly twenty-five years ago, the then Executive Governor of Kaduna State, His Excellency Senator Ahmed Makarfi, appointed and turbaned me as the first Paramount Ruler of the Koro Chiefdom.
“Today, we celebrate not only our rich cultural heritage but also 25 years of the resurrection of the Koro Chiefdom.
“Long before the amalgamation of Nigeria, the Koro people possessed a structured administrative system headed by a ruler known as the Ereboku. Archival records, of the National Archives, Kaduna, attest to the originality, territorial presence, and administrative structure of the Koro people in Kagarko and beyond”
The historic event attracted dignitaries from across the country, including religious and traditional leaders, government officials, political office holders, and sons and daughters of Koro from within and outside the country.
The celebration featured goodwill messages, cultural displays, award presentations, traditional dances among other activities marking the silver jubilee of the Koro Chiefdom.
Daniel Karlmax
