Prof. Dahida advocates for Tiv traditional stool in Taraba
Professor Dahida Philip of the University of Abuja has called on the Taraba State Government to officially recognize the “Ter Tiv Taraba” stool and the Tiv traditional leadership structure.
This recognition, he argued, would enhance their effectiveness and enable them to contribute more significantly to the development of Taraba State.
Prof. Philip Dahida is the Director of the Abuja Leadership Centre, where he oversees Masters and PhD programs in Public Governance and Leadership, Policy and Strategic Studies, and Military Studies.
He is also a Professor of Public Administration, contributing to leadership development through research and mentorship.
His expertise includes public administration, policy analysis, governance dynamics, local government reform, and sustainable development.
Prof. Philip Dahida serves as an Editorial Board Member of the Abuja Journal of Administration and Management, highlighting his thought leadership in the field.
Dahida made the appeal on Sunday during the 25th anniversary celebration of the Tiv traditional leadership in Bali Local Government Area, held at Government Day Secondary School in Bali, Taraba State.
Dr. Joels Terkuram, representing the Ter Tiv Zamfara and Chairman of the Zamfara Inter-Ethnic Forum, emphasized the vital role traditional leaders play in promoting peace and unity within society.
He called for the proper recognition of Tiv traditional institutions as a means to foster mutual understanding between the Tiv and other ethnic groups, aiming to create sustainable peace in Zamfara State.
“The Tiv traditional leadership in Bali Local Government Area has achieved remarkable milestones over the past 25 years, including fostering peace and stability, sustaining interethnic relationships, and mobilising the Tiv people to participate in democratic processes that have produced numerous leaders since 1999.
“I want to appeal to the Taraba state government to recognise the Tiv traditional institution in the state as done in Adamawa, Kogi and Zamfara states for easy coordination and for the people to have a deep sense integration and development,” Dahida appealed.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Taraba State Tiv Traditional Leaders’ Council, Chief David Gbaa Tella, commended Governor Kefas for his commitment to fostering peace and development in the state.
He assured the governor of the unwavering support of the Tiv people, pledging their continued cooperation to ensure the state’s progress.
“I want to thank the Governor for ensuring the security of lives and property and for providing an enabling environment for communities to thrive.
“We are solidly behind him and we want to appeal to him to encourage inter-ethnic cooperation and unity, help facilitate the return of all displaced people back to their communities especially in Wukari Local Government Area.”
Governor Agbu Kefas was honored with the Inclusive Governance and Development Award for his efforts in promoting inclusive governance, infrastructural development, and creating an enabling environment for all citizens of Taraba during the three-day event.
The Special Adviser to the Taraba State Governor on Political Matters, Professor Josiah Sabo Kente, was honoured with the chieftaincy title “Zege Vende U Myom U Tiv” meaning “The Rock of Saviour of the Tiv people of Taraba”. Additionally, the member representing Bali 1 Constituency in the Taraba State House of Assembly received the traditional title “Backbone of the Tiv in Bali Local Government Area” in recognition of her consistent support to the Tiv community in that area.
These honours were part of the silver jubilee celebration of the Tiv traditional leadership in Bali, which took place from Thursday to Sunday, concluding with a Thanksgiving Service. The event featured the launch of a commemorative book, the crowning of the Face of Tiv (Kumashe U Tiv), cultural dances, masquerade displays, and other cultural activities
