SACA Hosts Splendid 2025 Irewha Hunting Festival, Showcasing Egbira Cultural Splendour
By Yahaya Idris, Toto LG
Shafa Abakpa community in Toto Local Government Area of Nasarawa State came alive with pulsating energy as the Shafa Abakpa Community Association (SACA) rolled out the red carpet for the 2025 Irewha Cultural and Hunting Festival, on 27th December, 2025.
The annual event, a beacon of Egbira cultural heritage, drew throngs of enthusiasts from near and far, uniting them in a symphony of tradition and revelry. The power of culture to foster unity and togetherness shone brightly throughout the festival.
Traditional dances swayed to rhythmic drumbeats, soul-stirring music filled the air, and daring hunting displays captivated the audience, painting a vivid portrait of the community’s ancient legacies. From dawn till dusk, the atmosphere in Shafa Abakpa buzzed with unbridled excitement.
Families, youths, and visitors mingled under colorful canopies, savoring local delicacies while immersing themselves in performances that echoed the Egbira people’s resilient spirit.
Irewha Hunting Festival: More Than Culture, It’s a Peace Catalyst – Barr. Tanko Osuku
Stakeholders at the event took turns emphasizing culture’s pivotal role in bridging ethnic divides and nurturing societal harmony.
They hailed the festival as a vital platform for promoting peaceful coexistence amid Nigeria’s diverse tapestry.
Speaking at the event, Toto Local Government Council Chairman, Pharmacist Ahmed Baba Yahaya, who was a special guest, pledged unwavering government support for such cultural extravaganzas.
“We will continue to back these festivals to ignite unity and love among all tribes in our area, paving the way for sustainable development,” he affirmed amid cheers.
In his keynote address, National President of SACA, Alhaji Usman Shaba Adams, described the Irewha festival as more than a celebration—it’s a sacred tradition symbolizing deep community bonds, the preservation of Egbira heritage, and a joyous affirmation of life itself.
Echoing this sentiment, the Chairman of the Central Organizing Committee and SACA Secretary, Mr. Sam Israel, highlighted the festival’s evolution over the years.
He noted how it has grown into a cornerstone event that draws national attention to Shafa Abakpa’s cultural richness.
Traditional rulers graced the occasion with their majestic presence, adding royal gravitas.
Ohi-Emani, Alhaji Hussaini Usman Kyafi, led tributes, joined by the Aguma of Bassa, Dr. David Tukura; representative of Madakin Opanda, Dr. Musa Muhammed Maikaya, APC governorship aspirant for the 2027 election; Barr. Yakubu Galadima, Abuja based legal Luminary and philanthropist; and Chairman of Kogi State Civil Service Commission, Barr. Muhammed Musa Tanko Osuku.
These esteemed leaders commended the serene and peaceful ambiance pervading Shafa Abakpa community.
They reaffirmed their collective resolve to nurture enduring peace, urging all residents to emulate the festival’s spirit of brotherhood in daily life.
The festival’s crescendo arrived with the hunters’ grand procession, a mesmerizing parade of masked warriors in resplendent traditional regalia.
These brave souls demonstrated their prowess through live enactments of animal tracking and capture techniques, leaving spectators in awe of their skill and valor.
Crowning the festivities, the beauty pageant held on Friday night electrified the crowd. After a fierce contest among nine dazzling contestants, Hanifa Ismail emerged victorious as Miss Shafa Abakpa 2025, her poise and elegance sealing a perfect finale to an unforgettable Irewha festival.
