GSS Mararaba Gurku Bursts into Colour at Cultural Day as Principal Salihu Gani Vows School Transformation
By Roseline Okafor, Nasarawa
The expansive grounds of Government Secondary School (GSS) Mararaba Gurku came alive on Saturday with an explosion of colours, rhythms, and traditions as students, teachers, parents, and dignitaries converged for the school’s highly anticipated annual Cultural Day celebration, a vibrant showcase of Nigeria’s rich ethnic tapestry that left everyone spellbound.
Organized meticulously by the school management under the watchful eye of Principal Alhaji Salihu Gani, the event transformed the usually serene school premises into a pulsating carnival of cultural pride, where hundreds of students from diverse tribes donned their resplendent traditional attires, from the flowing agbadas and intricate coral beads of the Yoruba, the regal flowing gowns and embroidered caps of the Hausa, to the vibrant wrappers and headgears of the Igbo and other minority groups, proudly parading their unique identities in a procession that underscored the unity in Nigeria’s diversity.
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The air was thick with excitement as troupes of young performers took to improvised stages, delivering electrifying traditional dances that had the crowd clapping and cheering, complemented by soul-stirring music from talking drums, flutes, and xylophones, while long tables groaned under the weight of mouthwatering local delicacies like tuwo shinkafa, pounded yam with egusi soup, jollof rice, and akara, all sampled eagerly by guests who savoured the authentic flavours of various cultures.
In a highlight that drew thunderous applause, students delivered eloquent presentations on their tribal customs, traditions, and core values, educating the audience on everything from marriage rites and festivals to proverbs and folklore, fostering a deeper appreciation for the nation’s multicultural heritage amid chants and ululations that echoed far beyond the school fences.
Dignitaries, including local government officials and community leaders, were treated to an unforgettable experience, mingling with the revellers, inspecting the culinary displays, and even joining in some dances, their faces lighting up with pride at the creativity and talent on show from these young ambassadors of Nigerian culture.
Taking the microphone amidst the festivities, Principal Alhaji Salihu Gani, whose leadership has been pivotal to the school’s rising profile, declared that the Cultural Day was deliberately instituted to instill cultural awareness, mutual understanding, and respect among students in an increasingly globalized world, while he showered encomiums on parents for their unwavering support in encouraging their wards’ active participation.
He seized the moment to pledge a comprehensive transformation of the school, promising upgrades in infrastructure, teaching resources, and extracurricular programmes to position GSS Mararaba Gurku as a beacon of excellence in Nasarawa State and beyond, vowing that such events would only grow bigger and better.
The day’s resounding success, marked by seamless coordination and infectious joy, has solidified the annual Cultural Day as an indelible tradition at GSS Mararaba Gurku, a testament to the enduring beauty of Nigeria’s cultural mosaic and a clarion call for all schools to prioritize such initiatives in nurturing well-rounded citizens.
