Butura Hosts 2026 Nahwai Cultural Festival, Showcasing Heritage, Unity and Development Vision
Culture, royalty and governance converged on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at the Butura (Wur) Gida Playground as the Butura community hosted the 2026 Nahwai Annual Cultural Festival — a vibrant celebration of identity, unity and heritage.
Organized by the Butura Development Association in collaboration with the Plateau State Traditional Council, the festival attracted traditional rulers, political leaders, business figures and sons and daughters of Butura from across Nigeria and the diaspora.
Defence Minister Highlights Culture, Security and Nation Building
The keynote address was delivered on behalf of the Minister of Defence, Gen Christopher Musa rtd, by Col. Luke Adejo. He conveyed goodwill from Bola Ahmed Tinubu, reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to unity, peace and inclusive development nationwide.
He described the Nahwai Cultural Festival as a growing national cultural platform that preserves heritage while strengthening national cohesion.
According to him, cultural festivals play a vital role in nation-building by preserving collective memory, transmitting values and promoting intergenerational connections in a diverse country like Nigeria.
Beyond symbolism, he noted that such gatherings stimulate local enterprise, promote tourism, provide platforms for artistic expression and youth participation, and project communities onto national and international stages.
Addressing security concerns in Bokkos Local Government Area, the minister acknowledged past challenges including kidnappings, land disputes and communal tensions. He stressed the need for a comprehensive approach combining intelligence strengthening, rapid response, accountability, modern livestock management practices and rehabilitation for displaced communities.
He also emphasized dialogue, mediation and community leadership as essential tools for sustaining peace, noting that traditional institutions and faith leaders remain custodians of trust and social harmony.
Plateau Government Links Peace to Tourism Growth
Governor Caleb Mutfwang was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Architect Samuel Nanchang Jatto, who attended as Distinguished Guest of Honour.
Delivering the governor’s goodwill message, Jatto described Mutfwang as a passionate supporter of culture and community-driven development and emphasized that tourism can only thrive in a peaceful environment.
“Government’s first focal point is to ensure peace in the land. Where there is peace, tourism will naturally flourish,” he said.
He revealed that the Plateau State Government, in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme, is finalizing a comprehensive Tourism Master Plan to guide sustainable tourism development.
Jatto further disclosed that key hospitality assets such as Plateau Hotel and Hill Station Hotel are undergoing revitalization through Public-Private Partnerships. He added that state-backed cultural and religious events have boosted economic activity, with hotel occupancy in Jos reaching between 90 and 95 percent during major events.
He cautioned against politicizing cultural gatherings, urging inclusivity and unity while pledging continued government collaboration with the Butura community.
Traditional Leaders Celebrate Cultural Pride and Identity
The Royal Father of the Day, His Royal Majesty Dr. Johnson Jauro Magaji II, Ujah Anaguta and Chairman of the Jos North Traditional Council, described the festival as a defining moment for the Butura people.
He praised the community for showcasing culture at its finest and urged parents and elders to transmit cultural values, language and history to younger generations.
“Each dance, each song, each exhibition is a thread in the tapestry of who we are,” he said, stressing that globalization must not erode indigenous identity.
Calls for Peace and Community Solidarity
Chairman of the occasion, Commander Yilchini Bida (Rtd), expressed solidarity with the people of Bokkos, acknowledging the pains caused by past crises and pledging support toward restoring peace. He emphasized the welcoming tradition of the community and donated ₦2 million to support development efforts.
Chief Engineer Gabriel Ayuba, Chairman of the Central Planning Committee, described the festival as a rallying point for preserving Butura culture in a rapidly changing digital age. He commended community members and supporters for their contributions and highlighted ongoing development initiatives, including the construction of a permanent cultural ground and implementation of the Greater Butura Development Master Plan.
Cultural Display and Community Pride
Dignitaries at the event included traditional rulers from neighbouring communities and Nasarawa State, respected leaders and prominent sons of the soil, including Chief Kefas Ropshik, CEO of Kafiano Motors, who made notable contributions.
The festival featured colourful traditional dances, rhythmic drumming, vibrant attire and exhibitions of indigenous artistry, reflecting the depth of Butura’s cultural heritage.
As the 2026 Nahwai Cultural Festival drew to a close, a clear message emerged: the Butura community remains committed to preserving its identity while embracing progress.
With royal endorsement and government backing, the festival celebrated the past while charting a confident course for the future — demonstrating that when culture, peace and leadership align, a community’s spirit becomes unbreakable.
