The Koro people in Kaduna State on Saturday rolled out drums to celebrate what could be described as a ‘Great and colourful’ maiden Cultural Day Festival.
The event attended by large number of dignitaries within and outside Kaduna was the first of its kind since the creation of Koro Chiefdom in the State.
In his speech during the occasion held at Government Secondary School,Kubacha, Kagarko local government areas of Kaduna State the President of Koro Community Development Association (KCDA), Prof. John Yakubu Magaji said the theme: Revitalizing Koro Cultural Heritage, Bridging Generations and Uniting Communities reflects the collective aspirations of the Koro people.
Speaking further on the theme, Prof Magaji said, “It speaks to our long-held desire to deliberately revive our rich cultural and traditional values, build sustainable connections across generations, and foster unity in the pursuit of progress, development, and peaceful coexistence with our neighbours.”
Though he acknowledged that this first attempt to organize the Koro Cultural Festival came with its own challenges and unintended outcomes, he gave assurance that subsequent events would be better.
While reflecting on the history and journey of our association, he explained: “The Koro Community Development Association began as individual units at village levels. The idea of coming together as a collective started in Kaduna town, where all Koro indigenes residing in Kaduna began to meet as a group—what is today known as “the Koro Community Development Association Kaduna Branch”. It was this branch that took the crucial step of registering the association with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), giving it formal recognition.
“The unification of all village development associations was spearheaded by Mr. Emmanuel Ejah, fondly known as Polude, who served as the first president. He was succeeded by L.L. Lamba, under whose leadership the Koro Chiefdom was created—a foundational milestone that laid the groundwork for the democratic dividends we are witnessing today. The mantle of leadership then passed to Dr. Kurah of blessed memory. After his passing, the Association nearly went into extinction, until it was revived in 2022 under my leadership, with me, Prof. J.Y. Magaji, emerging as the elected president. It is by the grace of God and the resilience of our people that we are standing strong today.
“Nevertheless, today is a day of pride for every son and daughter of the Koro nation. This annual cultural day festival has come to stay, and we pledge to build upon the strong foundation that has now been laid.”
He however, thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Uba Sani for the commendable development work they are doing across the nation and the State and prayed to God to grant them good health as well as the opportunity to continue and accomplish all the positive agendas they have set for the country and State.
He also commended the Kagarko Council Chairman, Hon. Muhuyideen, who according to him wholeheartedly embraced the event as his own.
He didn’t end his speech without extending appreciation to the Executive Cabinet of the Koro Community Development Association for their unwavering support and dedication to the vision of their community and the 2025 cultural Day Board members;all the sub-committees and those,who helped in one-way or the other for their nurturing spirit, energy, creativity, commitment and consistent contributions, to the success of the festival
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Middle-Belt Times 