The Nasarawa State Government has called on citizens and stakeholders to promote youth engagement and economic empowerment through the sustainable development of the state’s mineral resources. The call was made by the Secretary to the State Government, Barrister Labaran Magaji, during the 5th Galle Cultural Day celebration held in Galle, Nassarawa Eggon Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.
Magaji said the state is richly endowed with mineral resources that, if properly harnessed, could create jobs for young people and improve livelihoods across communities. He stressed that regulated and responsible exploitation of these resources would help boost economic growth while reducing youth unemployment in the state.
Represented at the event by the Special Adviser on Intergovernmental Matters, Hon. Abdullahi Loko, the SSG said youth-focused policies around mineral development would contribute to long-term stability. He noted that engaging youths productively would also help address social challenges linked to joblessness.
He commended the Galle community for organising the annual cultural festival, describing it as an important platform for sustaining Eggon cultural heritage among the younger generation. According to him, cultural events like the Galle Cultural Day help transmit values, history, and identity to youths in a changing society.
Magaji called on the people of Galle, residents of Nasarawa State, and Nigerians at large to preserve and promote their cultural traditions. He said culture remains a strong tool for unity, peace, and national development when properly upheld and respected.
In his remarks, the President of the Eggon Cultural Development Association, Mr Mandy Abuluya, praised the Galle community for sustaining the Galle Cultural Day over the years. He said the celebration promotes unity, peace, and harmony among the Eggon people and other ethnic groups living in the area.
Abuluya urged members of the Eggon nation to continue embracing peaceful coexistence. “I want to use this medium to call on the Eggon nation and all others to embrace love, unity, and peace for the overall development of the state,” he said.
Also speaking, the Chairman of Nasarawa Eggon Local Government Area, Barrister Ibn, said the cultural day had strengthened unity of purpose and togetherness among the Eggon people. He thanked the organisers for the award presented to him, adding that the recognition would motivate him to do more in serving his people.
The Chairman of the ECDA, Galle Branch, Mr Umar Abdullahi Galle, described Galle as a community that is globally recognised for promoting unity and cultural diversity. He said the 2025 celebration was unique, with the theme, “Harnessing Galle Hill’s Mineral Wealth: Preserving Culture, Promoting Peace and Powering Development.”
Umar explained that the Galle Cultural Day provides a platform for celebrating shared values and communal bonds. “Our ability to sustain this event for five consecutive years reflects the successes recorded in cultural revitalisation and community cohesion,” he said.
Delivering a lecture, the guest speaker, Dr Allu Augustine Umbugadu of the Department of Entrepreneurship Studies, Faculty of Administration, Nasarawa State University, Keffi, highlighted opportunities in the mineral wealth of the Galle Hills beyond direct mining.
Speaking on “Youth Engagement and Economic Empowerment through Mineral Resources Development in the Galle Hills,” Umbugadu said mining had played a key role in Nigeria’s economic history, especially in the North Central region. He added that value addition, entrepreneurship, and allied services could empower youths and support sustainable development.
Voice of Nigeria reports that highlights of the event included award presentations, fundraising activities, cultural displays, and goodwill messages from stakeholders.
