By Our Reporter

Under the warm Nasarawa sun, the palace of the Abaga Toni in Kokona Local Government Area came alive with rhythm, colour, and purpose as the Gwandara people gathered for the 11th edition of their annual Cultural Carnival. More than a festival, the 2026 celebration stood as a reaffirmation of identity and a collective call for harmony, aptly captured in its theme: “Peace, Unity and Progress.”
Organised by the Gwandara Development, Educational and Cultural Association (GWADECA), the carnival drew no fewer than 24 cultural groups from across Nasarawa State.

Each group took turns transforming the palace arena into a living museum of tradition—through spirited dances, symbolic music, elaborate attire, and age-old performances that narrated the history, values, and worldview of the Gwandra people.

Elders watched with pride, youths performed with passion, and children looked on, absorbing lessons woven into song and movement.

The festival attracted a diverse audience of traditional rulers, community leaders, women’s associations, youth groups, and other stakeholders, all united by a shared belief in culture as a bridge between generations and communities. In an atmosphere thick with drums and applause, conversations about peace, mutual respect, and communal responsibility echoed just as loudly as the performances themselves.

Adding political weight to the occasion was Senator Ahmed Wadada Aliyu, who in a message commended GWADECA for sustaining the carnival over the years.  The Senator described the Gwandra Cultural Carnival as more than an annual festivity, calling it a strategic platform for peacebuilding, tolerance, and grassroots development.
“In a diverse state like Nasarawa, cultural heritage is not just history—it is a vital pillar of social stability and national integration,” he noted. Senator Wadada emphasized the role of culture in shaping responsible citizenship, urging young people to embrace their traditions as tools for unity rather than division.

He cautioned against actions that could undermine communal harmony, stressing that peace remains the foundation for any meaningful development.

The Senator also reaffirmed his commitment to supporting initiatives that preserve cultural heritage and promote inclusive development across the state. He called for stronger partnerships between cultural organizations, traditional institutions, and government actors to advance a shared vision of peace and prosperity.

As the final dances faded and the crowd slowly dispersed, the message of the day lingered. The Gwandra Cultural Carnival had once again proven that culture is not merely about the past—it is a living force shaping the present and guiding the future. With renewed calls for unity and collective responsibility, the event closed on a hopeful note, reinforcing the belief that a peaceful and progressive society is best built on the firm foundation of shared values and cultural pride.