Puusdung 2025: Sen. Lalong Urges Cultural Revival, Hails Pope Francis
From Tongnaan Bawa Jos
Senator representing Plateau South Senatorial District Simon Bako Lalong has advocated the use of culture as a tool for addressing security, economic and development issues in Plateau State and Nigeria at large.
Senator Lalong while addressing Puusdung 2025, the annual cultural festival of the Ngas people in Pankshin Local Government Area of Plateau State said neglect of culture and traditional values is at the root of most of the disfunction witnessed in society.
Lalong said the challenges the nation has continued to grapple with stem from the fact that values of honesty, love, tolerance, unity, fairness, justice as well as punishment for bad and reward for good have all been jettisoned at both personal and public levels.
He therefore commended the Ngas nation for sustaining the annual cultural fiesta, Puusdung which brings the people from all over the world to not only reunite, but examine the challenges facing them and apply their cultural remedies to them.
Senator Lalong charged the Ngas people to continue to use their positions wherever they find themselves to work towards enhancing peace and prosperity because of their known attributes for harwork and commitment.
According to the Senator, the time has come that those in power must use the resources of the people to work for them and ensure that avenues for disenchantment and discontent are greatly reduced.
He said the administration of President Bola Tinubu has through the removal of fuel subsidy already enhanced the revenues of the local and state Governments which should make a difference in service delivery.
Plateau State Governor Caleb Manaseh Mutfwang also commended the Ngas nation for its commitment to the peace and security of Plateau State using its culture and traditions which are known all over the world.
Senator representing Plateau South Senatorial District Senator Diket Plang expressed excitement that the event has galvanised the people and served as a melting pot for the culture, friendship and oneness.
He called for greater unity and collaboration among the various tribes and development associations who can learn from one another and cooperate to solve common problems within their domains.
Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda thanked the Ngas nation for supporting him and other sons and daughters of the land at different times irrespective of their differences in politics, religion or other interests.
Member Representing Pankshin, Kanke and Kanam Federal Constituency Yusuf Gagdi also appreciated the Ngas nation for its love and said they will continue to enjoy the dividends of democracy.
President of the Ngas Development Association thanked the people for coming out to stage another successful cultural fiesta which he said has also demonstrated the resolve of the people to partner with government in developing the land and its people.
Before attending the Puusdung festival, Senator Lalong attended a mass at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church Jos in honour of the late Catholic Pope Francis who was being laid to rest.
He eulogised the Holy father for his passion for peace, justice and love for the poor and the marginalised in society.
Lalong said he was the beneficiary of the late Pope’s magnanimity having been bestowed with papal honour of Knight of Saint Gregory the Great (KSGG).
