There is a Verse in Nigeria’s National Anthem that says ” the labour of our Heroes Past Shall Never be in Vain”, Which Could also be interpreted to mean the sacrifice made by the Nation’s founding Fathers or the leaders of the various ethnic nationalities be recognized and their legacies maintained and sustained.
Without Mincing Words, One Can Say it was in recognition and adherence to the above vows that, Some youth of the Gbagyi extraction under the auspices of the most influential Gbagyi in Nigeria ( MIGIN) took a deliberate steps to honor Some of it leaders dead or living with awards for their outstanding and remarkable Contributions to the Gbagyi Nation and Nigeria at Large.
The event Which was held at the Cyprian Nkwesi Centre of art and Culture recently, was graced by Prominent Gbagyi Sons and Daughters from the Fct, Kogi, Nasarawa Niger and Kaduna State,all from the North-Central geo-political Zone, amongst others Who were present were, HRH.Pharm.Luka Panya Baba Etsu Karu, Hon. Bitrus Lawrence Garki, Mrs Saruniya Esther Audu a former Executive Chairman AMAC, Gen.Bawa, Professor Philip Shekwolo, Barr George Kuce, the Ceremony was Characterised by thought provoking Speeches from various Speakers.
In his opening address, the founder and Pioneer of the Most influential Gbagyi in Nigeria award, Dr Yusuf Lissa Commended the awardees and their guests for accepting the offer and also honouring their invitation, he described the gestures as a demonstration of local Patriotism and loyalty to the Gbagyi Nation, adding that if such feat is sustained he forsee a United and prosperous Gbagyi Nation in the nearest future.
He also noted that, the most influential Gbagyi in Nigeria, (MAGIN) Award was aimed at inspiring the younger generation of the Gbagyi nation for hard work, excellence and greatness in all aspects of human endeavor.
He further pointed out that, the most influential Gbagyi in Nigeria, MIGIN award was a Child of necessity due to the non- existence of any platform to Celebrate and Compliments the finest of Gbagyi Sons and Daughters for their outstanding and remarkable Contributions to the Gbagyi Nation and Nigeria at large, Stressing that MIGIN Would also serve as a r onallying Point for the unity of the Gbagyi Nation.
He further Stressed that, the Ceremony was also a call to reawakening the Socio-economic and political Consciousness of the Gbagyi nation to Certain realities in the Nation’s polity.
Also speaking,the Chairman of the Gbagyi Elders Furum, Barr. George Kuce applauded Organizers and described the initiative as landmark and laudable, saying that over the years the Gbagyi nation lacks a platform for critical discussion and deliberation on the way forward for the Gbagyi nation.
He further lamented that the Gbagyi nation has been a victim of exploitation, oppression, denial and expropriation by known and unknown forces, he also Stressed that the peaceful nature of the Gbagyi nation has been taken for granted and also abused by the federal government of Nigeria, adding that, inspite loosing it acestral land to the Government,no meaningful Compensation has been offered to the indigenous Gbagyi people, as it is done in other places in the world. he also added that, over the years the Gbagyi people who are the indigenous inhabitants of the federal Capital Territory,were deprived of appointment to the federal Executive council, Saying that if not for the president Bola Ahmed Tinubu led federal government who has Changed the Narrative by appointing their Son Minister for Special Duties,Hon. Zephaniah Jisalo, he noted.
Earlier, the patron of the most influential Gbagyi in Nigeria,HRH.Pharm Luka Panya Baba the Etsu Karu, expressed delight over the turnout of Gbagyi Sons and Daughters at the Ceremony, saying that the turnout was a testimony of their readiness and determination to put the interest of the Gbagyi nation above personal interest.he tasked them to remain United and also ensure harmonious Coexistence amongst themselves.
In their Separate remarks,Gen. Stephen Bawa and Professor Philip Shekwelo who were also recipients of the MAGIN award, lauded the Organizers for the honor and recognition accorded them and also promised to do more for the progress and development of the Gbagyi nation.
While promising to always yield to the Call of the Gbagyi nation when ever Called upon, they also Called on the entire Gbagyi people to remain United and speak with one Voice in the pursuit of their Collective aspiration.
The high point of the Ceremony was the presentation of awards to deserving recipients and also posthumous award to deceased family members.