The Rhin (Ngolong) Ngas of Benin and environs, Nde James Yelzum Yakzum has enjoined the Ngas people residing in Benin city to take the advantage of the peaceful coexistence being enjoyed in their host community, Benin, Edo State to also reciprocate it by their commitment and determination to develop the state and the country at large.
He made the appeal in a statement issued and made available to the SUNDAY STANDARD in Jos recently by the Secretary of Ngas Traditional Council in Benin, Mr. Ngokopji Polit and the Chairman Ngas Development Association (NDA) BENIN, Edo State branch, Mr. Timothy Gotap Kassem.
The statement pointed out the advantages of the accord for the peaceful coexistence between the Ngas people in Benin and its environs by the host community, and said it should not be taken for granted. This is because of the advantages of obtaining such privilege is numerous as it creates opportunities for the Ngas people in Benin to excel in their endeavours.
He explained that where there is peaceful coexistence, there is always a unity of purpose amongst the people for the development of the Ngas nation and Edo State at large.
The statement also confirmed that the first Rhin (Ngolong) Ngas of Benin and environs, Nde James Yelzum Yakzum will be five (5) years as the Ngolong Ngas in Benin on the 3rd November, 2023. It could be recalled that he was officially crowned by the Acting President of Pankshin/Kanke Joint Traditional Council, the late Wesley Mullak, the Long Mhiship Chiefdom on the 3rd November, at the Uyi Event Centre in Benin city of Edo State.
The coronation was performed by the representative of the Acting President of Pankshin /Kanke Joint Traditional Council, The Ngolong Garram HRH, Nde Jika Golit who is now the Ngolong Ngas of the Ngas nation.
The statement further added that Nde James Yakzum also commended the Oba of Benin Kingdom for his leadership style and qualities exhibited by the paramount ruler of the kingdom towards the Ngas people in Benin. Adding that this singular honour done the Ngas people is a sign of love and good things coming. He added that the Ngas people, both at home and diaspora, are very grateful to the Oba of Benin and his people for the show of love and wish him long life and prosperity as he reigns over the kingdom.
The statement also stated that Nde James Yakzum will mark his 5 years anniversary as the Rhin Ngas of Benin on the 3rd November, 2023 and there should be a line up of activities to mark the anniversary celebration, which may include a press briefing by the Ngolong himself, a round table discussion by the stakeholders of Ngas in Benin to review the progress and challenges so far encountered within the five years.
Other activities include the Pusdung Gala night on the 10th November, while the grand finale will climax with the Ngas Festival of Arts and Culture Tagged “PUSDUNG BENIN 2023” on the 11th November 2023.
DVD customized plates will also be launched by the NDA Chairman Benin branch, although the statement added that this year 2023, Pusdung will be celebrated internally within Benin and its environs because of the hardship faced by the people with the removal of the fuel subsidy. But the 2024 Pusdung will be celebrated in a grand style if the economy improves.
According to the statement, “the Chairman Ngas Development Association (NDA) Benin, Edo State branch, Mr. Timothy Gotep Kassem on behalf of the Executive members of the NDA and the entire Ngas people in Benin City, facilitate with the Rhin (Ngolong) Ngas of Benin, as they celebrate their 5 years anniversary celebration on the 3rd November, 2023. We wish them a happy anniversary celebration”, it concludes.
