Senator Simon Bako Lalong, representing Plateau South Senatorial District, has advocated for the use of culture as a tool to address security, economic, and developmental challenges in Plateau State and Nigeria at large.
While addressing Puusdung 2025, the annual cultural festival of the Ngas people in Pankshin Local Government Area of Plateau State, Senator Lalong stated that neglecting culture and traditional values lies at the root of much of the dysfunction witnessed in society.
Lalong emphasised that the challenges facing the nation stem from the abandonment of values such as honesty, love, tolerance, unity, fairness, justice, and the principle of punishing wrongdoing while rewarding good deeds, both at personal and public levels.
He commended the Ngas nation for sustaining the annual cultural fiesta, Puusdung, which brings people from across the globe together—not only to reunite but also to examine the challenges they face and apply cultural remedies to address them.
Senator Lalong urged the Ngas people to continue using their positions, wherever they find themselves, to work towards enhancing peace and prosperity, highlighting their well-known attributes of hard work and commitment.
According to the Senator, it is time for those in power to utilise the resources of the people for their benefit and ensure that avenues for disenchantment and discontent are significantly reduced.
He noted that the administration of President Bola Tinubu, through the removal of fuel subsidies, has already enhanced the revenues of local and state governments, which should lead to improved service delivery.
Plateau State Governor Caleb Manaseh Mutfwang also commended the Ngas nation for its dedication to the peace and security of Plateau State, leveraging its culture and traditions, which are recognised globally.
Senator Diket Plang, representing Plateau South Senatorial District, expressed excitement that the event had galvanised the people and served as a melting pot for culture, friendship, and unity. He called for greater collaboration among various tribes and development associations, encouraging them to learn from one another and cooperate to solve common challenges 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 differences in politics, religion, or other interests.
Yusuf Gagdi, Member Representing Pankshin, Kanke, and Kanam Federal Constituency, also appreciated the Ngas nation for its love and assured them that they would continue to enjoy the dividends of democracy.
The President of the Ngas Development Association thanked the people for their participation in staging another successful cultural fiesta, which he said demonstrated their resolve to partner with the 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 marginalised in society. Lalong noted that he had personally benefited from the late Pope’s magnanimity, having been bestowed with the papal honour of Knight of Saint Gregory the Great (KSGG).
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