The Paramount Ruler of Jaba Chiefdom in Southern Kaduna, Kpop Ham, Dr. Danladi Gyet Maude, has revealed that the 2025 Tuk Ham (Nok) Festival will feature a grand exhibition of 200 original artworks of the Nok civilisation.
As part of preparations for the festival, the monarch disclosed that invitations had been extended to the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy, the U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, and the Director General of the National Museum Commission for the 2025 Tuk Ham Cultural Festival.
He made the announcement shortly after the grand signing ceremony of the Nok cultural preservation project by the Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy in partnership with the Wheyham Foundation, funded by the United States government through the AFCP Ambassadors Fund.
Dr. Danladi Gyet Maude, OON, Kpop Ham, who is in his 55th year on the throne, explained that the Tuk Ham Festival is an annual cultural celebration by the Ham people.
It serves as a platform to showcase the rich cultural heritage, traditions, and history of the Ham people, who are the custodians of the ancient Nok civilization.
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He added, “The 2025 Tuk Ham Festival will feature a grand exhibition of over 200 original Nok artworks in collaboration with the National Museum Commission.
“Additionally, the festival will present traditional music, dance, masquerades, and live displays of Nok artifacts, emphasizing the historical significance of Nok culture and its people, who primarily reside in Kaduna State and parts of Nasarawa State.”
“Tuk Ham continues to be a symbol of unity, cultural preservation, and tourism, attracting visitors, dignitaries, and scholars interested in the region’s remarkable history.”
According to the monarch, the grant awarded for the preservation of Nok artifacts will bolster efforts to protect these globally recognized terracotta sculptures, which date back over 2,500 years and remain one of West Africa’s most significant archaeological and cultural treasures.
The Kpop Ham further explained that the initiative underscores the commitment of both Nigeria and the United States to safeguarding these invaluable artifacts for future generations.
In his remarks, the U.S. Ambassador, Richard Mills, reaffirmed the United States’ unwavering dedication to cultural preservation and heritage protection. He emphasized that the project will include digital documentation, museum education workshops, and site security measures to ensure the sustainable conservation of Nok artifacts.
Also, the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, lauded the collaboration, describing it as a testament to the Nigerian government’s commitment to safeguarding its cultural heritage.
She noted, “This initiative is vital for ensuring that our cultural heritage is meticulously documented, preserved, and passed down to future generations. The digital inventory of Nok arts created through this project will serve as a model for museums across Nigeria, enhancing our capacity to document and protect artifacts nationwide.”
The Chairman of the Wheyham Foundation, Mr. Yahaya Maikori, provided further insight into the project’s scope. He stated that the initiative would include the documentation of artifacts in both private and public collections, the development of a virtual museum, and the renovation of the Nok Museum to provide an immersive experience for visitors.
He said, “Additionally, educational outreach programs will play a crucial role in increasing awareness about our rich cultural heritage.
“The collaboration between the Wheyham Foundation, the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM), and international partners will also feature expert-led seminars, museum education programs, and enhanced security measures to prevent the illicit trafficking of cultural property.
“This partnership stands as a significant milestone in preserving Nigeria’s historical legacy and promoting cultural heritage on a global scale.”
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