By Florence Ugbem
National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO), has presented a certificate of inscription of Kwagh-hir theatre by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), to Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom.
Speaking at the Benue People’s House, Makurdi, while making the presentation, the Executive Secretary of NICO, Mr Muhammed Yahuza explained that the inscription of kwagh-hir theatre on UNESCO World Heritage Map is a landmark achievement of the institute towards the realization of its mandate of promoting positive cultural values. He also stated that with the international recognition, kwagh-hir would now enjoy the support of UNESCO, and increase visibility as well as enhance the dignity and pride of performing communities.
The executive secretary thanked Governor Samuel Ortom and urged him to ensure the preservation of the kwagh-hir cultural theatre. He also commended the Tiv people who are bearers of the kwagh-hir theatre performance for their support throughout the inscription exercise as well as Professor Gowon Doki of Benue State University who is the consultant who worked tirelessly towards the inscription.
Receiving the certificate, Governor Samuel Ortom, expressed delight over the international recognition given to kwagh-hir, stating that this is the first time the state is witnessing something of this nature, also that the state is happy to be part of history as far as culture is concerned.
Represented by his deputy Engr Benson Abounu,the governor stressed the importance of kwagh-hir which he described as the cultural heritage of the Tiv people, he further explained that “The kwagh-hir theatre performance portrays moral issues through animated narratives, reinforces traditional beliefs, addresses societal issues, kwagh-hir has come to stay,” he said.
Kwagh-hir which is one of the cultural heritages of the Tiv people got the rare recognition in December 2019 when it was inscribed on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
