By Bitrus Izhe
The Executive Governor of Nasarawa State, Engr. Abdullahi A. Sule, has called for cultural cohesion among Nigeria’s diverse ethnic groups, emphasizing the role of cultural values and identity in achieving peaceful coexistence and national development.
Speaking in Jos during the 2025 International Museum Day celebration, Governor Sule highlighted the strength and beauty of Nigeria’s multicultural heritage. “The beauty and strength of Nigeria lie in her diverse cultures. The celebration of the Eggon people and their cultural identity signifies our capacity to coexist in peace,” he noted.
The event, hosted by the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM) in collaboration with the Eggon Cultural and Development Association (ACDA), carried the global theme: “The Place of Museums in a Rapidly Changing Economy.” While May 18 is the official date for International Museum Day, the Jos Museum authority celebrated it on May 20th and 21st to spotlight the Eggon culture and other ethnic nationalities respectively.
Dr. Monday Abuluya, President of ACDA worldwide, expressed gratitude for the recognition accorded to the Eggon people. “This global event highlights the importance of museums in education, research, and cultural preservation. It is imperative we give it the attention it deserves,” he stated.
Abuluya affirmed the Eggon community’s commitment to preserving their heritage. “Museums play a critical role in bridging cultural divides, promoting understanding, and fostering peace,” he said.
This year’s celebration aimed to:
- Promote museums and their contributions to society,
- Raise awareness of their role in education and cultural preservation,
- Encourage heritage preservation and cultural exchange.
He also emphasized ACDA’s commitment to:
- Empowering the Eggon people,
- Promoting cultural diversity in Nasarawa State,
- Enhancing economic growth through tourism and culture,
- Showcasing Eggon culture to attract tourists and investors,
- Fostering community engagement.
The Eggon, predominantly based in Nasarawa State, are also found across Plateau, Benue, Kaduna, Kogi, and Niger States due to economic migration.
According to the event brochure, Eggon language belongs to the Benue-Congo group of the Niger-Congo family. Their ancestry traces back to Ngazargamu in present-day northeastern Nigeria, and their migration is linked to the ancient Kwararafa Confederacy, a 13th-century multi-ethnic state. Following internal and external conflicts, the Eggon were among the groups that crossed the Benue River, settling in Arugba near Shabu around 1500 AD under the leadership of Agbro-Abi.
The Eggon are categorized into three major groups: Anzo, Eholo, and Eggon Erroh. They are known for their communal spirit and cultural connections with groups such as the Jukun, Taroh, Ngas, Mwaghavul, Irigwe, and Rukuba across the North Central region.
