NICO PRESENTS CERTIFICATE OF KWAGH-HIR INSCRIPTION TO BENUE STATE
Erdoo Due
National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO) presented certificate of inscription of Kwagh-hir theatre by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation, UNESCO, to Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom.
Kwagh-Hir, one of the cultural heritages of the Tiv people got the rare recognition in 2019 when it was inscribed on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Executive Secretary of NICO, Mr Muhammed Yahuza who made the presentation described the inscription of Kwagh-hir theatre on UNESCO World Heritage Map as a landmark achievement of the institute towards the realization of its mandate of promoting positive cultural values. Mr Yahuza pointed out that with the international recognition, Kwagh-hir would now enjoy the support and protection of UNESCO, increase visibility for the element as well as enhance the dignity and pride of performing communities.
The Executive Secretary expressed appreciation to 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 prepared the element for inscription.
Receiving the certificate on behalf of Benue State, Deputy Governor Benson Abounu described the international recognition given to Kwagh-hir as a great historical milestone that would forever be treasured by the state. He stressed the importance of Kwagh-hir and other cultural heritages of the state in addressing moral issues of the society and assured that the state Government would continue to partner NICO and UNESCO to show the cultures of the people. The presentation was witnessed by the Secretary General Nigeria National Commission for UNESCO, Mr Olagunju Idowu.
