Benue: Tiv Traditional Council Approves December 10–13 for Tiv Cultural Day and Summit

By Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi

The Tiv Area Traditional Council (TATC), known as Ijir Tamen, has approved December 10–13, 2025, for the celebration of the Tiv Cultural Day and Summit.

The decision was reached during the meeting of Ijir Tamen, the highest decision-making body in Tiv Nation, presided over by its President and paramount ruler, His Royal Majesty, Begha U Tiv, Orchivirigh Prof. James Ayatse, Tor Tiv, at the Tor Tiv Palace in Gboko, Benue State.

In attendance were the President-General of Mdzough U Tiv Worldwide, Chief Iorbee Ihagh, all graded chiefs across Tiv land, including six first-class and fourteen second-class chiefs.

Highlighting the lineup of activities, Chief Ihagh announced that the four-day event would feature a Tiv essay competition, Tiv Women Summit, Tiv Youth Summit, Kwagh-hir and puppet theatre contest, folk-tales competition, and a round-table discussion with three paper presentations.

Other cultural showcases include Gesa u Avaan man Awange, group and solo Ukauka competitions, Mami Wata dance and masquerade parades, Gesa u Ishiva, Ateratar Dar, Mou u Tan, agricultural exhibitions, oral poetry contests, award nights, Kumashe U Tiv and Tor-Kwaor contests, as well as a grand carnival procession.

Chief Ihagh commended the Central Planning Committee (CPC) for their tireless efforts and assured that this year’s Tiv Day would attract both local and international audiences, with Tiv TV providing live coverage across social media platforms.

In his remarks, the Tor Tiv, on behalf of Ijir Tamen, expressed satisfaction with the progress made by Mdzough U Tiv and the CPC, urging them to sustain the momentum. He also called on all Tiv sons and daughters, both at home and in the diaspora, to support and participate fully in the celebration in Gboko.

A statement signed by Comrade Nicholas Ishom, Secretary to the President-General of Mdzough U Tiv Worldwide, confirmed that Chief Ihagh met with the CPC after the Ijir Tamen meeting to appreciate the Tor Tiv and the Council for approving the event dates.

Chief Ihagh emphasized that the Tiv Cultural Day serves not only as a display of rich cultural heritage but also as a platform to deliberate on the unity and development of the Tiv Nation. He urged every Tiv son and daughter to contribute to the success of the celebration and to attend in full Tiv traditional attire.

He further revealed that all first-class chiefs are members of the CPC, actively supporting preparations in their respective domains. He also announced the launch of a Mdzough U Tiv website for membership registration and dues payment, as well as the establishment of a Tiv Television station at the Tor Tiv Palace.

CPC Chairman, Prof. Tar Adejir, along with other committee members including Comrade Luther Iorbee (Secretary-General, Mdzough U Tiv), Dr. Terver Tule (Finance Sub-Committee Chair), Prof. Itwange (Agricultural Show Sub-Committee), and Dr. Dzerkaan Fanafa (Contact, Mobilization & Publicity), jointly called for cooperation among Tiv people at home and abroad to ensure the success of the 2025 Tiv Cultural Day.

Prof. Adejir particularly appealed for the support and participation of prominent Tiv sons and daughters, stressing that unity and collective brainstorming will greatly benefit the Tiv Nation.

He expressed gratitude to the Ijir Tamen, the Tor Tiv, Mdzough U Tiv, and all CPC members for their commitment and prayed for divine strength to accomplish the tasks ahead.