By Godfred Aaneamenga Polkuu
Biu (U/E), Dec. 28, GNA – Naba James Akantanbanninga Adawina II, Divisional Chief of Biu in the Kassena-Nankana Municipality, has called on community members to embrace unity and dedicate themselves to the area’s development.
He stressed that unity in diversity is the community’s strength, reminding residents:
“Togetherness is our strength. Our diversity is a blessing, and unity is a path to progress. Let us cherish this unity, for it is the foundation on which we can build our future.”
The chief made the remarks during this year’s Biu Festival, celebrated under the theme: “Celebrating culture to embrace our roots and unity to enrich our future.”
The colourful occasion was graced by Naba Clifford Tandegrewangrekugre Asobayire V, Paramount Chief of the Kologo Traditional Area, and brought together sons and daughters of Biu to give thanks for good harvests and showcase the community’s rich cultural heritage.
“As we celebrate our culture to embrace our roots and unite to enrich our future, our culture teaches us respect, compassion and oneness as a community. Embracing our roots gives us the strength to face tomorrow’s challenges. Let this festival inspire us to pass on our values to the next generation, support one another, and work tirelessly for Biu’s development,” Naba Adawina II said.
Addressing the youth, the Divisional Chief reminded them that they are the custodians of heritage and architects of the future.
“Own this legacy with pride. Learn from our elders, innovate, and contribute to shaping a thriving Biu,” he urged.
Naba Adawina II cautioned against division, stressing that lingering rumours of disunity were the enemy’s tools, and praised the Kologo Traditional Council’s ancestors for defending peace and cohesion. He warned that supremacy mentalities and internal divisions threaten the community’s future.
Highlighting development challenges, he noted the community suffers from poor educational, health, and social infrastructure, with parts of Biu lacking access to the national electricity grid. He appealed for government support, particularly the construction of school blocks to complement the only Junior High School fed by two primary schools.
While awaiting government assistance, the chief called for collective action:
“Let us unite as one people with a common cultural heritage and take up the challenge to initiate small projects within our means while we wait for government support.”
In a solidarity message, Naba Asobayire V, Paramount Chief of the Kologo Traditional Area, urged peace and reconciliation following a resolved chieftaincy dispute.
“We have only one legitimate and customarily enskinned Chief of Biu, Naba James Akantanbanninga Adawina II. He is duly gazetted. I admonish all community members to forgive each other, live together in peace, and celebrate this festival in harmony.”
The festival concluded with prayers for community development, unity, and the youth’s empowerment, reinforcing the call for togetherness as a path to progress.
GNA
Edited by Caesar Abagali/Audrey Dekalu