The Plateau Our Heritage, (POH), group has disclosed that the search for a true identity for Plateau state must begin with the return of previously known names of cities and towns that were illegally renamed by settlers.
Also, traditional titles bestowed on indigenous people using alien nomenclature should be reversed and replaced by cultural titles that depict the Heritage of the various ethnic Nationalities, participants in a heated debate insist.
The decisions was canvassed by the group who argued that for long, settlers have coined names of cities and towns for their conveniences to the detrilment of true owners of such localities.
In an open a debate on the raging issue, contributors were unanimous on a return to status quo as far as the naming and renaming of settlements were concerned.
As a first step, it tasked state indegenes to identity towns and villages; including landmarks with aboriginal heritage but have now been renamed with a view to engaging the authority for the purpose of reversing the trend.
For example, the team was saddened by the turn of events in major cities particularly, where settlers have renamed towns and villages and the indegenes appeared not to be disturbed about it; thereby, distorting originality of these areas and landmarks.
“If possible i think we should wade into the silent historical counterclaims between the Berom and the Jarawa on the ownership of areas like Rikkos, Kabong, parts of Tudun Wada, the Jishe/Gishe saga and others” which has been under contention as per ownership, was part of the argument put across as the debate rages.
“I believe reverting these names to the original ones is very possible if government does the needful. This is because they have institutions: schools, hospitals, clinics and others in these locatoons. Change all official documentations to the original names, communicate with the officials in those names and pass a legislation at the house of Assembly to that effect” are some of the suggestions put forward.
Though, others are of the opinion that the POH take the bull by the horn and commence the process by engaging the relevant government agencies responsible; “the purpose is to support the State Government effect the changes to their original tribal names”, it was stressed.
“Another point is the hegemonic tendency of the Hausa-Fulani who, we cannot really blame for trying to foist their identity upon ours, in a vicious cycle of internal colonialism.
“Since it is clear that our plight in this regard is deep-rooted in some of these circumstances, we must stand up to correct these although it is sad that changing some of these names will require rigorous administrative and legislative exercises”, it was further suggested.
However, another disturbing trend in the land is that of foreign titles; conferred on natives bearing names that do not reflect our indigenous realities. Take for example titles like…Madaki, Talba, Sardauna, Jarumi, Wakili, Garkuwa, Dan Masanin, Dan iya, etc etc..These titles are pointers to our subservience to some powers that be.The titles and their meanings can be changed to native titles” a contributor submits.
In response to the debate, the Chairman and Convener of the POH, Alex Kwapnoe and Pam Ayuba Dangwong respectively assured that the group’s committee on such issues would be mandated to take up the challenge and come up with an acceptable approach to the issue.
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