Former president of Tiv Culture Social Association (TCSA) Elder Teghtegh Shaakaa
By DOMINIC AKPENSUEN, Jalingo –
The former President of Tiv Culture Social Association (TCSA) Elder Teghtegh Shaakaa has celebrated his 75 years birthday by initiating a peace forum to proffer solution to the incessant conflicts between Tiv and other tribes in Taraba State.
The celebration which took place at Bush Garden opposite Jolly Nyame Stadium, in Jalingo Taraba State’s capital was witnessed by notable friends and family members of the celebrant.
Chief Shaakaa said the celebration was in a low key due to the economic situation, although many well-wishers and political associates gathered in large numbers to identify with him.
Shaakaa used the event to formally unveil the Taraba Tiv Peace Advocacy Group, (TTPAG). The platform, according to him was to support the Government of Dr Kefas Agbu for his peace initiatives in Taraba State.
He also emphasized that the forum needs to collaborate with the present leadership of the Taraba State Cultural and Social Association in achieving an enduring peace between the Tiv people in Taraba State and their neighbouring ethnic group..
Chief Shaakaa emphasized the need for people to live peacefully and coexist with other tribes in the state.
While relating his state of mind with the Biblical Simon, whom he said had prayed not to die till he sees the birth of Jesus Christ, the elder statesman prayed that God should do same to him by adding him more years to enable him see the results of his struggle for peaceful coexistence of his people.
“All I have to tell God at this age is that I am grateful, 75, I have seen more than enough, many people have gone to the world of never returned, and, most of my friends, colleagues, relatives and age mates are no more but today I’m alive”.
“The Lord has provided me all that I need in life. I have trained my children and younger ones, some are professors, some are doctors” he said.
“In fact, am fulfilled at a personal level but at a general level am not fulfilled, because I want to leave and see that my people have gotten my desired peaceful coexistence with other tribes in Taraba State”, he said.
The former TCSA President, who has been working day and night towards restoration of peace across boundaries through Taraba Tiv Peace Advocacy Group wants to see the result of the fruit of his labor.
He urged the Tiv people to embrace the spirit of forgiveness and learn to be be patience in all situations, according to him, not all provocations call for crisis.
Commenting on the recent inaugurated Exco of the Tiv Cultural and Social Association, the elder statesman congratulated the officials and advised them to key into his peace initiatives by working tirelessly to see that they live in peace between Tiv and Jukun communities, especially in Southern Part of Taraba State.
Chief Shaakaa, a winner of many peace awards, further lauded the recent developmental strides embarked upon by the Executive Governor of Taraba State, Dr Agbu Kefas for his inclusive leadership by engaging vibrant and energetic youths into executive position as well as the provision of free education from primary and secondary schools, and the slashing of school fees by half at the Taraba State University and school of nursing and midwifery, among others.
