Puusdung 2026: Ngas cultural festival takes centre stage as platform for peace, unity

The Chairman of the Central Planning Committee for the Ngas Annual Festival of Arts and Culture, Puusdung 2026, Professor Noel Wannang, has declared that cultural festivities remain powerful instruments for peacebuilding, unity and sustainable development.

Speaking at a World Press Conference in Jos to formally unveil preparations for Puusdung 2026, Professor Wannang described the annual celebration as “the soul of the Ngas people” and a rallying point for identity, reconciliation and economic growth.

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The festival, scheduled for April 2026, will mark its 38th anniversary and is expected to attract participants from across Nigeria and the diaspora.

According to him, Puusdung has evolved beyond a mere cultural gathering into a unifying force that strengthens communal bonds and promotes peaceful coexistence among the Ngas and neighbouring communities.

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“Puusdung is more than a festival. It is a celebration of our history, resilience, creativity and collective identity. It is where tradition meets modernity and where elders intentionally pass enduring values to the younger generation,” he stated.

He noted that this year’s theme, “Ngas: Identity, Legacy and Continuity,” was deliberately chosen to inspire deep reflection among the people on their roots and the responsibility of safeguarding their heritage for future generations.

Professor Wannang stressed that culture is not self-sustaining but thrives on conscious preservation and collective commitment. He added that Puusdung 2026 would ignite renewed hope, pride and responsibility among the Ngas people.

The chairman outlined key objectives of the festival to include the preservation and promotion of Ngas cultural heritage through music, dance, traditional rites, arts, crafts and exhibitions.

He also highlighted youth engagement through talent discovery, entrepreneurship platforms and cultural education initiatives.

Beyond cultural display, he said the week-long event would stimulate local enterprise, boost tourism and create economic opportunities for artisans, traders and small businesses within host communities.

“We are working closely with traditional institutions, community leaders, government agencies, security agencies, cultural groups and private sector partners to ensure a peaceful, well-coordinated and globally visible festival,” he assured.

He identified security, logistics, media visibility, sponsorship engagement and cultural authenticity as critical pillars guiding the planning strategy, adding that various sub-committees have already been inaugurated and mobilised to deliver a memorable experience.

Calling on sons and daughters of Ngas land, corporate organisations, development partners and government at all levels to support the initiative, Professor Wannang emphasised that cultural festivals are strategic tools for development.

“Culture is not just about celebration; it is about identity, continuity and progress. Puusdung 2026 will serve as a rallying point for peace, unity and pride,” he said.

He further appealed to the media to sustain professional partnership in amplifying the narrative of a people rich in heritage and determined to preserve their legacy.

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