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Traditional Worshippers Demand Palliatives from Plateau State Government, Decry Marginalization
Traditional worshippers in Plateau State have called on the government to include them in its welfare programs, citing years of neglect and marginalization.
Speaking during the 2025 Morgi Masquerade Festival in Pankshin, Ma-Ajin Pankshin and Ngo-Long Vel, Nde Monday Tokzakka, urged the government at all levels to extend palliatives to traditional worshippers to alleviate the economic hardships affecting them.
The kingmaker to the Ngo-Long Pankshin traditional stool also demanded for equal rights and called on the state Government to carried them along in the scheme of things.
Masquerades on the street of Pankshin during the celebration of the 2025 Morgi festival
Nde Tokzakka made the call while speaking on the sideline of the celebration of the 2025 Morgi masquerade festival in Pankshin.
Our correspondent reports that the festival is traditional worshippers’ day, were over 300 different masquerades will be on displayed to the admiration of the people.
He maintained that very soon they will conclude arrangement for their registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) so that the three tier of Governments can accord them the necessary recognition like their Christian and Muslim counterpart in the state.
“We understand that the state Government give them palliative during Christmas and Sallah celebration. Traditional worshippers which is the first religion is not being carried along or consider for anything.”
Picture of Galadiman Pankshin Nde Gobak Yikchir
He further stressed, “We have not been given any attention or consideration, consequently we are being relegated to the background”.
He also pleaded with the Plateau state Government to support them to promote the annual Morgi cultural festival because the state is known as the ‘Home of Peace and Tourism”.
“The Morgi festival if sustained will also attract tourists and generate revenue to the state because of the array of different masquerade that will be on parade”.
According to him, all the tribes in Nigeria can be found in Pankshin and as such they have always ensure that they are well protected during the festival.
Picture of Ngo-Long Chwil Nde Garba Yiltok
“The Masquerades during procession are not allowed to enter Government’s establishment, school Mosque, Church and business centers by their handlers”.
It was further gathered that as part of the Morgi festival during harvest time masquerade are invited to monitor the harvest of grains from farms right to the storage in the bans. It was also told that any day the Masquerade comes out, there will be plenty food to eat as they also bring Maize and Guinea corn’s seedling for the next planting season.
Speaking on the significant of the festival, he further said that it is a period of offering prayer for blessing of the land and for bumper harvest and to also seek for cleansing, forgiveness, healing, and purification of the land from evil.
He warned that failure to preserve cultural heritage will lead to the erosion of traditions, and a loss of historical knowledge and potentially leading to cultural disconnection and confusion.
Picture of Ban for harvested grains storage .
Also speaking the Galadima Pankshin Nde Gobak Yilchir and the Ngo-Long Chwil Nde Garba Yiltok underscored the need to preserve cultural heritage as it provides a sense of belonging and identity to individuals and foster community cohesion and social bonding.
According to them, by showcasing their culture, it will helps to safeguard historical events, traditions, and customs for future generations so that they can gain valuable insights into the past and its impact on the present.
The duo urged Pankshin sons and daughters not to forget their root and to always endeavor to bring their children home to watch this festival for the sake of posterity.
It is was further learnt gathered that Morgi Masquerade festival is celebrated by the Ngas people of Pankshin district, Pankshin Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The cultural festival is celebrated annually starting from Saturday and Sunday, the first or second week of March to usher in raining and farming season.
This masquerade festival is a culture that has been in existence for over 500 years and was handed over to the people by their fore fathers from generation to generation.
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Showtime Bowl XIV: The Stage Is Set!’ Anyaorah Lotanna Eyes History As Bello Anuoluwapo Declares: ‘Champions Rise When It Matters Most’
The countdown to the biggest game in Nigerian flag football has entered its final stretch. With just five days to go until Showtime Bowl XIV, excitement is building across the country as the Abia-Warriors and Lagos Knights prepare for a championship showdown that promises to be one for the history books.
For the third consecutive season, the Warriors and Knights will battle for the Showtime Bowl trophy, extending a rivalry that has become the gold standard of Showtime Flag Football.
The Warriors arrive with history on their side.
The Knights arrive with redemption on their minds.
And as anticipation reaches fever pitch, another group of stars is beginning to command the spotlight.
This time, it’s Bello Anuoluwapo and Anyaorah Lotanna.
LOTANNA READY TO HELP REWRITE HISTORY
The Lagos Knights have spent the entire season chasing one goal—returning to the Showtime Bowl and finally ending the dominance of the Abia-Warriors.
After powering through the playoffs with a dominant Wildcard performance before eliminating the Lagos Rebels in the semi-finals, the Knights now stand just one victory away from completing their redemption story.
One of the driving forces behind that remarkable run has been Anyaorah Lotanna, whose speed, composure and big-play ability have made him one of the league’s most exciting performers.
With another championship opportunity now within touching distance, Lotanna believes the Knights are better prepared than ever before.
“Every player dreams about moments like this. We’ve worked for months to earn another shot at the Warriors. This isn’t just another final—it’s our opportunity to change history.”
Having twice watched the Warriors celebrate at their expense, the Knights know exactly what is at stake.
For them, Showtime Bowl XIV is more than a championship game.
It is an opportunity to erase years of disappointment and finally bring the trophy back to Lagos.
BELLO ANUOLUWAPO: ‘CHAMPIONS RISE WHEN IT MATTERS MOST’
Standing in their way is a Warriors side that has built its reputation on performing under pressure.
The defending champions booked their place in the final after defeating the Ibom Raptors 46-33, once again proving why they remain the benchmark of Showtime Flag Football.
Among the Warriors’ standout performers throughout the campaign has been Bello Anuoluwapo, whose consistency, leadership and ability to deliver in crucial moments have helped keep the champions on course for another title.
As the countdown continues, Bello insists the Warriors are embracing the challenge that comes with defending their crown.
“Champions rise when it matters most. We’ve earned the right to defend this title, and we’re ready for another battle. The Knights are a great team, but we’re focused on finishing the job.”
The confidence inside the Warriors’ camp is understandable.
Two consecutive Showtime Bowl titles.
Two championship victories over the Knights.
Now, they stand just one win away from completing a historic three-peat and further cementing their legacy as one of the greatest teams in Showtime history.
THE RIVALRY THAT DEFINES SHOWTIME
Every great league has a rivalry that defines an era.
For Showtime Flag Football, that rivalry is Abia-Warriors versus Lagos Knights.
Three consecutive championship appearances between the same two teams is unprecedented in Showtime history and a reflection of the excellence, consistency and winning culture both organizations have built over the years.
The Warriors are chasing history.
The Knights are chasing redemption.
And neither side is prepared to leave Showtime Arena empty-handed.
THE BIGGEST SHOW IN NIGERIAN FLAG FOOTBALL
Beyond the rivalry, Showtime Bowl XIV represents another milestone in the remarkable growth of Showtime Flag Football.
Season XIV has produced unforgettable moments, breakout stars, thrilling playoff battles and an ever-growing fan base that continues to embrace the excitement of co-ed flag football.
Week after week, Showtime has continued to raise the standard, providing a platform where athletes compete at the highest level while inspiring the next generation of Nigerian flag football players.
Now, the journey reaches its final destination.
One stadium.
One championship.
One trophy.
Five days remain until two giants collide once again.
Will the Warriors continue their dynasty and complete a historic three-peat?
Or will the Knights finally rewrite history and claim the title that has twice slipped through their fingers?
The answers await on Sunday, June 28, when the lights shine brightest at Showtime Arena, Elegushi, Lekki.
The countdown is on.
Five days to go.
Welcome to Showtime Bowl XIV.
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