From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna
In a move to resuscitate and sustain the rich culture of the Ham people, the Tuk-Ham festival has been slated for March 25 – 30, 2024, after a six-year break.
The Chairman of the Tuk-Ham Organizing Committee, Ambassador (Dr) Bulus Lolo, asserted this during a press briefing in Kaduna, on Friday.
According to him, the Ham people who are mostly found in Jaba, Zango Kataf, Kachia and Kagarko among other Local Government Areas of Kaduna state, have been celebrating the Tuk-Ham festival which ordinarily meant the ‘Ham Day’ since its inception in 1980.
He however said the festival took a long break due to unforeseen circumstances.
He added that the Ham people are the custodians of the world-renowned Nok Culture and famous Nok Terracotta which dates back to 500 BC.
While giving reasons for the celebration, Amb. Lolo said the Ham people are deeply religious with belief and faith anchored on monotheism, pointing out the Ham are proud of their Christian, Muslim and traditionalists who affirm their belief in one God called Hyam, Nom.
He explained that their ancestors were mostly farmers, as is the case with the larger majority even today, saying “Tuk Ham, now Ham Week, is a period set aside for introspection on what God has done in the lives of the Ham people in the year.”
He noted that without God, the Ham people can do nothing, while offering gratitude to God is a way of recognizing and affirming the supremacy of God the Almighty Creator and the blessings He bestows.
“The celebration of Tuk Ham, in word and deed, has dual purposes. First, it is intended by the Ham people to thank God for the harvest of the immediate past farming season. And second, to pray for the next farming season.
“Every other thing in between is subsumed in the spirit of expressing gratitude for a successful harvest and supplication for a coming successful and bountiful farming season”, he said.
Furthermore, Committee Chairman disclosed that Friday, March 29, 2024 all Ham indigenes who are Muslims will offer special Juma’at prayers in the mosques where they may worship. Similarly, Ham indigenous who are Christians will also offer special thanksgiving on Sunday, March 31, 2024, in the churches where they may worship.
