By Tahav Agerzua
The Tor Tiv, Professor James Ortese Iorzua Ayatse, CFR, has congratulated the Association of Tiv Traditional Singers for successfully holding the Second Annual Song Day.
Professor Ayatse stated that the royal institution identified with what he described as the lofty aims and objectives of the festival which include propagation of positive cultural values and preservation of the history and traditions of the Tiv people.
The Tor Tiv’s congratulatory message and financial support were delivered to the organizers through Tor Kwande, Chief Ambrose Pine Iyortyer.
Chief Iyortyer stated that the Tor Tiv who traveled out of the country at the time of the event, had mandated him to represent him but he could not attend the occasion as a result of a mix up about the date and venue.
The Second Tiv Song Day was held on 19th September, 2024, at Winika Hotel, Gboko, in Benue State.
Organized by the Association of Tiv Traditional Singers, the Day is an annual celebration of the important role Tiv oral artistes have continued to play in propagating the culture, tradition and history of the people.
The date for the Tiv Song Day was chosen to coincide with the commemoration of the selection of the first Tor Tiv, Orchivirigh Makir Dzakpe, on 19th September, 1946.
The celebration was held for the first time last year.
The keynote address delivered by Professor James Tsaaior at the 2024 event was “The Naked Needle that Clothes the World.”
Prominent Tiv oral performance artistes and dignitaries graced the occasion.
