Every year, the Mada people come together in a vibrant celebration known as the Nzeh Mada Festival a cultural extravaganza that not only showcases the rich heritage of the Mada nation but also unveils the breathtaking tourism potential of their land to the world.
Mada people are one of the largest ethnic groups in Nasarawa State located primarily in Akwanga Local Government Area, Kokona LGA, Keffi LGA, Karu and Nasarawa LGA of Nasarawa State, also in Sanga and Jama’a Local Government Areas of Kaduna state as well as Niger state and Cameroon.
A Gathering Like No Other
The NZEH MADA FESTIVAL is the highest festival of the land that sees all Mada sons and daughters scattered around the world converging at Akwanga, Nasarawa State to enjoy series of festivities such as; Tourism Fair, this sees the display of traditional sports such as wrestling, archery, shoot and hiking activities at selected locations in Mada nation with rich tourism potentials and even visitors from within and without are all thrilled to rich cultural flavour and contents.
The attendees are also thrilled to a rosy and sumptuous traditional Mada dishes and delicacies enjoyed by the Mada people such as “Ngboh, Nzan, la’ bekpu, Ngbandar soup, bekpeh'” etc. Known as the ” Rei Lah” Festival or Mada kitchen.
Colloquims are held with rich resource persons who do justice to topical issues that will bring development to the Mada Nation and Nigeria at large. Break out sessions and feedback sessions too are held and all deliberations duly documented.
Fun for Every Generation
NZEH MADA FESTIVAL also packages the Children festival which caters for the younger ones with varieties of kiddies activities for fun as well as a learning platform for the younger kids to learn the beautiful Mada cultures and values.
Night of Creativity and Entertainment
A Creative night is held to showcase the entertainment reach of the Mada people where music, comedy, poetry and dance. This gives the attendees beautiful entertainment laced with rich cultural content.
The Grand Finale: Royalty, Culture, and Honors
All activities culminates in the Grand Finale where the beautiful Mada cultural contents find expressions to guests and friends of Mada and goodwill messages passed, blessings showered unto the land. This begins with prayers and royal homage at the palace of the Paramount Ruler of the Mada people, HRH the Chun Mada and a grand royal procession to the venue of the grand finale.
At the end of activities, the Mada nation treats it’s sons and daughters to an award diner where illustrious sons and even friends of Mada who have added value to the peace and development of the Mada nation are all awarded to spur them on to greater doings.
The Revival of a Legacy
After a few years of absence, it was HRH Pst. Samson Gamu Yare III, President of the Akwanga Traditional Council, who, in September 2024, championed the return of the Nzeh Mada Festival. His call to action was met with enthusiastic agreement.
The distinguished Prof. E.S. Dandaura, Director General of the Nzeh Mada Festival Commission and the architect of the modern festival, was tasked once again to lead the revival. A renowned professor of Theatre and Cultural Studies, and a master strategist in communications, Prof. Dandaura and his team worked tirelessly to deliver an event that lit up Akwanga and beyond.
Looking Forward
The best part? This is just the beginning. Every year, the Nzeh Mada Festival promises to get better like fine wine, maturing and deepening in richness and splendor.
At the Nzeh Mada Festival, expectations are not just met they are exceeded.
Nzeh Mada Festival – Culture, Unity, and Pride.
