NGAS DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION (NDA) HOLDS PUUSDUNG ABUJA 2025
By Ahiaba Douglas
The rich cultural heritage of the Ngas Nation of Plateau State, North Central Nigeria, was on full display at the Dr. Mariam Babangida Centre for Women Development, Abuja, on Saturday, October 25, 2025, as the Abuja Chapter of the Ngas Development Association (NDA) held Puusdung Abuja 2025 — a cultural celebration that will long remain in the memories of those who attended.
The Puusdung Abuja 2025, which marked the 14th Annual Festival of Arts and Culture of the Ngas people residing in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), also featured the launch of a ₦150 million appeal fund for the completion of the ongoing Gantang Ngas Abuja Town Hall project.
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The colourful event attracted dignitaries from across the country. Among those in attendance were the former Senate President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Ken Nnamani, who served as Chairman of the occasion; Senator Ifeanyi Ararume; former Imo State Governor, His Excellency Senator Rochas Okorocha; the National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda Goshwe — a proud son of the Ngas Nation; and Dr. Bernard Doro, Minister-designate from Plateau State. Other eminent Nigerians, particularly from Plateau State, also graced the occasion.
In his welcome address, the Chairman of the Ngas Development Association, Abuja Branch, Nde Fukkada Tenwa, expressed deep appreciation to participants and guests for honouring the association despite their busy schedules. He described their presence as a true demonstration of love and solidarity, which the entire Ngas Nation would forever cherish.
Tenwa recalled that since the maiden Puusdung celebration in 1986, the Abuja Branch of the NDA has consistently organized the event to showcase the community’s rich cultural identity. According to him, Puusdung serves as a platform for promoting the Ngas heritage and a rallying point for unity among the Ngas people in the FCT.
He further noted that the massive turnout and enthusiasm demonstrated by participants underscored the Ngas people’s unwavering passion for love, peace, unity, and development — as well as their determination to preserve the cultural values handed down by their forefathers.
Calling for generous donations towards the completion of the Gantang Ngas Abuja Secretariat, he announced that awards would be presented to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the development of the Ngas community in Abuja and humanity at large.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Central Planning Committee (CPC) for Puusdung Abuja 2025, Nde Engr. Yiktong David, explained that the festival provides an opportunity for Ngas sons and daughters at home and in the diaspora to express gratitude to God for His blessings upon the Ngas Nation. He added that it was also a time to reflect on collective progress and achievements across various spheres of life — citing the appointment of Professor Nentawe Yilwatda Goshwe as APC National Chairman as a remarkable milestone for the Ngas people.
Engr. David reiterated the importance of completing the Gantang Ngas Abuja Town Hall, emphasizing its socio-cultural and economic benefits. He described it as a unifying landmark where both the tangible and intangible aspects of Ngas culture can be preserved for future generations.
The Puusdung Abuja 2025 celebration also featured goodwill messages from dignitaries, generous contributions to the ₦150 million fundraising drive, and vibrant cultural displays — including traditional dances, songs, and native delicacies. The event once again affirmed the Ngas people’s pride in their heritage and their commitment to unity and cultural preservation.
