KAMTI Festival 2026: Yobe Pledges Support, Hails Heritage As Janga Celebrates Harvest

The sleepy and historically rich town of Janga in Fika Local Government Area of Yobe State came alive on Wednesday as sons and daughters of the Ngamo ethnic group, alongside dignitaries from across the country, gathered for the grand finale of the 2026 Kamti Festival.

The annual traditional harvest festival, held at Janga Siri, was marked by vibrant cultural displays, traditional wrestling, rhythmic drumbeats of the gulo and a powerful message of unity from the Yobe State Government.

Representing Yobe State Governor, Hon. (Dr.) Mai Mala Buni, at the colorful event was the APC Yobe Deputy Governorship candidate, Barrister Saleh Samanja. Delivering the Governor’s address, Barrister Samanja described the Kamti Festival as a vital unity forum that transcends mere harvest celebration, serving instead as a dynamic melting pot that brings people from diverse cultural backgrounds together to interact, share, and foster harmonious coexistence.

Addressing the community’s developmental appeals which earlier highlighted challenges regarding inadequate visitor accommodation, storm-damaged primary school structures, and the welfare of volunteer teachers—Barrister Samanja assured the people that the Yobe State Government would carefully look into the issues raised with a view to rendering necessary support.

The royal father of the day, the Emir of Fika and Chairman of the Yobe State Council of Traditional Rulers, His Royal Highness, Dr. Muhammadu Abali Ibn Muhammadu Idrissa graced the occasion with his royal presence. In his remarks, the revered monarch commended the organizing committee and the entire Janga community for a job well done in preserving their rich cultural heritage and ensuring the seamless continuity of the age-old tradition.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Executive Chairman of Fika Local Government Council, Hon. Abdulmumini Hussaini Gashinge, expressed profound gratitude to Governor Buni for his continuous support to the local council and welcomed all dignitaries, sons, and daughters of Janga back to their ancestral home for the festivities.

Also speaking at the event, the Yobe State Commissioner for Higher Education, Dr. Mohamed Bello Kawuwa, underscored the importance of education and community development, aligning with the sentiments raised by local stakeholders during the presentation of the festival’s historical and cultural significance by Surv. Ishaku Iliyasu (Tafidan Janga).

The event featured traditional rites, including the ceremonial hair-cutting of the Chief of Janga (Lamba) by the wanzami, the official tasting of the newly harvested mixed crops symbolizing abundance and thanksgiving, and thrilling cultural performances such as horse riding, traditional wrestling (Tega), Algaita renditions, and dances by various troupes.

As the celebrations concluded with the traditional post-festival visits to uncles’ houses on Thursday, the 2026 Kamti Festival once again successfully reinforced the values of communal solidarity, respect for traditional authority, and the preservation of the Ngamo identity for future generations.

Mohammed Abubakar is a correspondent with Independent Newspapers.

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