Ngbako Urges Gbagyi People to Unite for Political Power, Cultural Survival

Ambassador Ayuba Jacob Ngbako has urged the Gbagyi/Gbari people to unite across political and geographical boundaries to strengthen their representation in government, preserve their cultural heritage and improve access to education.

Ngbako made the call on Saturday while delivering the chairman’s remarks at the Most Influential Gbagyi in Nigeria (MIGIN) Awards and Magazine 2026 at NICON Luxury, Abuja.

The ceremony was held under the theme, “Building the Gbagyi/Gbari Nation: Advancing Unity and Development Through Politics, Tradition, Religion and Education.”

Describing the Gbagyi people as important contributors to Abuja’s development, Ngbako said the community must translate its historical contributions and electoral participation into greater political influence.

He identified political participation, cultural preservation, religious harmony and education as the four pillars required to advance the community’s interests.

On politics, Ngbako urged Gbagyi people across the Federal Capital Territory, Kaduna, Niger, Nasarawa and Kogi states to unite and pursue elective and appointive positions at all levels of government.

He called for increased representation in the National Assembly, ministerial appointments and local government leadership, arguing that a united political front would strengthen the community’s ability to negotiate for its interests.

The chairman also declared his support for President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC), urging the Gbagyi people to vote for the party’s candidates in the FCT and other states.

He particularly called for support for APC candidates contesting National Assembly seats in the FCT, saying their election could strengthen advocacy for the community’s demand for an elected governor for the territory.

Ngbako commended the Tinubu administration’s infrastructure projects in the FCT, including road construction in Bwari, Kwali, Abaji, Kuje and Gwagwalada, as well as the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND).

Turning to cultural preservation, he expressed concern over the declining use of the Gbagyi language among younger generations, warning that the loss of indigenous language could weaken the community’s identity.

He urged parents to teach their children the language at home and called on traditional rulers and community leaders to document Gbagyi history, promote cultural festivals and preserve customs for future generations.

He said the MIGIN magazine and awards provided a platform to document the community’s heritage, recognise outstanding achievements and strengthen a shared sense of identity.

On religion, Ngbako called on Christians and Muslims to sustain peaceful coexistence and use their faith to promote unity and community development.

He encouraged churches and mosques to play greater roles in supporting social initiatives, adding that cooperation across religious lines was essential to the progress of the Gbagyi people.

The chairman also stressed the importance of education, urging parents to ensure that every Gbagyi child had access to schooling, vocational training and digital skills.

He encouraged young people to explore opportunities offered by NELFUND and the Three Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme, describing education as essential to economic empowerment and effective participation in governance.

Ngbako also praised the Tinubu administration’s economic reforms, infrastructure investments, agricultural initiatives and security measures, which he said aligned with the broader objective of national development.

Charging the award recipients to make meaningful contributions to society, he urged them to promote Gbagyi interests, support disadvantaged children, preserve cultural heritage and mentor young people.

He challenged the younger generation to aspire to leadership and contribute to building a community capable of protecting its rights and competing for opportunities.

Ngbako subsequently declared the MIGIN Awards 2026 ceremony open, expressing hope that unity and collective action would strengthen the Gbagyi/Gbari people and advance their development.