It was indeed, a day of jubilation and thanksgiving for the Gamai nation as their sons, daughters, friends, the political class, and well-wishers including the paramount ruler of the Jukun, all came in solidarity with the Gamai nation as they converged on Mariotte Hotel in Shendam for the formal presentation, dedication and launching of the Gamai Bible/Gamai Literacy Project reports Ralph Madugu
On that fateful and eventful day, precisely Saturday 26, October 2024, the sons and daughters of the Gamai nation, dressed in their traditional apparel known as the adire, left their homes as early as 8 a.m. to be at Mariotte Hotel for an event that was billed to officially commence by 10 a.m. to enable them to secure vantage positions to witness an event that would for years remain notable in the history of the people.
Led by the Long Gamai, Miskoom Martins Shaldas III, the joy of the people knew no bound as the defied the sunny weather to turn out en mass in expression of their gratitude to God for the successful translation of the New Testament Bible and other literacy materials in their local dialect.
They rolled out the drums, sang songs of praise, and offered renditions in their dialect in thanksgiving to God for the translation’s success 32 years after its commencement.
The Gamai Literacy and Bible Translation Project started in 1992 when a group of concerned Gamai sons and daughters visited the Nigeria Bible Translation Trust, NBTT, in Jos to register their interest in the activities of the Trust.
Nigeria’s Senate president, Sen. Godswill Akpabio, who was the Chairman of the occasion, described the completion of the New Testament in the Gamai dialect and the literacy materials as a “great feat” that calls for celebration.
The Senate President said he was elated by the achievements of the Gamai people as well as their passion for the propagation of the gospel in their mother tongue.
Represented by the senator representing Plateau South Senatorial zone, Simon Lalong pledged that he will continue to support the second phase of the project which focuses on the translation of the Old Testament and other literary works that will give the Gamai people the opportunity to preserve their culture, traditions and language which like many others is under threat of extinction.
In his remarks, Plateau State Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang represented by Secretary to the Government of the State, Arc. Samuel Jatau applauded the Gamai nation for the achievement and assured them of the government’s support.
Gov. Mutfwang assured that the state government will continue to encourage the sustenance of indigenous languages and the propagation of the gospel which according to him, makes the citizens better prepared to support development.
The paramount ruler of the Jukun nation, the Aku Uka of Wukari HRH Manu Ishaku Adda Ali said he was proud to be part of the historic event which catalyzes cultural revival and development.
Handing over the Gamai Bible and other literacy materials to the committee, the Executive Director of the Nigerian Bible Translation Trust (NBTT) Mrs. Patience Markus Thomas gave a background of the project and acknowledged the contributions of both the local and international partners who sponsored the project and paid tribute to the translators who worked hard towards the success of the project.
The event featured song renditions, dance procession by various groups including women fellowship, choir, the Kanggak and Kalangu among others.
Highpoint of the event was the official presentation, launch and handing over of the various publications to the Literacy Committee for onward presentation to the Long Gamai.
There were goodwill messages from Gen. Theophilus Danjuma (rtd), former governor of Plateau, Miskoom Fidelis Tapgun, Chairman of Shendam LGC, Hon. Kemi Nicholas Nshe.
The event also featured donations and offerings in support of the second phase of the project.