In a goodwill message released on Saturday, Atiku extended his felicitations to the Tiv people on the annual cultural festival and the conferment of chieftaincy titles on distinguished sons and daughters of the land. He noted that the honours highlighted the Tiv philosophy that leadership is a sacred trust built on integrity, selfless service, and commitment to the collective good.
Describing himself as Zege Mule U Tiv, Atiku expressed solidarity with the Tor Tiv, His Royal Majesty Professor James Iorzua Ayatse, the Tiv Area Traditional Council, and the entire Tiv Nation, commending their long-standing traditions of courage, dignity, industry, and devotion to justice, unity, and communal harmony.
He noted that the Tiv people occupy a prominent place in Nigeria’s cultural and historical landscape, adding that their contributions in agriculture, intellectual development, and leadership have continued to support national growth.
According to him, Tiv Day is more than a cultural celebration, as it also provides an opportunity to reaffirm values that have guided generations of Tiv sons and daughters through periods of challenge and achievement.
Atiku, however, expressed concern over persistent security challenges confronting Tiv communities. He condemned the continued loss of innocent lives and displacement of residents resulting from what he described as senseless and unprovoked attacks.
He called for decisive and sustained measures to restore security, justice, and public confidence, stressing that criminality must not be allowed to erode long-standing relationships between neighbouring communities built on shared history and humanity.
