By Adamu Hamza Marree Talum
The Mendamo Festival remains one of the most celebrated and revered cultural events among the Dera people — both within Kiri and beyond. It is more than just a season of dance and song; it is a sacred time when our people give thanks to the gods for successful rains and a bountiful harvest. It is also a homecoming season when sons and daughters of Kiri return from far and wide to reunite with family, friends, and well-wishers.
Highlights of the Event
The celebration commenced with the arrival of community members, dignitaries, politicians, and invited guests, followed by the entry of title holders, traditional leaders, and the Amnan Ghin. Soon after came the grand arrival of the new king, Amna Keri, Alhaji Abba Yoola (Na’Rowo-Rowo II), accompanied by his council of chiefs. The people received him with warm cheers and heartfelt greetings.
The cultural dialogue that followed between traditional leaders, clans, and dynasties — especially between the Jarma and Bulama lineages — showcased the Dera people's wisdom and tradition. They exchanged views on the year’s events, shared lessons, and reflected on the community’s triumphs and challenges. In his closing remarks, the king delivered a message of peace, rebuking wrongdoings and urging unity and righteousness among his people (Pula).
Dignitaries in Attendance
Among the notable attendees were:
HRH (Dr.) Abdullahi Isa Dasong Bala La, Awo II, the Amna Shelleng
HRH Alhaji Nasiru Mai Lafiya, the Amna Shani
HRH (Dr.) Kurahaye Dishon Dansanda, Kwandu Nunguraya, District Head of Bodwai, Shelleng, Bakta, Buba-Yero and others.
Their presence at Bou-Palda added immense prestige to the celebration.
A Cultural Surprise: The Songs for Sule Tekile
After the keynote addresses, the much-anticipated Golo-Damo dancers — young maidens believed to be virgins preparing for marriage in the coming year — graced the field. Their performance began beautifully, but then something unexpected happened: the girls burst into songs celebrating Chief Hon. (Dr.) Sule Ginawula Tekile, fondly known as Puru-Puru Sule.
Their lyrics praised him as “the beloved son of the soil, the chosen one to salvage Guyuk/Shelleng Federal Constituency.” They sang of his compassion, philanthropy, and fairness — a man who bridges religion, tribe, and status. They commended his humility for personally visiting the new king to pay homage when others sent mere delegations, joking that perhaps those others thought the event was “Children’s Day,” not Mendamo! They also thanked him for donating chairs, canopies, and other materials after unaccountable wherewithals that made the event a success were donated.
The crowd was astonished — waiting to hear songs for other politicians — but none came was mentioned. The dancers only knew Sule Tekile.
Unity, Merriment, and Humor
Afterward came the electrifying Danghin Dance, where men and women joined in communal celebration. Hon. Sule Tekile danced joyfully among his age mates, laughing and sharing in the spirit of togetherness. However, many politicians were curious to join, struggled to follow the rhythm — drawing laughter as onlookers joked that “they dance left-handed.”
The merriment continued as the festival concluded peacefully, with everyone departing joyfully to their destinations.
A Grand Closing Scene
Later in the day, when a massive crowd was seen approaching town, people wondered aloud, “Is His Excellency Governor Fintiri here for Mendamo?” But they were told, “No, that’s Garkuwa Kiri — Hon. Sule Tekile — coming with his supporters shouting OYOYO GARKUWA!”
The supporters of the “other politicians” looked confused, asking where they would go to rest while Tekile dances away his excitement.
There were comments of different suggestions in the arena that drew laughter but underscored how deeply rooted Sule Tekile is in his community — a man of the people, in presence and in spirit.
Conclusion
Thus ended the 2025 Mendamo Annual Cultural Celebration at Kiri — a day of unity, laughter, heritage, and heartfelt appreciation. For those who missed it, the echoes of the drums and songs of Puru-Puru Sule still linger in the hearts of the Dera people.
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