Karu Peace Festival

As the climax of AAPW’s 4-month Peace and Development project in Karu Local Government of Nasarawa State, the Karu Unity Festival celebrated the cultural diversity of the area. Karu, a suburb of the purposely built Federal Capital Territory of Abuja, is one of the fastest growing areas in the world - 40% per annum. It attracts migrants from all parts of Nigeria and beyond. While this growth can be a source of strength, it can also lead to competition and conflict between various groups. The Karu Unity Festival brought together 25 performing groups from 15 different ethnicities, the Governor and top officials of Nasarawa State, members of the diplomatic corps, and thousands of spectators- all to enjoy the colour and excitement of Karu’s cultural diversity.

The first phase of the Peace and Development project was sponsored by Germany’s GTZ.
The Government of Nasarawa State has provided funding to continue activities for the next year. We look forward to the Karu Unity Festival 2004!

Arrival of guest and speeches

People arriving the Karu Local Govt.
secretariat for the festival.

H.E. Alhaji Abdullahi Adamu.
The Executive Governor of Nasarawa State.
Dr. Judith Asuni, AAPW Director(left)

H.R.H The Esu Karu

Mrs. Nneka Iyke-Enemuo
of GTZ(Sponsors of the event).

'Gbagyi dancers' pounding into a mortar placed
on the stomach of thier lead dancer.

Traditional circus monkeys join in the refreshment,
as they guzzled down bottles of Fanta soft drink.

The Tiv of Benue are easily recognizable in a crowd through
their beautiful black and white traditional colours. 

A Jarawa traditional dance troupe with origin from Plateau
State, display an energetic warrior dance sequence.

A pole masquarade dazzles the crowd with its incredible display
of balance, as it hops all over the festival arena.

This dance style involves bouncing off the ground from
leg to leg, so beautifully done you'd hardly see
the feet connect with the ground.

The National Youth Service Corps also represented
with a march-dance parade.

The Audience.....

A collection form Artists' who live in Karu Local Govt.


L-R; Frank Monkom, Dorothy Paul, Kaneng Ja, Simon Iya, Femi Babalola, Rosmarie McBean, Bassey Okon

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