Benue unity cap has not replaced the traditional colours of our people – Ortom
By Terver Akase
The past couple of days have been characterised by a mixed grill of comments regarding the Benue unity colours which cap is a trademark of Governor Samuel Ortom.
While some of the commentators commend the combination of colours on the cap and the traditional fabrics that accompany it, others describe the colours as a denigration of the cultures of Benue people.
Those who hold the second opinion conclude that the unity colours do not represent the traditions of the people and should be discarded.
It has therefore become pertinent to state that the combination of colours as seen on the unity cap and other similar fabrics is not an attempt to replace the traditional colours of the people of Benue State. The unity cap and the other garments are not political vestures. It must be added that no one is under compulsion to wear clothes designed with the unity colours.
Governor Ortom who has made the unity colours popular believes that the combination is capable of bridging the identity gap that hitherto existed among ethnic groups in the state.
With the unity cap for instance, one can hardly differentiate a Tiv person from Idoma person and Idoma from an Igede person. This however does not suggest that Tivs, Idomas, Igedes and the other ethnic groups in Benue should abandon their traditional colours for the unity colours. No. Governor Samuel Ortom is a Tiv man and many times, he dresses purely in Tiv colours (as seen in the attached picture).
Let’s Look at the Unity Colours:
Black and White – Tiv
Oxblood and Black – Idoma
Blue and Black with white linings – Igede
Green and White – National colours to give every other Nigerian living in Benue a sense of belonging.
Once more, let me state that the Benue unity cap and the other fabrics have not replaced the traditional colours of the people of the state. The combination is only a unifying addition to the existing beautiful cultural heritage of our people. One people united under God.
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