The Tiv people of Benue state have been advised to focus on the contrast between the values of the past and the present, and the factors driving the present transformation.
A professor of History and Diplomacy, University of Abuja, Philip Akpen, gave the advice while presenting a paper at the reception in honour of Comrade Jeremiah Orhena, Hon. Benjamin Ikyo, and Prince Nyiekaa Williams Nyiekaa on their election as a vice president Mzough U Tiv (MUT) Abuja chapter, Hon. Benjamin Ikyo, auditor 1, MUT Abuja chapter, and Price Nyiekaa Williams Nyiekaa, special assistant to the president, MUT, Abuja chapter.
Professor Akpen noted that the Tiv people are renowned for their rich cultural heritage, communal living and strong moral values. He added that, in recent decades, significant changes have occurred leading to concerns about the degeneration of traditional values.
He pointed out that this outline provides the key talking points to guide his paper presentation.
Professor Philip Akpen who was represented by Terver Emmanuel Audu, stated the need for core traditional values of the Tiv people, stating that elders held a central place in decision- making and conflict resolution.
He said the Tiv practice a communitarian system, with a strong sense of collective responsibility, and child upbringing was a community affair, while discipline and moral training extended beyond the nuclear family.
He said farming and honest work were respected, and idleness was frowned upon.
Earlier in his welcome remark, the Tyoor Chibiri Ward, Chief Geoffrey Ajirbee Adi, advised the president Mdzough U Tiv (MUT) Abuja chapter, Michael Terver Kokoiwen to lead a high powered delegation to pay a courtesy visit on the president Mdzough U Tiv (MUT) Worldwide, Chief Iorbee Hyagh, and the paramount ruler, the Tor Tiv, Professor James Ortese Iorzua Ayatse to seek royal blessings.