13/06/2026
Here is a cultural story inspired by the Goemai people of Shendam, in Plateau State:
The Drum of Unity
Long ago, in the beautiful hills and fertile lands of Shendam, the Goemai people lived in peace. They were known for their rich culture, farming skills, colorful festivals, and deep respect for elders and tradition. Every planting season, families worked together in the fields, growing millet, maize, and yam. At night, the village gathered around fires to tell stories and sing songs passed down from generation to generation.
In one village lived a young boy named Dabit. Dabit loved listening to his grandfather, who was the village’s oldest drummer. His grandfather owned a sacred drum called Kwal, a drum believed to carry the voice of the ancestors.
One evening, as the sun disappeared behind the hills, Dabit asked,
“Grandfather, why is this drum so special?”
The old man smiled and replied,
“My son, this drum is more than wood and skin. It reminds us that the strength of the Goemai people is unity. Whenever danger comes or joy arrives, this drum calls everyone together.”
Years passed, and Dabit became a strong young man. One dry season, trouble came to the village. The river that supplied water began to dry up. Crops started withering, and fear spread among the people. Some villagers argued.
“This is the fault of the farmers upstream!” one shouted.
“No, the hunters scared away the spirits of the river!” another claimed.
The village was divided.
Dabit remembered his grandfather’s words. He went to the hut where the sacred drum was kept. With respect, he lifted Kwal and climbed the village square.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
The sound echoed across the hills of Shendam. Men, women, and children stopped what they were doing and gathered.
Dabit stood before them and said,
“My people, we are Goemai. Our strength is not in fighting each other but in standing together. Water will return, but first we must return to unity.”
The elders nodded.
An old woman stepped forward.
“He speaks tHere is a cultural story inspired by the Goemai people of Shendam, in Plateau State:
The Drum of Unity
Long ago, in the beautiful hills and fertile lands of Shendam, the Goemai people lived in peace. They were known for their rich culture, farming skills, colorful festivals, and deep respect for elders and tradition. Every planting season, families worked together in the fields, growing millet, maize, and yam. At night, the village gathered around fires to tell stories and sing songs passed down from generation to generation.
In one village lived a young boy named Dabit. Dabit loved listening to his grandfather, who was the village’s oldest drummer. His grandfather owned a sacred drum called Kwal, a drum believed to carry the voice of the ancestors.
One evening, as the sun disappeared behind the hills, Dabit asked,
“Grandfather, why is this drum so special?”
The old man smiled and replied,
“My son, this drum is more than wood and skin. It reminds us that the strength of the Goemai people is unity. Whenever danger comes or joy arrives, this drum calls everyone together.”
Years passed, and Dabit became a strong young man. One dry season, trouble came to the village. The river that supplied water began to dry up. Crops started withering, and fear spread among the people. Some villagers argued.
“This is the fault of the farmers upstream!” one shouted.
“No, the hunters scared away the spirits of the river!” another claimed.
The village was divided.
Dabit remembered his grandfather’s words. He went to the hut where the sacred drum was kept. With respect, he lifted Kwal and climbed the village square.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
The sound echoed across the hills of Shendam. Men, women, and children stopped what they were doing and gathered.
Dabit stood before them and said,
“My people, we are Goemai. Our strength is not in fighting each other but in standing together. Water will return, but first we must return to unity.”
The elders nodded.
An old woman stepped forward.
“He speaks truth.”
The villagers decided to work together. Some dug deeper wells, others cleared blocked streams, and the youth carried water to the weak and elderly. They prayed, sang traditional songs, and supported one another.
Days later, dark clouds filled the sky.
Rain began to fall.
First softly, then heavily.
The dry river flowed again. Crops revived, and joy returned to the land.
That night, the village celebrated with dancing, drumming, and traditional Goemai songs. The elders honored Dabit.
The chief declared,
“From today, let every child remember: when we are united, no hardship can "Defeat us." Dabit gently touched the sacred drum and smiled. The community danced until dawn, with the sound of Kwal resonating through the hills, serving as a reminder that the spirit of the Goemai people would forever remain united.
Moral: Unity and respect for tradition., and community cooperation bring strength in difficult times.
