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During the grand 2025 Tiv Day celebration held in Gboko, Benue State, the Tiv Community Worldwide proudly recognized Akaakase Udu Dzer from Gbagir for cultivating the largest yam tubers across Tiv land, an outstanding accomplishment that has earned widespread admiration and national pride.
The award not only celebrates the exceptional harvest of this dedicated farmer but also revives the legendary legacy of his late father, Akpaaku Akaakase Udu Dzer, the visionary pioneer of the renowned Akpaaku farming system. This innovative technique, which involves planting whole large yams as seed on carefully prepared mounds with staking and fertilizer, has transformed yam cultivation in Tiv communities, becoming synonymous with record-breaking yields. Just as the name Enzo Ferrari endures through iconic sports cars, the Akpaaku brand has emerged as a powerful symbol of extraordinary yam production in Tiv land.
For the resilient people of Gbagir, this recognition goes far beyond individual achievement. It stands as a collective victory for the entire Ityuluv, Torov, and Ukum Local Government Areas, communities that have faced immense challenges yet continue to thrive. Beyond agriculture, the honor serves as a profound statement of endurance in the face of years marked by insecurity, violence from Fulani herdsmen attacks, and local banditry. Despite these hardships, the people of Ukum remain unbroken, rebuilding their lives and farms with unwavering determination.
They may have been battered by history, but they rise like the phoenix from the ashes, committed to soaring above adversity and reclaiming their pride. In a state celebrated as Nigeria’s food basket and a global leader in yam production, stories like this remind us of the vital role Tiv farmers play in feeding the nation while preserving cultural heritage. The 2025 Tiv Day honor underscores that true rebirth comes not just from celebration, but from the quiet strength of those who till the soil amid trials.
