In a breathtaking display of communal spirit and cultural pride, thousands of young people from Gombe State recently converged at the base of Bima Hill. Their mission? To ascend its slopes in a vibrant kick-off to the 2025 Hina Annual Cultural Festival, transforming a geographical landmark into a living symbol of unity and heritage.
Organized by the Hina Youth Forum (HYF), this year’s hill climb saw a staggering 6,445 participants—a number that speaks volumes about the event’s growing significance. But this ascent was far more than a simple hike; it was the opening act of a meticulously planned five-day festival designed to strengthen social bonds, promote healthy competition through sports, and showcase the rich cultural tapestry of the Hina community in Yamaltu/Deba Local Government Area.
The Significance of Bima Hill: More Than Just a Climb
While the original report notes Bima Hill’s statistics—a prominence of 404 meters (1,325 feet), ranking as the fourth highest in Gombe State and 80th in Nigeria—the true value lies in understanding what these numbers represent. Prominence, a key metric in topography, measures a hill’s independence from higher peaks. Bima Hill’s substantial prominence of 404 meters means it stands distinctly on the horizon, a sovereign landmark that has likely served as a navigational beacon, a historical watchpoint, and a spiritual site for generations. Its climb is not just physical; it’s a symbolic journey connecting participants to the land and the legacy of their ancestors. This act of collective ascent reinforces a shared identity rooted in a specific, awe-inspiring place.
Beyond the Summit: Holistic Community Investment
The festival’s vision extended well beyond the hilltop. In a powerful example of holistic community development, the HYF integrated critical social services into the celebratory framework. A free medical outreach served 317 residents, primarily targeting the vulnerable. This intervention went beyond handing out medicine; it included comprehensive screenings for hypertension, diabetes, ulcers, malaria, and typhoid, alongside eye tests, laboratory work, and vital sign monitoring. Crucially, it was coupled with health talks on nutrition, sanitation, and hygiene—equipping people with knowledge for long-term wellbeing.
Furthermore, the forum addressed civic engagement by facilitating National Identity Number (NIN) registration for approximately 400 residents. This pragmatic step helps integrate community members into national systems, ensuring access to services and affirming their place in the broader Nigerian society. It demonstrates how cultural festivals can be platforms for tangible, life-improving interventions.
A Model for Youth-Led Cultural Renaissance
The leadership of Mr. Umar Musa and the Hina Youth Forum presents a compelling model. This event illustrates how youth can be the primary custodians and innovators of culture. By organizing sporting events, cultural competitions, the hill climb, and essential services, the HYF reframed a cultural festival as a dynamic engine for community progress. It fosters unity not through words alone, but through shared physical endeavor, creative expression, and mutual care.
The dazzling kick-off on Bima Hill is thus a microcosm of a larger movement: one where geography, culture, health, and civic duty converge. It shows that preserving heritage is not about looking backward, but about harnessing traditional symbols and collective spirit to address present-day needs and build a healthier, more unified future. The echo of footsteps on that ancient hill resonates with the sound of a community writing its next chapter, together.
