The vibrant community of Saboba came alive on March 15, 2025, as the Konkomba people celebrated the 5th edition of the Ndipoandaan Festival, a rich cultural event honoring the significance of sorghum in their daily lives, traditions, and livelihoods. This year’s festival, organized under the leadership of the Tindaana, Utindabor Ballen Binabiba II, drew people from far and wide to witness an extraordinary display of tradition, unity, and development.
Representing the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research – Savanna Agricultural Research Institute (CSIR-SARI) were Abdul Rashid Issah, Seed Scientist; Abdul Basit, Sorghum Scientist; Desmond, a National Service personnel from the Sorghum Section; and Wilhelm Kutah, the Institute’s Public Relations Officer. The team joined the community to celebrate not only the cultural heritage of the Konkomba people but also the vital role sorghum plays in their food systems and traditional practices.
Themed “Our Culture, Our Pride for Development,” the festival showcased the deep connection between agriculture and culture. Sorghum, revered for its role in traditional rites, food preparation, and livestock feed, was at the heart of the celebrations. The Tindaana reminded attendees that the land’s blessings were essential for the festival’s success a reflection of the enduring influence of traditional leadership.
CSIR-SARI’s presence at the event underscored its ongoing commitment to empowering farmers with improved agricultural technologies. Addressing the gathering, Mr. Rashid Issah expressed the Institute’s delight in being part of such a significant cultural event. He announced the donation of 100 seed packs of AtokpleChi, a newly developed sorghum variety bred for higher yields and resilience, to support local farmers. He emphasized that CSIR-SARI remains dedicated to equipping farmers with the tools and knowledge to boost food production, improve livelihoods, and sustain the cultural legacy of sorghum farming.
A Feast of Culture and Dance
The festival wasn’t just about speeches and agricultural advancements — it was a breathtaking display of Konkomba heritage. The air buzzed with excitement as traditional dancers took center stage, adorned in vibrant regalia. The youth performed energetic war dances, symbolizing strength and resilience, while the elders led graceful movements reflecting wisdom and unity.
One of the most captivating moments was a performance by the women of Saboba, who reenacted the ancient art of milling sorghum using indigenous stone mills. Their rhythmic movements, synchronized with traditional songs, transported the audience back to a time when communal milling was not just a daily chore but a social activity that bonded families and strengthened community ties. This powerful act reminded everyone of the resilience of women in preserving cultural practices while contributing to food security.
The festival grounds were filled with displays of traditional crafts, intricate beadwork, and woven fabrics, showcasing the rich artistry of the Konkomba people. Visitors had the opportunity to experience local cuisine, with sorghum-based dishes taking center stage — a true celebration of the crop’s versatility.
Community’s Call for Development
While the festival celebrated culture, it also served as a platform for discussing pressing development needs in the community. Saboba’s leaders made a passionate appeal to the government to improve the deteriorating roads, particularly those leading to Yendi, which remain a major barrier to transportation and economic activities. The Kpalaba Bridge, which gets cut off during floods, was highlighted as an urgent infrastructure need. The community also requested a permanent bridge across the Oti River to facilitate trade with neighboring Togo and called for a border post to promote cross-border commerce.
Education remained a top priority in the discussions. Community members emphasized the need for a tertiary institution in Saboba to curb youth migration for education in other regions, a trend that often results in young people settling elsewhere after graduation, leaving the town with a dwindling youth population.
A Call for Unity and Strength
The Tindaana closed the event with a stirring call for unity and mutual respect among neighboring ethnic groups. He urged the community to uphold the values of respect, tolerance, and collaboration, emphasizing that diversity is a strength. He reminded attendees that the festival serves as a bridge, reconnecting those born or living outside Saboba to their roots and cultural heritage.
CSIR-SARI’s participation in the festival not only reinforced its commitment to agricultural development but also highlighted its respect for the cultural fabric that binds communities together. As Saboba looks toward a future of improved infrastructure, education, and agricultural productivity, the partnership between CSIR-SARI and local farmers remains a beacon of hope — blending innovation with tradition for sustainable development.
The Ndipoandaan Festival stands tall as a testament to the Konkomba people’s unwavering spirit, a celebration of their past, and a call to action for a brighter, more prosperous future.
