South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"
By Jenifer James
The Vice President and Chairperson of the Service Cluster Josephine Lagu has called for unity and cultural preservation as a means to unite communities across South Sudan.
“This festival is a testament to the strength and beauty of our culture. Let us continue standing together in unity and pride as one people,” Lagu remarked during the closing ceremony of the Pojulu Festival on Monday.
VP Lagu praised the festival for strengthening community bonds and celebrating the cultural heritage
She officially closed the second edition of the Pojulu Cultural Festival on Monday in a vibrant ceremony attended by cultural leaders, government officials, and community members from across the country.
She also suggested that future editions of the festival be hosted on ancestral Pojulu lands to deepen cultural roots and support grassroots revival.
The festival featured traditional dances, songs, storytelling, crafts, and oral histories, creating an essential platform for intergenerational dialogue and cultural pride.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Cabinet Affairs and Chairperson of the Pojulu Community, Martin Elia, echoed the sentiment that cultural events are a force for unity.
“Cultural activities bring peace to the people. We must send a message to those outside that there is peace in South Sudan,” he stated.
However, the Minister of Culture, Museums, and National Heritage, Nadia Arop, commended the Pojulu community for successfully organizing the festival.
“This second edition is unique. Congratulations to the Pojulu community. It’s not easy to bring people together through our diverse cultural heritage,” she said.
“As a ministry, we don’t take this for granted. The cultural policy we passed is not just a document; it’s meant to be implemented by communities to preserve our heritage.”
Nadia emphasized that preserving culture goes beyond dance and music, stating it includes history, identity, and dignity. She called for more collaboration between the government and communities.
“The role to protect our culture is the responsibility of all of us. The government provides the policies, but the communities bring them to life.”
On the other hand, the Deputy Governor of Central Equatoria State, Paulino Lukudu Obede, praised the Pojulu people for their cultural leadership.
“It is with great honor and pride that I stand before you today to celebrate the rich and vibrant culture of the Pojulu people,” he said.
“Events like this are more than performances; they are a reminder of our heritage and identity. They foster peace, reconciliation, and unity across our state.”
He encouraged the youth to embrace cultural heritage not just as tradition but as a platform for innovation and economic opportunity.
“Let us archive our music, unite our dances, and use technology to promote our culture. Cultural tourism and creative arts can uplift our communities and strengthen the economy.”
The event concluded with renewed calls for more communities across South Sudan to follow the example of the Pojulu and organize similar cultural gatherings.
