by George Ozalla
The Director-General of the Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilization, Hon. Aisha Adamu Augie, has been conferred with the prestigious traditional title of Tozali of Tula by the Royal Highness of the Mai Tula Kingdom, Alhaji Dr. Abubakar Buba Atare II, in recognition of her contributions to African culture, tourism, and heritage promotion.
The honour was bestowed in November 2025 during a traditional ceremony held in the Tula Kingdom, Gombe State. The title, Tozali of Tula, also known as The Eyeliner of Tula, is a symbol of beauty, vision, and cultural pride within the kingdom. It reflects the esteem in which the monarch and people of Tula hold the CBAAC Director-General for her sustained commitment to advancing African cultural identity.
Under Augie’s leadership, the Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilization has continued to implement programmes and initiatives aimed at projecting Nigeria’s cultural heritage beyond its borders, while strengthening local cultural institutions and narratives.
In the letter conveying the conferment, the Mai Tula Kingdom stated that the title comes with the expectation that the recipient will maintain loyalty to the traditional institution and contribute to peace, unity, and development within the kingdom.
The conferment also drew attention to the cultural and tourism significance of the Tula Kingdom, which is regarded as one of the historic communities in Gombe State. The area is known for its natural landscapes, ancient sites such as the Tula Gate Pass, also known as Lobwi, and historical landmarks including the tomb of the Emir of Misau located at Sukube Baul.
Tula Kingdom is also renowned for Goron Tula, commonly referred to as silky kola, an indigenous delicacy with deep cultural value that has gained recognition beyond the region.
The Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilization is a federal government agency established to promote, preserve, and project Black and African arts, culture, and civilization, while fostering cultural unity across the continent and the African diaspora.
