A newly constructed Nyekhatso-Shema Khühu at Chozuba Village, was inaugurated on July 18 by Küduve Keyho, Personal Secretary to MLA and Advisor for Civil Administration Works Division (CAWD) as Guest Speaker.
‘Khühu’ in Chokri Chakhesang word means “The Stone Sit-Out” place a traditional stone structure that has historically served as a centre for community gatherings, oral traditions, social interaction and decision-making was constructed by Khrüsa Keyho, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Dimapur, as a gesture of service and dedication to the people.
Speaking at the inaugural programme, Küduve Keyho acknowledged the Nyekhatso-Shema and Chozuba Village for their continued support to the leadership of him and to MLA and Advisor Kudecho Khamo. He also thanked Khrüsa Keyho and his family for constructing the Khühu.
He expressed hope that the Khühu would continue to serve the welfare and progress of the community while stressing the importance of preserving values such as sincerity, hard work and integrity.
Acknowledging the legacy of the village’s early Christian pioneers, Suluho and Lhupruve, who were among the first to embrace Christianity in Chozuba and the Chakhesang area, he said the present generation continues to benefit from their vision and leadership and the blessings.
Keyho also outlined various developmental initiatives undertaken in Chozuba Assembly Constituency under the leadership of Kudecho Khamo, stating that infrastructure projects and welfare-oriented schemes have benefitted both rural and urban households.
He said the Local Area Development Programme (LADP) is being implemented to support to progressive farmers and entrepreneurs through initiatives such as the “One Family: One Project, One Entrepreneur” programme, which provides financial assistance for start-ups and the distribution of layer chickens for the benefits of the people.
Stating that the MLA remain committed to the constituency’s development, Keyho urged people not to politicise developmental initiatives but to appreciate efforts made for the common good.
Keyho also encouraged the community to remain humble, uphold honesty and walk in the teachings of Christ.
Former Village Council Chairman (VCC) of Chozuba Village, Dusapra Nyekha, said the Nyekhatso-Shema has remained united despite belonging to different lineages because of the strong bonds fostered by their forefathers.
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He said every khel in Chozuba traditionally had its own Khühu, where Gaon Buras conveyed important announcements, declared community taboos and communicated decisions to the people.
Nyekha appreciated Khrüsa Keyho for constructing the Khühu beside the grave of his late father, Pitolu Keyho, whom he described as a respected Christian leader who travelled extensively to spread the Gospel.
He urged younger generations to preserve the sanctity of the Khühu and use it as a place to learn and pass on the village’s oral traditions, culture and heritage.
Lhusetso Shijoh Village Council Chairman (VCC) Chozuba in his speech said the Khühu also served as a venue for early Christian evangelism when Christianity first reached Chozuba in 1895, before the village had a proper church building.
He added that the Khühu traditionally functioned as a place for discussions, planning, conflict resolution and sharing indigenous knowledge, while urging other communities to revive similar institutions to strengthen communal ties and preserve cultural practices.
Head GB of Chozuba Village, Zasevoyi Ringa, also addressed the gathering.
Earlier, Vethito Keyho, Chairman of the Nyekhatso Shema Welfare Organisation (NSWO), presented a brief report on the construction of the Khühu.
The programme was chaired by Pudutso Nyekha, Secretary of NSWO. Invocation was offered by Sao Keyho, Head Deacon of Chozuba Village Baptist Church, while Bayo Ceka presented a special song. The vote of thanks was delivered by Thuyengoyi Keyho, GB Shemami, and the programme concluded with a benediction by Sazo Keyho, Associate Pastor of Chozuba Village Baptist Church.
