DIMAPUR: A newly constructed Nyekhatso Shema ‘Khühu’ at Chozuba village was inaugurated on Saturday by Küduve Keyho, personal secretary to advisor for Civil Administration Works Division (CAWD), as guest speaker.
‘Khühu,’ a traditional stone sit out in Chokri Chakhesang culture, has historically served as a centre for community gatherings, oral traditions, social interaction and decision making. The structure was constructed by Khrüsa Keyho, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Dimapur, as a gesture of service and dedication to the people.
Addressing the programme, Küduve Keyho acknowledged the Nyekhatso Shema and Chozuba Village for their continued support to the leadership of him and Kudecho Khamo. He thanked Khrüsa Keyho and his family for constructing the Khühu and expressed hope that it would continue to serve the welfare and progress of the community. Stressing the importance of sincerity, hard work and integrity, he also recalled the legacy of early Christian pioneers Suluho and Lhupruve, who were among the first to embrace Christianity in Chozuba and the Chakhesang area.
Keyho outlined various developmental initiatives undertaken in Chozuba Assembly Constituency under the leadership of Khamo, including infrastructure projects and welfare schemes. He highlighted the Local Area Development Programme (LADP) and the “One Family: One Project, One Entrepreneur” initiative, which provides financial assistance for start ups and distribution of layer chickens to benefit progressive farmers and entrepreneurs. Urging people not to politicise development, he called for appreciation of efforts made for the common good.
Former Village Council chairman Dusapra Nyekha said the Nyekhatso Shema has remained united despite different lineages, owing to the strong bonds fostered by forefathers. He noted that every khel in Chozuba traditionally had its own Khühu, where Gaon Buras conveyed announcements, declared community taboos and communicated decisions. He appreciated Khrüsa Keyho for constructing the Khühu beside the grave of his late father Pitolu Keyho, a respected Christian leader.
Lhusetso Shijoh, VCC Chozuba, 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 urged communities to revive similar institutions to strengthen ties and preserve cultural practices.
Head GB Zasevoyi Ringa also addressed the gathering. Earlier, Vethito Keyho, chairman of Nyekhatso Shema Welfare Organisation (NSWO), presented a brief report on the construction. The programme was chaired by Pudutso Nyekha, secretary NSWO, with invocation by Sao Keyho, Head Deacon of Chozuba Village Baptist Church. A special song was presented by Bayo Ceka, while the vote of thanks was delivered by Thuyengoyi Keyho, GB Shemami. The programme concluded with benediction by Sazo Keyho, Associate Pastor of Chozuba Village Baptist Church.
