By PETER UWUMAROGIE

No fewer than 6,445 youths on Saturday, mounted Bima Hill to mark the 2025 Annual Cultural Festival of Hina Community in Yamaltu/Deba Local Government Area of Gombe State.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the hill-climbing activity was organised by the Hina Youth Forum (HYF) as part of efforts to foster unity and to promote the community’s cultural heritage.

The forum organised a series of activities spanning five days, including sporting events and cultural competitions among youths.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Bima Hill is located in Yamaltu/Deba Local Government Area of Gombe State, and has a prominence of 404 metres (1,325 feet).

The hill ranks as the fourth most elevated in Gombe State out of 23 hills and is the first of two hills located in Yamaltu/Deba.

By prominence, it is ranked 80th in Nigeria, and second in Gombe State.

Meanwhile, 317 residents of Hina Community benefited from free medical services organised as part of activities lined up for the festival.

Speaking after the climbing event, Chairman of the forum, Mr. Umar Musa, said that the outreach was aimed at giving back to the community.

Musa explained that the intervention formed part of the line-up of activities for the 2025 Hina Annual Festival and targeted mostly vulnerable persons.

According to him, beneficiaries were screened and treated for ailments such as hypertension, diabetes, ulcer, malaria, typhoid, infections, while eye screening was also conducted.

“Laboratory tests were carried out, drugs were provided, vital signs were taken and health talks were delivered to improve nutrition, sanitation and hygiene,” he said.

Musa added that National Identity Number (NIN) registration was also conducted for about 400 residents to comply with national guidelines.

“This is to ensure that residents of all ages obtain their NIN in line with national directives,” he said. (NAN)