A newly constructed Nyekhatso-Shema Khühu, a traditional stone sit-out that has long served as a centre for community gatherings and decision-making, was inaugurated at Chozuba Village on July 18. The structure was inaugurated by Küduve Keyho, Personal Secretary to MLA and Advisor for Civil Administration Works Division (CAWD), Kudecho Khamo, who attended the programme as the guest speaker.
The Khühu was constructed by Khrüsa Keyho, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Dimapur, as a gesture of service to the people and to preserve the community’s cultural heritage.
Addressing the gathering, Küduve Keyho thanked the Nyekhatso-Shema and the people of Chozuba Village for their continued support to Kudecho Khamo and also expressed appreciation to Khrüsa Keyho and his family for constructing the traditional structure.
Expressing hope that the Khühu would continue to benefit the community, he said it should remain a place that promotes unity while preserving values of sincerity, hard work and integrity.
Recalling the contributions of Chozuba’s early Christian pioneers, Suluho and Lhupruve, Keyho said, “The present generation continues to benefit from their vision, leadership and blessings.”
Highlighting development in the constituency, he said infrastructure projects and welfare initiatives under the leadership of Kudecho Khamo have benefited both rural and urban households. He added that the Local Area Development Programme is supporting progressive farmers and entrepreneurs through initiatives such as the “One Family: One Project, One Entrepreneur” programme and the distribution of layer chickens.
He urged people not to politicise developmental activities and said, “Let us appreciate every effort made for the common good.” He also encouraged the community to remain humble, uphold honesty and follow the teachings of Christ.
Former Village Council Chairman Dusapra Nyekha said every khel in Chozuba traditionally had its own Khühu, where Gaon Buras made important announcements, declared community taboos and communicated decisions. He thanked Khrüsa Keyho for constructing the Khühu beside the grave of his late father, Pitolu Keyho, and urged younger generations to preserve the institution as a place to pass on oral traditions, culture and heritage.
Village Council Chairman Lhusetso Shijoh said the Khühu also served as a venue for early Christian evangelism when Christianity reached Chozuba in 1895 and later became a place for discussions, planning, conflict resolution and the sharing of indigenous knowledge. He called on other communities to revive similar institutions to strengthen communal ties and preserve cultural practices.
Head GB Zasevoyi Ringa also addressed the gathering. Earlier, Nyekhatso Shema Welfare Organisation Chairman Vethito Keyho presented a brief report on the construction of the Khühu. The programme was chaired by Pudutso Nyekha, with the invocation offered by Sao Keyho, a special song by Bayo Ceka, the vote of thanks by Thuyengoyi Keyho, and the benediction pronounced by Sazo Keyho.
