By Emmanuel Awari -Jalingo
As Taraba state continues to pursue peace, unity and sustainable development amid its diverse ethnic and cultural identities, governor Agbu Kefas has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to working closely with traditional institutions to strengthen community relations and advance development across the state.
The governor made this commitment on Saturday while congratulating the Chief of Mumuye, Alhaji Ado Adamu Mazang, on the 20th anniversary of his ascension to the traditional throne, describing the milestone as a significant chapter in the history of the Mumuye people.
For Kefas, the anniversary represents more than two decades of traditional leadership. It also provides an opportunity to recognise the enduring relevance of traditional institutions in promoting social cohesion, resolving community disputes and supporting government efforts to improve the welfare of citizens.
The governor commended Mazang for his contributions to the development of his domain and his leadership in navigating the challenges associated with community administration.
He stressed that traditional institutions remained important pillars of peace building, community development and democratic governance, noting that traditional rulers maintained close relationships with their subjects and possessed valuable knowledge of the needs and concerns of their communities.
According to Kefas, such relationships make traditional rulers indispensable partners in the pursuit of inclusive development, particularly in a state like Taraba, where different ethnic groups contribute to a rich cultural and social landscape.
He assured traditional rulers that his administration would continue to promote inclusiveness and ensure that every ethnic group had a place in the state’s development agenda.
The governor’s remarks underscore the importance of collaboration between government and traditional authorities in building trust, strengthening grassroots participation and creating an environment conducive to peaceful coexistence.
Beyond traditional leadership, Kefas also highlighted the role of cultural heritage in promoting unity and opening up economic opportunities, particularly through the annual Santii Yam Festival in Yorro local government council.
He commended the people of Yorro for preserving the festival, describing it as an enduring cultural tradition that had continued to attract recognition beyond its immediate community.
The festival, which celebrates the cultural identity and traditions of the people, offers an opportunity to showcase Taraba’s heritage while bringing communities together through shared customs and celebrations.
Kefas observed that cultural events such as the Santii Yam Festival could serve purposes beyond entertainment, with the potential to attract tourists, stimulate local economic activities and strengthen relationships among different communities.
He maintained that preserving cultural identity was compatible with development, stressing the importance of supporting initiatives that create opportunities for tourism and economic growth while safeguarding the traditions passed down through generations.
To this end, the governor pledged continued support for the festival and assured that the Ministry of Culture and Tourism would sustain its collaboration with the organisers to improve its visibility, expand its reach and maximise its tourism potential.
The commitment places cultural promotion within the broader development conversation, particularly as communities seek ways to preserve their heritage while creating opportunities for local businesses, artisans, traders and other participants in the tourism value chain.
For Taraba, whose cultural diversity remains one of its defining characteristics, strengthening traditional institutions and investing in cultural celebrations could provide additional avenues for promoting peaceful coexistence and attracting visitors to the state.
Kefas reiterated that traditional rulers and cultural institutions remained important partners in his administration’s efforts to foster unity, preserve heritage and promote sustainable development.
The challenge, however, lies in translating these commitments into sustained collaboration, practical support for cultural initiatives and development programmes that reach communities across the state.
As the Chief of Mumuye marks two decades on the throne and Yorro continues to celebrate the Santii Yam Festival, the governor’s message is clear: traditional leadership and cultural heritage remain important elements in the pursuit of a more united, peaceful and economically vibrant Taraba state.