By Emmanuel Awari-Jalingo
Zing town, headquarters of Zing Local Government of Taraba State, witnessed a large crowd as His Royal Highness Alhaji Suleiman Ibrahim Sambo Kpanti-Zing conferred chieftaincy titles on sons and daughters of the state.
The ceremony, held at the monarch’s palace, was attended by dignitaries, including political leaders, fellow monarchs, religious figures and esteemed technocrats.
The event commenced with vibrant traditional displays showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the Mumuye people. Participants, dressed in resplendent traditional attire, engaged in various cultural performances highlighting the community’s history and values.
The Kpanti-Zing said chieftaincy honors remain a mandate of traditional rulers, motivating beneficiaries to do more. He expressed gratitude for the community’s support and urged newly titled holders to bring their ideas together for meaningful development.
“The chieftaincy title and award was in acknowledgement and recognition of those who distinguished themselves in their careers and made great impacts on the society,” he said.
Hon. Jabayang expressed gratitude to the Kpanti-Zing, traditional council and the people for the recognition. He highlighted his contributions to the community, including employment opportunities, projects and scholarship awards.
“I am not surprised because my people have me at heart. I have touched so many lives of my people,” he said.
Hon. Innocent Umar Jabayang, who was also turbaned as Kpanti Jesan I of (Sarkin Matasan)Zing, said he was a candidate of SDP in the 2023 National Assembly Election. “I contested for the post of House of Representatives to represent Jalingo, Yorro and Zing Federal Constituency of the State. As 2027 general election approaches, all depends on my people, if they suggest that I contest for Governorship, I will contest, if Senate or House of Representatives, I will contest. It all depends on my people.”
The titled holders include Hon. Aisha K. Barde as the newly Zinariyyan Mumuye, Hon. Chief Amfani S. Bandawa as the new Dan iyan Zing, Hon. Filister Musa JP as the newly Yar’Amanan Zing, Saleem Iliyasu Goje as the newly Dan Malikin Zing and Brig. Gen. Faransa Jeremiah Aliyu (Rtd) as the Newly Makaman Zing.
The titled holders pledged to contribute to the development of the Chiefdom and restore socio-economic growth in Zing Local Government area, Taraba state.
“We pledge our continued support towards contributing meaningful development of this historic Chiefdom and restore socio-economic growth stimulus across Zing Local Government area Taraba state,” they said.