The governor of Taraba state, Dr Agbu Kefas, has stated that the rebirth of the Kwararafa Kingdom under one umbrella in modern-day Nigeria is aimed at promoting national unity, not division. He made this remark at the maiden national summit of Kwararafa Development Forum held in Abuja. According to Kefas, the forum seeks to strengthen national integration using its heritage advantage.
Kefas emphasized that the Kwararafa Development Forum is not a Taraba state government programme, but a shared heritage that should be used for peace and national development. He expressed pride in being identified with the body alongside other governors of Kwararafa origin, citing the importance of heritage. The governor noted that the history of Kwararafa must inspire present action for people to know them better today.
The Kwararafa people, numbering over 30 million, are scattered across 22 states in Nigeria, including Nasarawa, Kogi, Plateau, Taraba, Enugu, Cross River, Niger, Benue, Yobe, Gombe, Kwara, Ebonyi, Delta, Kaduna, Adamawa, Abia, and the FCT. Kefas assured that the forum does not intend to threaten other ethnic nationalities, but rather focus on collective responsibilities for the 21st century.
The Aku Uka of Wukari, His Royal Majesty Dr Ishiaku Adda Ali Matakhitswen, who is the chief host of the summit, noted that this is the first time in modern-day Nigeria that the people of Kwararafa confederacy have gathered in one place to rediscover their common identity and give expression to their shared aspirations. The assembly aims to reclaim their history, strengthen bonds, and establish a permanent platform for Kwararafa forum towards collective advancement.
The Kwararafa people have contributed significantly to Nigeria's development in areas such as agriculture, the Armed Forces, natural resources, and culture. However, many of their communities have continued to suffer deprivations in areas such as infrastructure, economic opportunities, and inadequate representation in the nation's political structure. The Ohimegye of Opandan (Umaisha Kingdom) in Nasarawa state, Alhaji Usman Abdullahi, expressed pleasure in being identified with the body.
The summit featured prominent sons and daughters of the forum, including present and former lawmakers, as well as an array of masquerades. The highpoint of the event was the signing of the Abuja Declaration and the public presentation of the Kwararafa Compendium. The governors of Kogi and Plateau were represented by their deputies.
Kefas and other stakeholders emphasized that the forum is not a political organisation, but a way of contributing towards peace and development. The Kwararafa Development Forum seeks equity, fairness, justice, security, and inclusion in all aspects of Nigeria's life, with a focus on collective responsibility and progress.
Key points
- The Kwararafa Development Forum aims to promote national unity and development.
- The forum seeks to reclaim the history and strengthen bonds among Kwararafa people.
- The Kwararafa people have contributed significantly to Nigeria's development, but face challenges in their communities.
