In a ceremony held at the royal palace of Mogou on October 8, Kolani Noumeh Singué was officially recognized as the new chief of the Mogou canton in Togo's Oti-Sud 1 commune. The event was attended by various dignitaries, including the governor of the region, Atcha-Dédji Affoh, and traditional leaders. Singué succeeds the late Bagou Sambiani, who passed away in 2022 after a nine-year reign. The ceremony marked the beginning of Singué's tenure as the new traditional chief.
The recognition ceremony involved several traditional rites, including the presentation of the canton, the handover of the decree of recognition, and the display of national colors. The governor, Atcha-Dédji Affoh, conveyed congratulations and encouragement from President Faure Gnassigbé to the new chief. He emphasized the qualities expected of a traditional leader, such as integrity, impartiality, and commitment to peace and social cohesion. The governor also urged the local population to collaborate with Singué for the success of his mission.
During the ceremony, the governor reiterated the government's commitment to supporting the new chief in various sectors, including healthcare, education, security, and environmental conservation. Odanou Omourou, president of the regional council of traditional chiefs of the Savanes, praised the attention given to traditional leadership by President Gnassigbé and reaffirmed the commitment of traditional leaders to support Singué. The new chief expressed gratitude to the authorities and the population for their trust and support.
Singué vowed to lead his tenure under the principles of dialogue, unity, solidarity, and endogenous development. He called upon all social groups to participate in achieving this vision. The ceremony was attended by a range of officials, including prefects of Oti-Sud and Oti, military and administrative authorities, traditional and religious leaders, and delegations from neighboring countries, Benin and Ghana.
The Mogou canton comprises 32 villages and has a population of 30,442 inhabitants. The new chief's installation is seen as a significant event in the region, with expectations that he will promote peace, stability, and development. The traditional leadership plays a vital role in maintaining social cohesion and preserving cultural heritage in Togo.
The event showcased the importance of traditional institutions in Togo's socio-political landscape. The recognition of Singué as the new chief of the Mogou canton demonstrates the government's commitment to upholding traditional leadership and its role in promoting national development. The ceremony was a testament to the collaboration between traditional leaders and government authorities.
As Singué begins his tenure, he faces the task of uniting the local population and fostering development in the region. With the support of the government and the local population, he is expected to make a positive impact on the lives of the people in the Mogou canton. The decree of recognition serves as a formal endorsement of his leadership, and he is now set to assume his new role as the traditional chief of the Mogou canton.
Key points
- The new chief of the Mogou canton, Kolani Noumeh Singué, was officially recognized with a decree on October 8.
