Abuja: Gov. Agbu Kefas of Taraba has called for stronger cooperation among communities linked to the Kwararafa heritage to promote education, investment, employment, peace, and national development. Kefas made the call while addressing the Kwararafa Peoples Assembly, organised by the Kwararafa Development Forum (KDF).
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the governor emphasized that the gathering should translate shared history into a practical development agenda. He highlighted challenges facing the communities, such as insecurity, poverty, unemployment, inadequate infrastructure, and limited economic opportunities, which require collective responses.
Kefas urged communities to identify practical areas of cooperation to improve the well-being of their people and contribute to Nigeria’s development. He encouraged stakeholders to promote education, skills development, and innovation, while fostering trade, investment, and industrial development across Kwararafa-associated communities.
He also emphasized the
preservation of cultural heritage and the transformation of historical and cultural assets into opportunities for tourism and employment. The governor stressed the importance of cooperation among traditional institutions in promoting peace, security, and responsible leadership.
Kefas highlighted the necessity of involving women and young people in the development agenda, asserting that their participation is crucial for sustaining the future of the movement. He clarified that the assembly’s goal is not to recreate an ancient empire but to apply its values to contemporary challenges, advocating a ‘Kwararafa Rebirth’ that embodies unity, courage, discipline, justice, cooperation, and collective responsibility.
The governor stated that the assembly aims to strengthen the contributions of Kwararafa peoples to Nigeria’s peace, unity, and development, emphasizing that his role as convener was based on his identity as a son of Kwararafa, not an official responsibility of the Taraba government.
Kefas revealed that
the assembly was supported through voluntary contributions from the Kwararafa platform, friends, and supporters. He noted the Kwararafa peoples’ contributions to various sectors, including agriculture, education, professional services, entrepreneurship, and culture.
He proposed the preparation of a development and economic blueprint with realistic programs and called for an inclusive and accountable structure to monitor the assembly’s decisions and partnerships with governments and other organizations. The governor expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu, the Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and security agencies for facilitating a safe environment for the assembly.
In his address, Chief Host Ishaku Ali, the Aku Uka of Wukari, described the gathering as a platform to rediscover shared identity and strengthen bonds for the collective advancement of Kwararafa peoples. He called for unity among traditional rulers, political leaders, professionals, women, and youths to support the develo
pment of the proposed Kwararafa Development Forum.
The Abuja Declaration, adopted at the assembly, focuses on national unity, security, the economy, equity, and the place of Kwararafa peoples in Nigeria. It will be presented to relevant authorities for consideration.
Similarly, Alhaji Ahmadu Onawo, the Andoma of Doma, Nasarawa State, commended the assembly for renewing bonds of shared heritage and addressing common challenges. He praised the Taraba governor for his commitment to reviving the gathering and acknowledged the royal fathers for their support.
The assembly brought together traditional rulers, governors, political leaders, professionals, women, youths, and other stakeholders connected to the Kwararafa kingdom.