General News
Kefas Seeks Kwararafa Unity, Economic Blueprint For Development
Taraba State Governor, Agbu Kefas, has called for stronger cooperation among communities linked to the Kwararafa heritage to drive education, investment, employment, peace and national development.
Kefas made the call on Saturday in Abuja while addressing the Kwararafa Peoples Assembly organised by the Kwararafa Development Forum (KDF), urging participants to translate their shared history and cultural heritage into a practical development agenda.
The governor, who is the convener of the assembly, said insecurity, poverty, unemployment, inadequate infrastructure and limited economic opportunities confronting communities could not be effectively addressed through isolated efforts.
He urged stakeholders to identify areas of cooperation that could improve the welfare of their people, while promoting education, skills development, innovation, trade, investment and industrialisation across Kwararafa communities.
Kefas also advocated the preservation of cultural heritage and the responsible conversion of historical and cultural assets into opportunities for tourism, employment and economic development.
He stressed the importance of stronger collaboration among traditional institutions, saying traditional rulers had critical roles to play in promoting peace, security and responsible leadership at the grassroots.
The governor further called for greater participation of women and youths in the development agenda, describing their involvement as essential to sustaining the future of the movement.
Kefas said the Kwararafa story was part of Nigeria’s broader history, stressing that the objective of the assembly was not to recreate an ancient empire but to apply its values to contemporary challenges.
He said the concept of “Kwararafa Rebirth” should instead represent a renewal of values including unity, courage, discipline, justice, cooperation and collective responsibility.
“This gathering is not an ethnic rally. It is not a political campaign. It is not directed against any person, community or part of Nigeria,” Kefas said.
According to him, the assembly was designed to strengthen the contribution of Kwararafa peoples to Nigeria’s peace, unity and development.
Kefas clarified that his role as convener was based on his identity as a son of Kwararafa and did not constitute an official responsibility of the Taraba State Government.
He said the assembly was funded through voluntary contributions from the Kwararafa platform, friends and supporters who shared its objectives.
The governor noted that Kwararafa peoples were spread across several states and the Federal Capital Territory, but remained connected by a shared historical and cultural heritage despite differences in language, customs and traditions.
He highlighted their contributions to agriculture, education, professional services, entrepreneurship, industry, public service, the military and cultural development, among other sectors.
Kefas said the greatest honour descendants could give their ancestors was to demonstrate the organisation, discipline and collective action associated with their historical legacy.
He therefore proposed the development of an economic and development blueprint containing realistic programmes, clearly defined responsibilities and measurable timelines.
The governor also advocated an inclusive and accountable structure to monitor implementation of decisions reached at the assembly, as well as partnerships with governments, private-sector organisations, development institutions and universities.
He expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and security agencies for their support in providing a safe environment for the gathering.
The Chief Host of the event and Aku Uka of Wukari, Taraba State, Ishaku Ali, described the assembly as an opportunity to rediscover a shared identity, strengthen existing bonds and establish a permanent structure for the collective advancement of Kwararafa peoples.
Ali said the assembly sought fairness, equity, justice, security and inclusion for Kwararafa communities within the Nigerian federation.
He called on traditional rulers, political leaders, professionals, women and youths to unite around common interests and support the development of the Kwararafa Development Forum.
The monarch said the Abuja Declaration adopted at the assembly, with emphasis on national unity, security, the economy, equity and the place of Kwararafa peoples in Nigeria, would be presented to relevant authorities for consideration.
Similarly, the Andoma of Doma, Nasarawa State, Alhaji Ahmadu Onawo, said the gathering provided an opportunity for the people to reconnect with their history, heritage and enduring legacy before colonial rule.
Onawo, who is Chairman of the Central Organising Committee, said the assembly was convened to renew bonds of shared heritage, address common challenges and chart a new course for the future of Kwararafa peoples.
He commended Governor Kefas for his commitment to reviving the gathering and acknowledged the presence of royal fathers, whose participation, he said, conferred legitimacy and dignity on the assembly.
The assembly brought together traditional rulers, governors, political leaders, professionals, women, youths and other stakeholders connected to the Kwararafa heritage.
