By Taraba News
Abuja, September 20, 2026
Governor Agbu Kefas of Taraba State has called on communities linked to the historic Kwararafa Confederacy to transform their shared heritage into a practical development agenda capable of addressing contemporary challenges.
Kefas made the call on Saturday in Abuja while addressing the Kwararafa Peoples Assembly, organised by the Kwararafa Development Forum (KDF) at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel.
The gathering brought together traditional rulers, political leaders, professionals, women, youths and other stakeholders from communities associated with the Kwararafa heritage.
The governor, who is the convener of the assembly, said the shared history of the Kwararafa people should translate into concrete cooperation in areas such as education, agriculture, skills development, investment, employment, peace and security.
He identified insecurity, poverty, unemployment, inadequate infrastructure and limited economic opportunities among the challenges facing communities, stressing that they required collective responses rather than isolated efforts.
Kefas urged stakeholders to promote education, skills acquisition and innovation while encouraging trade, investment and industrial development across communities associated with the Kwararafa heritage.
He also called for the preservation of cultural heritage and the responsible development of historical and cultural assets as potential drivers of tourism, employment and economic growth.
The Taraba governor emphasised the importance of traditional institutions in promoting peace, security and responsible leadership at the grassroots, urging greater cooperation among traditional rulers and other stakeholders.
He equally stressed the need for women and young people to occupy a central position in the development agenda, describing their participation as essential to the future of the movement.
Kefas proposed the development of a comprehensive Kwararafa development and economic blueprint containing realistic programmes, clearly defined responsibilities and measurable timelines.
He also advocated an inclusive and accountable structure to monitor decisions reached at the assembly and facilitate partnerships with governments, private-sector organisations, development institutions and universities.
The governor clarified that his participation as convener was based on his identity as a descendant of Kwararafa and was not an official responsibility of the Taraba State Government.
He described the gathering as an opportunity for descendants of Kwararafa, who are spread across several states and the Federal Capital Territory, to strengthen their bonds despite differences in language, customs and traditions.
Kefas said the idea of “Kwararafa Rebirth” should not be interpreted as an attempt to recreate an ancient empire, but as 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,” the governor said.
He explained that the objective was to strengthen the contribution of Kwararafa peoples to Nigeria’s peace, unity and development.
The governor further noted the contributions of Kwararafa-descendant communities to agriculture, education, professional services, entrepreneurship, industry, public service, the military and culture.
He said the greatest honour descendants could give their ancestors was to demonstrate the organisation, discipline and collective action associated with their historical legacy.
The Aku Uka of Wukari, who served as chief host of the event, described the gathering as an opportunity to rediscover shared identity, strengthen relationships and establish a permanent structure for the collective advancement of Kwararafa peoples.
The traditional ruler called for fairness, equity, justice, security and inclusion for Kwararafa communities within the Nigerian federation.
The Andoma of Doma and Chairman of the Central Organising Committee, Alhaji Ahmadu Onawo, said the assembly was convened to renew bonds of shared heritage, address common challenges and chart a new course for the future.
He commended Governor Kefas for his role in reviving the gathering and acknowledged the participation of traditional rulers and other stakeholders.
The assembly adopted an Abuja Declaration focusing on issues including national unity, security, economic development, equity and the place of Kwararafa peoples within Nigeria. The declaration is expected to be presented to relevant authorities for consideration.
The gathering also provided an opportunity for traditional and community leaders to strengthen relationships and explore practical ways of advancing the shared interests and development of communities connected to the Kwararafa heritage
