By Sanee Yarima
The Taraba State Government has been urged to reintegrate and re-establish the displaced persons in the Yandang Chiefdom, who were affected by the 2018 crises in some parts of the Lau Local Government Area (LGA) of the state.
This plea was made by the paramount ruler of the Chiefdom, Daah Kpang-Sanwi the First, HRH Pastor Dr. Haniel Hinlewheni Banti JP, during the 2025 maiden edition of the Yandang Cultural Carnival.
The event took place at the GDSS Soyonti in Mayo-Lope, Lau LGA, on Saturday, April 26, 2025.
It is noteworthy that the Sanwi Chiefdom was established in 2018 by the immediate past Governor of Taraba State, Architect Darius Dickson Ishaku, to foster unity, peaceful coexistence, and inclusivity in governance.
Historically, the Yandang people are believed to have originated from Egypt, settling in Yerro LGA of Taraba State before migrating to their current locations in Adamawa and Taraba States.
Their ancestral homeland is Gorobi in Adamawa State, characterized by beautiful landscapes surrounded by lush lands, mountains, caves, and hills that protected them from enemies and slave traders until the 20th century. “Gorobi” translates to ‘mountain.’
In Gorobi, the Yandang people are divided into 17 clans, which are further subdivided into houses and sub-clans.
In Yandang culture, as in many African cultures, parental consent is the most crucial first step in the marriage process.
Additionally, the traditional names given to children are based on circumstances surrounding their birth.
For instance, if a child is born during an unproductive year, he or she is named “Bonzinbaba,” meaning “no more guinea corn.” Conversely, a child born during a time of prosperity is named “Tansiye,” meaning “good news.”
The Yandang people celebrated Yandang Day from 2004 until 2012 but later suspended it.
With the establishment of the Sanwi Chiefdom and the coronation of Kpang Sanwi in December 2018, HRH Pastor Haniel Hinlewheni Banti JP revived this celebration, renaming it the “Sungki Yandang Cultural Carnival.”
The theme for the first edition is “Cultural Heritage: A Panacea for National Cohesion,” which highlights the growing importance of cultural heritage in promoting unity across communities.
The vibrant cultural event was well attended by sons and daughters of the Yandang nation, as well as friends and well-wishers from various backgrounds, including over thirty traditional leaders from Gombe, Adamawa, and Taraba, states.
The traditional leaders were led by the paramount ruler of Kaltungo in Gombe State, Engr. Sale Muhammed Umar.
The Secretary to the Government of Taraba State, High Chief Barr. Gebon Timothy Kataps represented Governor Agbu Kefas on this significant occasion.
Other dignitaries in attendance included Senator Shu’aibu Isa Lau, representing Taraba North and serving as the father of the day; Senator Rev. Binos Dauda Yaroe, representing Adamawa South in the 10th National Assembly; and Hon. Audu Mohammed Lauya, who was the chairman of the occasion.
Hon. Nuhu Akila Rantiyo, the member representing Lau Constituency at the Taraba House of Assembly, was the Son of the Day.
Additionally, the state Commissioner for Heritage and Eco-Tourism, Rev. Joseph Titus Nagombe, served as the special host, and the state Head of the Civil Service, Dr. Hamidu Ahmed Kara, was the Guest of Honor.
Mrs. Mairo Istifanus Zabadi, an Abuja-based businesswoman, was the Mother of the Day, while Hon. Mrs. Leah Solomon, Chairperson of the Taraba State Community Social Development Projects (CSDP), served as the Daughter of the Day.
The Executive Chairman of Lau LG Council, Hon. Nigeria Jatau, was the Chief Host, and the former Commissioner of Works in the state, currently a Special Adviser to Governor Agbu Kefas on Works, Hon. Irimiya Hammanjulde, served as the Chairman of the Central Planning Committee for the carnival.
In his address to the gathering, Kpang Sanwi (I), the Chief Host, emphasized the importance of the carnival in showcasing the culture, traditions, values, and history of the Yandang people.
He noted that the Yandang people are renowned for their rich culture, hospitality, and strong presence in education and industry.
He invited the world to witness the beauty of their traditions and experience their vibrant culture.
Kpang Sanwi described eco-tourism and national unity as crucial benefits of embracing cultural heritage, highlighting that the Yandang people are peace-loving, hospitable, and accommodating.
The paramount ruler expressed his delight in expanding cultural programs, enhancing community participation, and increasing tourism-related initiatives.
HRH Kpang Sanwi I, who quoted TILO BINTI, emphasized that national cohesion involves a sense of belonging, mutual understanding, and cooperation among citizens, regardless of their backgrounds, saying, “Essentially, it’s about fostering a unified society with a shared sense purpose and identity.
He also announced that henceforth, the ‘Bokituka,’ a traditional cultural performance, will be performed annually at the Sanwi Chiefdom, headquarters in Sayunti during the Sungki Yandang Carnival.
“Cultural carnivals attract tourists and serve as a significant driver of ecotourism and economic activity,” HRH Banti remarked.
Banti extended the Chiefdom’s gratitude to Governor Dr Agbu Kefas and the Taraba State Government for their continued support and commitment to preserving the cultural heritage of the region.
Furthermore, while appreciating the state government for its support to the victims of the 2018 crises in his Chiefdom, Kpang Sanwi I also urged Governor Agbu Kefas to re-integrate and re-establish the displaced persons back to their ancestral land, appealing to the Federal Government as well, to assist them.
Governor Agbu Kefas, represented by the Secretary to the Government of the State (SGS), Barr. Gebon Timothy Kataps reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to continue supporting the Chiefdom.
Kefas announced that the state government would enlist the Yandang Cultural Carnival under the cultural calendar of the state and commended the organisers of the carnival.
“Your Highness, I adopted the first page of your speech because you have said all that I wanted to say. I want to assure you that we will continue to support the Chiefdom.”
Governor Agbu Kefas promised to rehabilitate, reconcile and reintegrate the Yandang communities who were victims of farmers/herders conflict in 2018.
Earlier, the Chairman of the occasion, Hon Audu Mohammed Lauya advised other tribes to emulate the Yandang people who not only translated the three stanzas of the National Anthem into Yandang dialect but also sang it at the event.
Lauya, who is also the Member representing Lau, Karim Lamido and Ardo Kola Federal Constituency, challenged all ethnic groups in Nigeria to translate the National Anthem into their dialects.
He called on the Yandang youths to apply for the Nigerian Army, police, immigration and other paramilitary agencies to enable them to be well-represented in all sectors of life.
In his remarks, the father of the day, who is also the Senator representing Taraba North, Sen. Shu’aibu Isa Lau, promised to connect the Abbare-Mayo-Lope with the national grid.
According to him, the provision of power to the community would serve as a source of employment generation to the Yandang teaming youth population and appreciate them for supporting his re-election in 2019.
On his part, the paramount ruler of Kaltungo from Gombe State, Mai Kaltungo, Engr Sale Muhammed Umar commended Kpang Sanwi for his commitment to peace and unity, and called on other traditional leaders to emulate Pkang Sanwi I, describing the carnival as a major tool in fostering peace and unity in the nation.
The Royal father praised Governor Agbu Kefas and the government of Taraba State for providing a peaceful atmosphere for its citizens and reaffirmed his Chiefdom’s commitment to sustaining the relationship, promising to come with more cultural performers during the next carnival.
“Sanwi Chiefdom is our home now, and Taraba State as a whole. We commend Governor Kefas for providing security which allows us to be here to witness this great and historic event. We used to invite HRH Kpang Sanwi I, and today we are here to also celebrate with him and the people of Yandang nation for the first carnival since he ascended the throne. We are one family, and we will continue to be there for one another.” Mai Kaltungo reiterated.
The monarch appealed to Governor Agbu Kefas to reconstruct the Jalingo-Numan road and later claimed reimbursement from the Federal Government to ease the movement of motorists.
The high points of the event were displays of cultural dances by various ethnic groups from within and outside Taraba State.
