Yandang Cultural Carnival Rekindles Hope, Unity as Monarch Wants Victims of 2018 Crisis Reintegrated

The ancient town of Mayo-Lope in Lau Local Government Area of Taraba State came alive on April 26, 2025, as the Yandangpeople held the maiden edition of the Sungki Yandang Cultural Carnival. The event, marked by vibrant displays of cultural heritage and attended by dignitaries from across the country, also served as a platform for reflection and advocacy, as the paramount ruler of Sanwi Chiefdom, HRH Pastor Dr. HanielHinlewheni Banti JP, called on the Taraba State Government to reintegrate and re-establish displaced persons affected by the 2018 crisis.

The monarch, also known as Kpang Sanwi I, made the passionate plea during his address at the carnival held at Government Day Secondary School Soyonti. He urged both the state and federal governments to take deliberate steps to return the displaced people to their ancestral lands, noting that although support had been given in the past, full resettlement was necessary for healing and sustainable peace. Sanwi Chiefdom, carved out in 2018 by the then Governor Darius Ishaku, was created to foster unity and enhance governance among the Yandang people.

The carnival's theme, "Cultural Heritage: A Panacea for National Cohesion," resonated deeply with attendees, drawing attention to the power of tradition in strengthening national identity. The Yandang people, believed to have migrated from Egypt before settling in their current locations in Taraba and Adamawa States, are known for their hospitality, rich history, and values. Their ancestral homeland, Gorobi in Adamawa State, is a mountainous terrain that once protected them from slave traders and conflict. The Sungki Yandang Cultural Carnival, a revival of the earlier Yandang Day celebration (last held in 2012), featured traditional dances, music, and the announcement that the Bokituka performance would now be held annually.

In his address, HRH Banti emphasized that cultural events like this are key to fostering eco-tourism and national unity. Quoting Tilo Binti, he said national cohesion involves a sense of mutual understanding, belonging, and identity among all citizens. He expressed gratitude to Governor Agbu Kefas for his administration's support and used the occasion to advocate for the inclusion of the carnival in the state's cultural calendar. 

Representing the governor at the event, Secretary to the State Government, High Chief Barr. Gebon Timothy Kataps, lauded the monarch's speech and assured the people that the Kefasadministration remains committed to peace and development. He added that the government would rehabilitate, reconcile, and reintegrate the victims of the 2018 crisis. 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.

Several dignitaries graced the occasion, including Senator Shu'aibu Isa Lau, representing Taraba North, who served as Father of the Day; Senator Rev. Binos Dauda Yaroe of Adamawa South; Hon. Audu Mohammed Lauya, who chaired the event; and Hon. Nuhu Akila Rantiyo, representing Lau Constituency in the Taraba State House of Assembly. Also present were the Commissioner for Heritage and Eco-Tourism, Rev. Joseph Titus Nagombe; Head of Civil Service, Dr. HamiduAhmed Kara; Abuja-based businesswoman, Mrs. MairoIstifanus Zabadi, Mother of the Day; Hon. Mrs. Leah Solomon, Chairperson of Taraba State Community Social Development Projects, Daughter of the Day; Executive Chairman of Lau LGA, Hon. Nigeria Jatau, Chief Host; and Special Adviser to the Governor on Works, Hon. Irimiya Hammanjulde, who chaired the Central Planning Committee.

Hon. Lauya, who also represents Lau, Karim Lamido, and Ardo-Kola at the National Assembly, challenged ethnic groups to follow the Yandang people's example by translating the National Anthem into their dialects. He encouraged Yandang youths to join the military and paramilitary services to ensure greater representation at the national level. Senator Shu'aibu Isa Lau pledged to connect the Abbare-Mayo-Lope area to the national grid, noting that electricity access would drive economic activity and employment for the youth.

Also speaking, the Mai Kaltungo of Gombe State, Engr. Sale Muhammed Umar, praised Kpang Sanwi I for his peace-building efforts. He called on other traditional rulers to emulate the monarch's leadership and appealed to Governor Kefas to reconstruct the Jalingo-Numan road for improved connectivity. The royal father affirmed the strong relationship between the Kaltungo and Sanwi chiefdoms, promising to bring more cultural performers for future editions of the carnival.

The event was filled with colorful displays of cultural dances and performances from various groups across northern Nigeria. It marked a historic moment for the Yandang people, not only in reviving a cultural legacy but also in using tradition as a tool for reconciliation, tourism, and national development.