Gov Kefas Demands Collective Action To Revive Kwararafa Heritage

Taraba State governor, Agbu Kefas, has called for collective action among sons and daughters of the historic Kwararafa Confederacy to revive their shared heritage and translate it into tangible development across their communities.

Kefas made the call yesterday in Abuja while speaking at the Kwararafa Peoples Assembly 2026.

The governor, who served as co-convener of the gathering, said the assembly should mark the beginning of a new pact focused on unity, cooperation, investment and development rather than merely celebrating the history of the ancient confederacy.

He said, “Our history cannot end in books. Our history must inspire present action. The important question before us today is not only who were our ancestors. The greater question is what are we, their descendants, prepared to do today?”

Kefas said the Kwararafa heritage represented a shared historical and civilisational bond among people living across different states, despite differences in language, customs and contemporary political boundaries.

According to him, the descendants of the old Kwararafa Confederacy are estimated to number more than 20 million people spread across over 22 states of the federation, including the Federal Capital Territory.

He noted that people connected to the heritage had continued to contribute to Nigeria through agriculture, education, professional services, entrepreneurship, industry, public service, the military and cultural activities.

The governor described the gathering as an opportunity to transform the shared heritage into a practical development agenda, saying the proposed “Kwararafa Rebirth” was not an attempt to restore an empire or compete with other ethnic groups.

“Rebirth does not mean attempting to restore an empire of the past. It does not mean competing with any ethnic group or threatening the unity of Nigeria.

“It means rediscovering the values that made our ancestors strong: unity, courage, discipline, justice, cooperation and collective responsibility, and applying those values to the challenges of the 21st century,” he stated.

He said the assembly was neither an ethnic rally nor a political campaign, but an avenue to strengthen the contribution of Kwararafa descendants to peace, unity and national development.

Kefas further called for the establishment of a clear blueprint and economic framework containing specific programmes, defined responsibilities and measurable timelines.

“The blueprint and economic framework should contain clearly listed programmes, defined responsibilities and measurable timelines,” he said.

He also proposed an inclusive and transparent platform through which investment, educational opportunities and development projects could reach communities connected to the Kwararafa heritage.

Earlier, the Chief Host, the Aku Uka of Wukari, called for unity among the people and the strengthening of institutions that would preserve their common heritage.

In his address, the traditional ruler said the gathering was an opportunity to reclaim history, strengthen bonds and establish a permanent platform for the collective advancement of the people.

The assembly also featured the unveiling of historical documents, including an introductory compendium on the history and culture of the Kwararafa people and the Abuja Declaration of the Kwararafa Family Assembly.

The compendium, according to its promoters, is intended to provide a concise account of the history, culture and people of Kwararafa, with a more comprehensive two-volume publication of 520 pages each planned as a future reference work.

The Attah of Igala, His Royal Majesty Matthew Opaluwa Ogwuche, also commended the gathering and called for similar meetings to be held regularly, including at the grassroots.

He expressed appreciation to those who contributed to the organisation of the event and said the gathering provided an opportunity for people connected by shared ancestry to strengthen their bonds.