By Okerafor Athanasius, Jalingo
The Sanwi Chiefdom of the Yandang-speaking people of Taraba State, North-East Nigeria, have held their maiden cultural Carnival, tagged ‘Sungki Yandang Carnival’.
The carnival with the theme ‘Cultural Heritage; A panacea for National Cohesion’, was graced by a glittering array of personalities within and outside the State.
Speaking on the occasion, held at Government Day Secondary School (GDSS), Sayonti, Lau Local Government Area (LGA) of the State, the State Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas, represented by the Secretary to the Government of the State (SGS), lauded the Yandang people for coming up with such a cultural carnival.
Kefas, who assured that his government will continue to help ensure that Sungki Yandang cultural festival lasts in the State, further pledged the rehabilitation, reconstruction and resettlement of victims of unfortunate incidents that happened in the past.
He also pledged to submit details of the carnival to the appropriate Federal Government body handling the National Calendar of Festivals for wider recognition.
Delivering a keynote address, the paramount ruler of Sanwi Chiefdom, HRH Pastor (Dr.) Daa Haniel Hinlewheni Banti, Kpang Sanwi I of Sanwi Chiefdom, said the choice of the 2025 maiden carnival with the chosen theme, was deliberately taken in view of the challenging times.
He said the occasion showcased unique cultures, traditions, values and history of the Yandang nation globally.
The monarch added that the mammoth crowd of people from all walks of life came to experience the beauty and vibrancy of Yandang culture, thus promoting ecotourism and national cohesion.
“We (Yandang) are great people of culture, hospitality with excellent etiquette and industry”, he noted.
The royal father however, called on the government to consider the plight of displaced persons across the area with a view to resettling them back to their homes.
The occasion was witnessed by members of the National Assembly from Taraba North, top government officials, among others, from within and outside the State.
Our reporter writes that GDSS, Sayonti, Mayo-lope, venue of the carnival was filled to capacity with the Yandang people, dressed in their traditional attire even as music of different types of music was belted out amid scintillating dance steps.
A resident of the area said: “The Yandang people in Taraba State started the celebration of Yandang Day in the year 2004 and it was later suspended in 2021.
“With the creation of Sanwi Chiefdom, and coronation of Kpan Sanwi, Pastor (Dr.) Haniel Hinlewheni Banti (JP), (Dash Kpang Sanwi I), he resuscitated and rebranded the name to Sungki Yandang Cultural Carnival.
“This is a yearly festival that is done to pray to our ancestors for a fruitful harvest. It is usually done at the beginning of the rainy season.”
