The town of Lankang in Pankshin Local Government Area came alive with music, colour, and a palpable sense of community as the Mupun people gathered to celebrate the annual Vwang Cultural Festival.
The three-day event, one of Plateau State’s most cherished cultural celebrations, drew families, friends, and visitors from across the state, creating a lively reunion of tradition, dance, music, and culinary delights.
From the early morning, the festival grounds buzzed with activity. Traditional dancers moved in synchronised rhythms to the beat of drums, while performers in colourful attire displayed intricate artistry in every step.
Women and men dressed in vibrant traditional clothing showcased local delicacies and crafts, providing a feast for both the eyes and the senses. Visitors were treated to the sounds, sights, and tastes of a rich cultural heritage that spans generations.
Representing Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, Deputy Governor Ngo Josephine Piyo delivered the governor’s message, emphasizing the importance of cultural festivals in promoting unity and preserving traditions.
“This festival represents far more than entertainment. It preserves the values and traditions that define the Mupun Nation and reinforces the shared heritage that binds communities together,” she said.
She also urged citizens to embrace dialogue, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence, reminding everyone that “peace is the foundation of sustainable development and a responsibility shared by government, traditional institutions, religious leaders, youths, and every member of society.”
Also, Chairman of the occasion and senator representing Plateau South Senatorial District,Simon Bako Lalong commended the peaceful atmosphere in the state, noting that improved security has allowed residents to celebrate freely.
He encouraged organisers to focus on promoting cultural heritage and announced a donation of ₦3 million in support of Mupun cultural activities, a gesture widely applauded by the attendees.
He noted that traditional dances, indigenous cuisine, fashion, and crafts showcased at the festival could be developed into attractions capable of drawing tourists and investors.
The Plateau State Commissioner for Tourism, Culture and Hospitality, Cornelius Doeyok Dongnaan, highlighted the economic potential of such cultural events.
“When festivals are well organised and culturally rich, people from different parts of the world will want to come and experience what we have. Our goal is to continually rebrand these festivals to attract visitors and create economic opportunities for our people,” he said.
The Paramount Ruler of Mupun land, Da Yusuf Walleng Fwangbring, commended the state government for supporting cultural preservation.
He urged his subjects to sustain the spirit of peace and unity and encouraged Mupun sons and daughters living in the diaspora to remain connected to their roots and contribute to their ancestral communities.
In his remarks, The President of the Mupun Cultural and Development Association, Haruna Tanko Walleng, described the festival as a reminder to younger generations of the importance of preserving their cultural heritage.
“It is also a chance for Mupun people living in different parts of Nigeria and abroad to reconnect with their traditions,” he said.
Speaking with journalists, the Director-General of the Plateau State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency, Dr. Solomon Kwande, described the festival as a moment of pride for the Mupun people.
He said the vibrant display of traditional attire and performances by cultural groups reflects the resilience and commitment of the community to its identity.
Similarly, the Liaison Director for Ministries, Departments and Agencies and Security Agencies, Hon. Ziphion Chrisantus, highlighted the festival’s role in promoting unity among the Mupun people while showcasing their rich cultural traditions.
The festival also included a medical outreach programme that provided free healthcare services to elderly residents and children, demonstrating the community’s commitment to wellbeing alongside cultural celebration.
Guests and locals alike were treated to a variety of indigenous dishes, traditional performances, and exhibitions of crafts, reinforcing the depth and diversity of Mupun culture.
As the three-day Vwang Festival drew to a close, the community looked forward to a thanksgiving church service that would cap the celebrations, expressing gratitude for peace, progress, and unity within the Mupun Nation.
For many, the festival was not just a celebration but a reaffirmation of identity, culture, and the enduring spirit of the Mupun people.
