Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau has pledged to fully support the initiative of the Tarok people to establish a community university to be sited in Langtang.

Mutfwang, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr Jeremiah Satmak, made the commitment on Saturday at the celebration of the Tarok annual cultural festival – Ilum Tarok 2024.

The governor said that education was a cornerstone of his administration agenda and would support initiatives that would help in actualising the goal.

He stated that Plateau ranked through as a beacon of quality education, and his administration was steadfast in its mission to reclaim this esteem status.

“The Tarok initiative to establish a university in Langtang is a commendable step towards this goal, it aligns perfectly with our vision of providing our youths access to quality education from the grassroots to the tertiary level.

“We will extend unwavering support to this noble endeavour for the good of our people,’’ he stressed.

He said that the theme of the cultural festival, “Tarok Unity in Diversity: Our Culture, Our Identity,” succinctly embodies the ethos his administration advocates.

Mutfwang pointed out that it was imperative for the people to unite in the face of adversity and foster peace within communities for collective growth and development.

The governor said that the cultural festival exemplified Taroh people’s enduring ethos of harmony and unity, both within their native land and globally.

He encouraged them to use the moment to express gratitude for abundant blessings granted by God Almighty and for recognising the resilience and tenacity that sustained them through challenges.

“May this festival reflect your appreciation for the sacrifices you have made and the obstacles you have conquered.

“I wish to honour the priceless contributions of Tarok sons and daughters who have served Plateau and Nigeria with distinction, and your lasting legacies will continue to illuminate our paths.

“Let me reiterate the importance of fostering unity within our environment and nurturing inter-community peace.

“I appeal to everyone to submit to solidarity. If we must strive as a people, we must combat the pull-him-down mentality as vigorously as we fight poverty.

“I urge you to set aside your differences and unite to elect a new Ponzhi Tarok. It will be my pleasure to witness the Tarok nation swiftly bestow this honour,’’ he said.

He stated that his administration was resolute in becoming more adept to ethnic diversity and cultural identities.

The governor emphasised that traditional institutions and guardians of cultural values must be robustly supported to handle any lapse in communities.

Former House of Representatives member Beni Lar described the festival as a special day for the Tarok people worldwide.

Lar, who was in the national assembly from 2007 to 2023, said that Plateau and, indeed, Nigeria would not be the same without the invaluable contribution of the Tarok people.

The former lawmaker called on the people to hold onto their tradition of peace-loving, which the Tarok and, indeed, the Plateau people were known for.

She lauded Mutfwang’s support for the Tarok people by appointing many of them to key positions to serve the state.

Sen. Napoleon Bali said the festival afforded the Taroh people the opportunity to display their culture of courage and accommodation.

Bali said that Plateau South, particularly the Taroh people, were blessed with a rich cultural heritage that must not be allowed to go into extinction