The 2026 edition of the Mupun Cultural Festival (VWANG) came alive on Saturday, March 14, as sons and daughters of the Mupun nation gathered at the Mupun Arena in Plateau State to celebrate their rich cultural heritage through music, dance, traditional fashion, and cultural displays.
The annual event, organized by the Mupun Cultural Development Association, attracted community leaders, government officials, traditional rulers, and cultural enthusiasts who witnessed vibrant performances and exhibitions reflecting the traditions and values of the Mupun people.
Representing the Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, the Deputy Governor, Josephine Piyo, said the governor would have loved to personally attend the festival but was unavoidably absent as he was on official duty with the President.
Reading the governor’s message, Piyo described the Mokul Cultural Festival as an important annual gathering that celebrates the identity, history, and cultural pride of the Mupun people. She noted that the festival goes beyond entertainment, serving as a bridge that promotes unity, peace, and cultural preservation through music, dance, and artistic expressions.
According to the governor, culture remains the foundation upon which societies build identity, cohesion, and continuity across generations. He emphasized that gatherings such as the festival provide an opportunity for reflection and renewed commitment to peaceful coexistence among communities.
The governor called on citizens of Plateau State to embrace unity, tolerance, and dialogue while rejecting division and violence. He stressed that culture can serve as a powerful instrument for peacebuilding and social harmony when communities celebrate one another’s heritage and values.
He also assured the Mupun people of the government’s commitment to development in the area, pledging continued support for infrastructure and the completion of ongoing projects across the chiefdom.
Chairman of the occasion and former governor of Plateau State, Simon Lalong, commended the peaceful atmosphere in the state which, he said, has allowed cultural activities to flourish.
Lalong noted that in the past, insecurity made it difficult for people to celebrate freely, but the improved security situation has created an environment where communities can proudly showcase their traditions.
He urged organizers of cultural festivals to prioritize cultural promotion over excessive fundraising, stressing that Plateau State is widely known for its unique cultural diversity which should be properly showcased to attract visitors and promote tourism.
The former governor also acknowledged the role of traditional rulers in maintaining peace and stability within communities and encouraged them to continue supporting efforts aimed at strengthening unity across the state.
As part of his support for the event, Lalong announced a donation of three million naira toward the development of Mupun cultural activities.
Also speaking, the Paramount Ruler of the Ngas Nation, Jika Golit, commended the Plateau State Government for its continued support to traditional institutions and cultural preservation.
The royal father emphasized the importance of sustaining cultural festivals as platforms for showcasing the identity and heritage of communities. He called for stronger collaboration between government, cultural organizations, and traditional institutions to ensure the sustainability of cultural festivals that promote the values, history, and traditions of the people.
Plateau State Commissioner for Tourism, Culture and Hospitality, Hon. Cornelius Dongnaan Doeyok, described culture as the way of life of the people and emphasized the need to harness cultural festivals as tourism products.
Doeyok explained that cultural displays, traditional cuisine, fashion, and performances showcased during the festival could be developed into attractions capable of drawing tourists from across Nigeria and beyond.
He noted that the ministry is working with stakeholders to continually rebrand cultural festivals in the state to make them more attractive to visitors, investors, and cultural enthusiasts while boosting the local economy and creating jobs.
Speaking with journalists, the Director-General of the Plateau State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency, Dr. Solomon Kwande, described the festival as an exciting moment for sons and daughters of the Mupun nation.
Kwande said the colorful display of traditional attire, cultural groups, and performances from different age groups reflects the resilience and commitment of the Mupun people to preserving their cultural identity.
Also speaking, the Liaison Director for Ministries, Departments and Agencies and Security Agencies in Plateau State, Hon. Ziphion Chrisantus, said the event plays an important role in preserving and promoting the culture and traditions of the Mupun people.
Chrisantus noted that the festival strengthens unity among the Mupun nation and provides a platform for showcasing the beauty of their cultural heritage.
The 2026 festival featured traditional dance performances, cultural exhibitions, and displays of indigenous attire, highlighting the diversity and enduring cultural legacy of the Mupun people in Plateau State.
