Indeed, it is an honour for me to be here on January 1, 2026. We must give God the glory for allowing us to see this year alive. Many would have wished to be here today, not because we are better or stronger, but because God permitted us. My prayer is that this year shall be glorious, peaceful, and prosperous,”
— Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang
By Azi Nukpis, Jos
The annual Ikos Afizere Cultural Festival, one of the most unique and admired cultural events in Plateau State, held on January 1, 2026, in Jos, drawing people from diverse ethnic and social backgrounds.
“Ikos,” a term in the Izere dialect, refers to cultural dance, arts, and the exhibition of tradition. The festival, celebrated every first day of January, showcases the revered and elegant cultural heritage of the Afizere people, predominantly found in Jos North, Jos East, parts of Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, as well as Toro and Tafawa Balewa Local Government Areas of Bauchi State.
The Afizere Arena, Gwafan (Lamingo) in Jos North Local Government Area was filled to capacity as people from all walks of life gathered to witness the historic and captivating cultural display. The epoch-making event attracted dignitaries from far and near.
Governor of Plateau State, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, graced the occasion alongside the Secretary to the State Government, Architect Samuel Jatau, commissioners, and other top government officials.
Addressing the gathering, Governor Mutfwang expressed delight at the richness of Afizere culture and thanked God for the gift of life to witness the New Year.
“Indeed, it is an honour for me to be here on January 1, 2026. We must give God the glory for allowing us to see this year alive. Many would have wished to be here today, not because we are better or stronger, but because God permitted us. My prayer is that this year shall be glorious, peaceful, and prosperous,” he said.
The governor described the Asharwa dancers as the poster boys of Plateau State’s cultural identity, noting that their energetic and dexterous performances are admired wherever they appear.
“There is nowhere you see the Asharwa dancers without being captivated by their beautiful and energy-sapping dance. I hope this dexterity and vibrancy will be passed on to the younger generation,” he stated.
Governor Mutfwang thanked the people for their prayers, encouragement, and support, assuring them that his administration would prioritize agriculture in the coming year despite setbacks faced by farmers during the last harvest season.
“We are trusting God for more farming inputs, including fertilisers, to help our farmers recover from the losses witnessed in 2025. There is still hope for the future,” he assured.
He also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to infrastructural development in Jos East, stressing that ongoing projects were not politically motivated but driven by a sense of duty.
“All projects we started in Jos East were not because anyone lobbied us. By God’s grace, we will continue to service contractors and ensure they keep to the pace of work,” he said.
The governor called for continued prayers, support, and constructive advice, emphasizing unity as Plateau State opens new frontiers for economic growth and increased revenue generation.
In a light-hearted political remark, Governor Mutfwang referenced the 2023 elections, noting that the “vehicle” used then could not take them to 2027, hinting at upcoming political realignments while stressing unity and development for Plateau State.
“We have not abandoned those who pushed the vehicle in 2023. Rather, we want to unite in the interest of Plateau State. An announcement will be made in the coming days,” he disclosed.
He concluded by congratulating the Afizere Nation and commending their industry, commitment to excellence, and contribution to state and national development.
Earlier, His Royal Majesty, Dr. Azi Wakili, the Agwom Afizere, described the festival as a moment of reflection on God’s blessings upon the Afizere people. He urged unity, prayer, and continued cultural preservation.
The paramount ruler commended Governor Mutfwang’s resilience in governance and pledged the unwavering support of the Afizere Nation to his administration at all levels of government.
Deputy Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Isa Madaki Ajiji, expressed joy over the governor’s presence, describing him as a leader and mentor, while reaffirming the unity of the Mwagavul and Afizere peoples.
Declaring the occasion open, Chairman of the Event, Hon. Kefas Magaji, described the Afizere people as peaceful, resilient, and hardworking, traits vividly reflected in their music, arts, and language.
Goodwill messages were delivered by the Member representing Jos East/Jos South Federal Constituency, Hon. Alfred Ajang; Senator Simon Mwatwon, representing Plateau North Senatorial District and former Senate Minority Leader; Hon. Abdul Yanga and Hon. Mathew Kwarpo, representing Mangu North and South; as well as the Executive Chairmen of Jos North and Jos East LGAs, Barr. J.K. Chris and Hon. Markus Inyam, among others.
In his keynote address, President of the Afizere Cultural and Community Development Association (ACCDA), Engineer Yakubu Ashom, emphasized the importance of cultural identity as a sense of belonging shaped by shared values, traditions, and history.
“Our cultural expression is not a relic of the past but a living, breathing entity that continues to evolve and promote social cohesion,” he said.
He appreciated Governor Mutfwang for ongoing projects in Afizere land, particularly the Liberty Dam–Zarazon–Fobur Road, while expressing concern over the slow pace of work on the Fobur–Angware Road. He appealed for the completion of other critical projects, including Zandi–Darong–Maigemu–Angware, Fobur–Maijuju, Maijuju–Zandi, Mazah–Shere–Angware roads, and the construction of a boarding school at GSS Federe.
Highlights of the festival included vibrant cultural performances by Afizere groups such as Amata, Agafu, Agba, and Asharwa, among others, which thrilled guests and reaffirmed the richness of Afizere cultural heritage.