Caleb Mutfwang, Plateau State Governor, has presented the Staff of Office to His Royal Highness, Miskoom Ambassador Yahaya Kwande, as the 28th Long Kwo of Kwo Chiefdom.
The event held at RCM Primary School, Kwande in Qua’an-Pan Local Government Area, and had in attendance top personalities of the North Central State including, former Governors of the State, royal fathers from across Nigeria among others.
This was made known via a statement signed by Gyang Bere, Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Executive Governor of Plateau State, on Thursday 17 July, 2025.
Mutfwang said, the ceremony goes beyong a “formality”, adding, it is “a bold statement of our administration’s respect for the traditional institution as a cornerstone of cultural continuity”.
The Statement read: “Plateau State Governor, His Excellency Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has formally presented the Staff of Office to His Royal Highness, Miskoom Ambassador Yahaya Kwande, as the 28th Long Kwo of Kwo Chiefdom, marking his elevation to a Second Class Traditional Ruler.
“The historic event, which took place at RCM Primary School, Kwande in Qua’an-Pan Local Government Area, drew an impressive gathering of dignitaries, including former governors of the state, royal fathers from across the country, senior government officials, and thousands of jubilant indigenes, all united in celebration of a new era for the Kwo Chiefdom.
“In his remarks, Governor Mutfwang described the occasion as both “significant and deeply symbolic,” reaffirming his administration’s commitment to restoring the dignity and relevance of traditional institutions under the “Time is Now” agenda.
““This ceremony is more than a formality; it is a bold statement of our administration’s respect for the traditional institution as a cornerstone of social cohesion and cultural continuity,” the Governor declared.
“The coronation was also a moment of healing and renewal for the Kwo people, following the peaceful transition of leadership after the passing of the late Long Kwo, His Royal Highness Miskoom Col. Fidelis Longtoe Atahiru (Rtd), in March 2024.
“Governor Mutfwang lauded the kingmakers and the entire Kwo community for their maturity, dignity, and decorum in managing the succession process, describing it as “a model worthy of emulation.”
“The Governor reiterated his administration’s resolve to fill vacant traditional stools across the state through inclusive, transparent, and culturally respectful processes. He acknowledged ongoing chieftaincy disputes in some communities and called for reconciliation in the interest of peace and development.
““To our newly installed Royal Father, HRH Miskoom Ambassador Yahaya Kwande, your ascension is not only divinely ordained but a solemn call to service. Lead with wisdom, fairness, and inclusiveness. Be a rallying point for unity, embracing all regardless of faith, ethnicity, or background,” he charged.
“Governor Mutfwang further emphasized that the elevation of the Long Kwo stool to Second Class status affirms the cultural, historical, and strategic relevance of the Kwo Chiefdom within Plateau State’s traditional leadership structure.
“In their separate goodwill messages, Chairman of Qua’an-Pan Local Government Council, Hon. Christopher Wallat, and the National President of the Goemai Unity and Development Organization Miskoom Albert Alkali hailed the seamless and divinely guided selection process that led to the emergence of Miskoom Ambassador Yahaya Kwande Kwalgurum II as the new Long Kwo.
“In his acceptance speech, the 97-year-old monarch and elder statesman pledged to serve his people with humility and a sense of purpose.
““I accept this responsibility with deep gratitude and a solemn promise to lead as a servant, a bridge to the past, and a guide into a hopeful future,” he declared.
“His Royal Highness Miskoom Yahaya Kwande, a distinguished diplomat and respected elder, expressed appreciation to Governor Mutfwang for the honor bestowed on him. He assured the people of Kwo that he would deploy his vast experience, wisdom, and integrity in the service of the Chiefdom and Plateau State, ushering in a new era of unity and progress.”
