In a deliberate move to consolidate on his administration’s giant strides of consistently organizing the cultural festival of the Tarok people known as ilum O’Tarok 2025, The President General of Tarok People worldwide, Amb.Danjuman Nanpon Sheni on Saturday, 23rd November, 2024 inaugurated the Central Planning Committee (CPC) to organize yet again another befitting Tarok cultural day. The 52 member committee is chaired by Dr Amos Bulus Cirfat (Dr ABC), a former provost of the famous Federal College of Education, Pankshin while Comr Fale Gwakzing Clement is to serve as the Secretary
Speaking during the brief but elaborate ceremony held at his Jos residence, Amb. Sheni said “Today, we are gathered again to inaugurate the Central Planning Committee, CPC, for the 2025 Ilum O’Tarok celebrations. Since 2022 when this current leadership inaugurated one, after more than 10 years, this would be the 4th in a row that we are putting such a Committee in place”
Amb. Sheni who doubles as the National President of Plateau Initiative for the Development and Advancement o the Natives (PIDAN), the umbrella body of Plateau people added that “However, before going any future, I have one onerous responsibility to undertake: that is, to dissolve the 2024 CPC and thank the Chairman and members for organizing a most successful ilum O’Tarok celebrations.”
“Although their report has just been submitted to me only this morning, I still admire their energies, sacrifices and commitment to work.
From the onset, let me, on behalf of the executive Council and Central Working Committee, CWC, of the NIODA, express deep appreciation to the leadership and membership of the other three previous Committees for also successfully organising the ilum O’Tarok celebrations for the Tarok Nation, inspite of some challenges. The Tarok Nation remains extremely proud of them- Chief Gideon Dandam, Chief Nanzing Nden and Mr. Selman Dashe and their respective committee members” the former Federal Permanent Secretary said
While congratulating the committee members, Amb Sheni said “For the present Committee, let me congratulate you for your membership. You have been carefully selected based on your experience, determination and commitment. As you must know, this job has no pay and in some cases, you might have to spend your personal resources, energy and time in the service of the Tarok Nation. Let me therefore congratulate for you for making the list”.
Recounting his past experiences, Amb Sheni observed that “From our experiences over the past last 3 ilum O’Tarok celebrations, a number of lapses were observed as;
-inadequate crowd control;
- inadequate recognition of our traditional rulers;
- inadequate funding;
- lack or inadequate media coverage”
Making specific reference to the immediate past cultural day, Sheni lamented that “These are just a few of the observations. Last year for instance, neither the acting grand Patron of NIODA nor the Royal Father of the Day were able to speak at the event, as a result poor management by the Masters of Ceremony. This is completely unable and should never repeat itself again”
He charged the committee to “So you must come out in the 2025 episode of ilum O’Tarok with creative and innovative ways and means of avoiding these challenges.
As indicated in your letters of appointment, you are to work assiduously with the three local government Chairmen of Wase, Langtang North and Langtang South, the Langtang Joint Traditional Council, the Kadarko Chiefdom and the NIODA President to ensure a most successful and properly organised 2025 celebrations of the ilum O’Tarok”.
Also “You are expected to engage individuals, groups and institutions that make further your cause. You should also come up with new Sub-Committees to add Value to the the organisation of ilum O’Tarok and the whole cause of the Tarok Nation. Nothing is cast in iron”.
Celebrating the natural endowment of the Tarok people, the National President said “Tarok land is blessed with so many talents in various areas, including Master of Ceremonies. You should therefore feel free to utilize the services of new, young, energetic and capable youths who know their onions. We must give our youths the opportunity to learn and grow”
On the Tarok beauty pageant, the experienced technocrat lamented that “The organisation of the YENZAM and Yanbyen Tarok beauty pageant has also been most challenging. More often than not, the winners of the are left in their own and are neither formally introduce to the NIODA President nor even the traditional council. This is unacceptable and should be allowed to continue”.
In a declarative statement that is tandem with the tradition and culture of the Tarok people, Amb Sheni affirmed that “New but tested Tarok youths must be brought on board to handle this aspect of the program”.
He lamented that “I have received several reports of some underhand dealings of some of the people who handled this pageantry in the past. Your Committee should not allow such to happen again”.
Rounding up, the National President said “Finally, one of your mandates is to source for funds from the general public and Tarok sons and daughters. This is not easy especially at this very difficult time. But I have no doubt this team will success in sourcing for funds for our celebrations next year. By the power imposed on my as NIODA National President, I hereby inaugurate you all as Chairman and members of the 2025 llum OTarok Central Planning Commitee.
Congratulations and God bless us all. Thank you”.
According to www.pointblank.com.ng, Ilum O’Tarok is celebrated every month of April to preserve the social norms, values, traditions and customs of the brave, fearless and industrious Tarok people. The inauguration was attended by the Deputy Chairman of Wase LGA, Hon Nantip Padur, Langtang South LGA Chairman, represented by his SSA Special Duties, Princewill Selnan, Board of Trustees and several other dignitaries
