The Tarok Progressive Youth Association (TAPYA), the global umbrella body for Tarok youth, is set to host the First Tarok Christmas Carol in Jos, promising a historic celebration of faith, culture, and Tarok identity. The event will hold on Sunday, 7th December 2025, from 1:00 pm.
Jos, the state capital, was deliberately chosen as the venue to highlight Tarok culture and heritage. As one of Plateau State’s major tribes, the Tarok people have historically had limited visibility in Jos despite their cultural and historical contributions.
TAPYA organizers emphasized that the Carol is strictly a celebration of Christmas and Tarok heritage, not a fundraiser, and aims to honor the Tarok nation’s pivotal role in the spread of Christianity in Plateau State. The Tarok people hosted the first Christian missionaries and established the first church in Wase in 1904, making this Carol both spiritually and historically significant.
The program will feature Nine Lessons, gift presentations to winners of the Christmas Quiz Trivia, and goodwill messages from prominent Tarok leaders, including (not in any particular order):
Elder Air Marshal Jonah David Wuyep (Rtd) – Former Chief of Air Staff & Chairman, Tarok Elders Forum
Sen AVM Napoleon Binkap Bali (Rtd) – Former Senator, Southern Zone
Arc Samuel Nanchang Jatau – Secretary to the Government of Plateau State
Elder Brig Gen Jon Temlong – Former Commander, Multi-Nation Joint Task Force
Hon Barr Solomon Selcap Dalung – Former Minister of Youth and Sports Development
Hon Prince Vincent Venman Bulus – Member representing Langtang North & South Federal Constituency
Hon Barr Beni Butmak Lar – Four-term House of Representatives Member
Amb Nanpon Danjuma Sheni – NIODA/PIDAN National President
Hon Dr Joshua Ubandoma Laven – Commissioner for Works
Rt Hon Joyce Lohya Ramnap – Commissioner for Information and Communication
Hon Pirfa Jingfa Tyem – Chairman, Langtang North
Hon Nanfa Alhassan Nbin – Chairman, Langtang South
Hon Bendal Domfa – House of Assembly Member
Hon Abel Nansak Nimchak – House of Assembly Member
Hon Pastor Daniel Nanbol Listick – House of Assembly Member
Dr Clement Selchum Chirman – Rector, Plateau State Polytechnic Barkin Ladi
Mr Nanman Kparbong – Permanent Secretary
Barr Joel Takven – Permanent Secretary
Engr Ponzing Bindong Gamde – Managing Director/CEO, Plateau State Energy Commission
Dr Julie Sanda – Director General, Plateau State Peace Building Agency
Hon Sunday Hassan – Director Planning, Benue River Basin Development Authority
Mr Lohnan Gambo – Permanent Secretary
Hon Nantip Padur – Deputy Chairman, Wase Local Government Council
Hon Dinfa Moses – Member, PLHA Commission
Prominent Tarok clergymen will also deliver exaltations, adding spiritual depth to the celebration.
The Carol will feature performances by Tarok artistes, including Kate Miri, as well as friends of the Tarok nation. Attendees can look forward to Christmas memory verses in the Tarok language, traditional songs, and cultural performances highlighting the richness of Tarok heritage.
The dress code encourages participants to wear Tarok attire accented with Christmas colors, blending cultural pride with festive cheer.
Amb. Miri Timnan Nyantau (M.T.N), President of TAPYA, explained that Jos was chosen to bring the Tarok people into the spotlight, unite the youth, and showcase their faith, culture, and pride.
“Jos is the perfect stage to shine. For too long, the Tarok nation has remained unseen despite being a major tribe in Plateau State. This Christmas Carol is about celebrating faith, unity, and Tarok identity, while letting everyone see who we are,” Amb. Nyantau said.
The First Tarok Christmas Carol is a landmark cultural and spiritual event, designed to unite the Tarok community, strengthen cultural pride, and celebrate the Tarok people’s historical contributions to Plateau State and Christendom.
Nga pyal nabyet nlevong yakat – join in celebrating faith, culture, and unity this Christmas
