It was a defining moment for the Tarok nation on Sunday, September 21, 2025, when the umbrella body of Tarok Youth Worldwide, the Tarok Progressive Youth Association (TAPYA) convened the September Edition of Ntim Isur Ovanzem ko Ovanbyen O’Tarok at Makeri House, Temple Road, Jos.
The gathering, themed “Tarok Nation and Political Permutations: The Sad Reality of a Majority Tribe Surviving on Crumbs,” attracted a robust attendance of youth, elders, professionals, and political stakeholders united in their resolve to shape the political destiny of the Tarok people.
Youth Take the Lead
In his opening remarks, the TAPYA National President, Amb. Miri Timnan Nyantau (M.T.N), welcomed participants and unveiled the agenda. He stressed that the Tarok nation remains “statistically the most populated ethnic tribe on the Plateau,” yet its inability to consolidate its voting strength has consistently denied it the kingmaker status required for political patronage.
“Tarok nation must not continue on this path, especially as the 2027 elections draw nearer. As Tarok Youth, we must develop a political agenda that defines our future. Just like the Berom, Gamai, and Ngas nations, who articulate their interests at state and federal levels, we too must emulate them and act decisively in 2027,” Nyantau declared.
A cross-section of youth leaders, from Quincy Lohsel Ndam, Dr Dorkur Dafam, Hon Sunday Mantim Bitrus, Nancwat Lugard Sambo amongst so many other Youth echoed this sentiment, lamenting the “winner-takes-all” approach of some Tarok politicians who allegedly prioritize clannish and family affiliations over collective empowerment.
They maintained that such tendencies have historically weakened Tarok’s political bargaining power, sometimes forcing the people to support outsiders against insiders.
However, they expressed optimism that with unity and synergy between the youth and political leaders, the narrative can change by 2027.
Elders Align with Youth
The elders’ table in the following order reinforced the youths’ concerns with calls for introspection and restructuring of Tarok’s political outlook. Respected Stakeholders included:
Retired Comptroller of Correctional Service, James Landa (BCDCA Jos Branch Chairman)
Barr. Samuel Kwamkur
Hon. Zulfa Bitrus Rimven (former Commissioner of Housing)
Elder David Dashe (former NIO Caretaker President)
Prince Ponfa Audu Wuyep (National President, Bwarat Development Association)
Danjuma Zwalde (National President, Gani Development Association)
Prof. Nanyak Zingfa Galam (Provost, College of Health Science, Federal University, Wukari)
Nanpon Richard Samanja (Head of Information, SUBEB)
Dr. Marshal Jemlak, Dr. Lucky Fadam, and Ramnan Maxwell Katnap (all from the University of Jos)
Prof. Ponchang Wuyep (University of Jos)
Barr. Solomon Selcap Dalung (former Minister of Youth and Sport)
While applauding the youths’ initiative, the elders cautioned against the reckless use of social media, which they argued has often been exploited by divisive politicians to sow discord among Tarok youths. They urged discipline, unity, and maturity as necessary ingredients for building a strong political agenda.
Goodwill and Solidarity
Adding weight to the discussions, Sen AVM Napoleon Binkap Bali (Rtd) conveyed a goodwill message, commending TAPYA for its foresight. Similarly, the Member representing Langtang North and South Federal Constituency, Hon. Prince Vincent Venman Bulus, through his Personal Assistant, Nanbur Kassam, applauded the initiative, urging participants to respect constituted authorities while pursuing unity and common purpose.
National President of Ngwang Ishi O’Tarok Development Association, Amb Danjuma Nanpon Sheni appreciated TAPYA’s initiative and called for unity of purpose to drive development. Represented by the newly elected, NIODA NPS, Com Gwakzing Fale, Amb Sheni said only through unity shall iTarok progress
The Principal Private Secretary (PPS), to the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Comrade Jibrin Kamga Banchir represented by Comr Donald Nimmak also felicitated with Tarok Youth over such laudable initiative
Next Steps
The meeting culminated in a unanimous resolution to convene another interactive session on October 5, 2025, bringing together all Tarok political leaders – elected, appointed, aspiring, and critical stakeholders. The objective will be to forge a consolidated Tarok Political Agenda ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The event, widely hailed as historic, signaled a bold step toward repositioning the Tarok nation from political spectatorship to active decision-makers in Plateau and Nigerian politics.
CC Dashe,
TAPYA National Publicity Secretary