Morgan appointed President of Kwararafa Forum, pledges fresh drive for unity, development

By James Ike

Air Vice Marshal Monday Riku Morgan (rtd.), the Akii of Kwararafa Kingdom and former Chief of Defence Intelligence, has emerged President of the Kwararafa Development Forum, KDF, in a move expected to give fresh impetus to efforts to unite communities linked to the ancient Kwararafa heritage.

Morgan’s appointment was contained in a letter dated August 27, 2026, signed by the Aku Uka of Wukari and Chairman of the Taraba State Council of Traditional Rulers, His Majesty, Dr. Ishaku Adda Ali Matakhitswen.

The forum, according to the Aku Uka, was conceived as a platform for promoting unity, peace, cultural renewal and sustainable development among communities historically associated with the old Kwararafa Empire.

In the appointment letter, the monarch said the initiative “is established with the noble objective of promoting unity, peace, cultural renaissance and sustainable development among the people and communities historically associated with the old Kwararafa Empire, with a broad vision of fostering unity and national development.”

He described Morgan as suitable for the responsibility, citing his experience, integrity and leadership qualities.

“Your appointment is based on your experience, integrity, leadership qualities and commitment to the advancement of our people. We are confident that, under your leadership, the Movement will achieve its objectives and contribute meaningfully to peace, unity and development,” the Aku Uka said.

Morgan’s appointment was announced against the backdrop of a high-profile Kwararafa stakeholders’ gathering held at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, on Saturday.

The gathering attracted traditional rulers, political leaders, academics, professionals, military veterans and cultural groups from different parts of the country, all of whom converged to deliberate on the future of the Kwararafa initiative.

At the event, the Aku Uka delivered a paper entitled “The Splendor of the Confederacy: Ancient Truth and the New Dawn,” which focused on the historical connections among the various peoples associated with Kwararafa and the relevance of those relationships to contemporary Nigeria.

The event also featured traditional rulers and cultural troupes from different parts of the country, providing a colourful display of the diverse cultural identities associated with the Kwararafa heritage.

Morgan’s appointment is coming on the heels of his recent engagements with traditional institutions and communities in parts of North-Central Nigeria, where he has emphasised the importance of regional cooperation in tackling insecurity and promoting development.

During engagements with traditional rulers in Nasarawa and Plateau States in August, Morgan was reported to have advocated closer collaboration among communities to address shared security and development concerns.

He has equally canvassed stronger coordination between security agencies, local communities and other stakeholders as part of efforts to confront insecurity in the North-Central region.

His emergence as president of the KDF therefore brings to the initiative a combination of military experience, traditional authority and involvement in regional peace and development efforts.

The Andoma of Doma, His Royal Highness Alhaji (Dr.) Ahmadu Aliyu Oga Onawo, was also recognised for his contribution to the organisation of the Abuja gathering.

The governors of Taraba, Kogi, Nasarawa and Plateau States were similarly acknowledged for their support and participation in the initiative.

With communities linked to the Kwararafa heritage now spread across different states and administrative boundaries, the new leadership is expected to focus on creating practical avenues for cooperation beyond cultural and historical symbolism.

For Morgan, the assignment presents an opportunity to translate the renewed interest in Kwararafa identity into initiatives that promote peace, cultural preservation, social integration and sustainable development.

The success of the initiative will ultimately depend on its ability to transform the renewed momentum generated by the Abuja gathering into sustained collaboration among the communities and institutions that identify with the Kwararafa heritage.