Mishkaham Ruff, Plateau monarch attains 50 on the throne

A Rustic village, Ruff, in Mangu local government area of Plateau State, situated along Kilometre 7, Mangu/Bokkos Road, was agog last week, when the village head, Da Ishaku Vwat Dachom, celebrated his 50th year on the throne as the Mishkaham Ruff.

From far and near, people converged at Ruff to pay homage, as well as celebrated with the revered traditional ruler, as he thanked the Lord for saving his life and guiding him to rule for so long. He is the first to celebrate golden jubilee of his ascendancy to the throne.

The villagers, who are predominantly farmers and hunters, speak Mwaghavul language. The Plateau State Director of National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mr. Bulus Dabit, said Ruff village existed long before human memory, as it is one of the early traditional human settlements in Mwaghvul land, and that the various clans, which originated from early human sanctuary, are generally referred to as Nyem Ruff.

Many dignitaries, including Deputy Governor of the state, Professor Sonni Tyoden, who was the Special Guest and Honourable Solomon Bulus Maren representing Mangu/Bokkos Federal Constituency at the National Assembly, among others, graced the colourful occasion.

Expectedly, the event also served as a platform for persons to express their views about the celebrant and situation of things in the village.

In his remarks, the deputy governor assured that Ruff would be the first to be considered in the creation of districts by government, when the time comes.

He described the 82-year-old traditional ruler as a grassroots mobiliser, whose subjects respect and obey, because of his wisdom and integrity.

He urged the Mishkaham to support government of the day in order to attract more dividends of democracy.

First son of the celebrant, Mr. Joshua Dachom, who is the State Programme Officer of NOA, said the traditional ruler’s children regard the occasion as a rare privilege to come together, as the father had taught them peace, unity and love. As such, they all love him, because he had trained them to be successful in various fields of endeavour.

“Most of us are trained lawyers, social scientists, engineers, politicians and craftsmen,” he explained. “My father’s love for his three wives demonstrates unity of purpose in the family. His passion for community development and education is manifested in the many primary schools, primary healthcare clinics, community secondary schools, churches and roads that abound in the village.

“Unfortunately, his 50 years reign as a monarch and village head of Ruff has not been beneficial in terms of attracting government allowances and salaries, because his name is not on the local government’s pay roll. However, this has not deterred him from promoting peace in his community. So, I hope government does something about this.”

In his address, Chief Joseph Kyeden Gwankat lamented the recent ugly trend, whereby young boys and girls in the village are no longer interested in education, just as parents are no longer paying their children’s school fees.

He said: “Many of the schools have either closed down or are there only in name. This is a great challenge now, and we must not be passive about it. Something drastic and decisive must be done about this unfortunate development. It is urgent. Our young boys and girls have taken to unwholesome and dangerous vices, posing a great threat to our society.”

The National President of Mwaghavul Development Association (MDA), Mr. Joshua Mape, described the Mishkaham’s long reign as divine. He attributed this to his unflagging interest in his community, coupled with the unflinching support from members of the community, who identify with his developmental goal.