KWARAK DANCERS FROM AMPANG WEST IGNITE PLATEAU PRIDE AS PLATEAU UNITED THRASH KANO PILLARS 4–0: MIAPHEN’S CULTURAL-SPORTING VISION TAKES CENTRE STAGE

By Jimmy PJ²

The people of Plateau State are witnessing a refreshing fusion of culture and sports, with football increasingly becoming a platform for celebrating the state’s rich cultural heritage, promoting unity and inspiring young people.

Since Hon. Prince Miaphen assumed office as Commissioner for Youths and Sports Development, efforts to integrate Plateau’s diverse cultural traditions into sporting activities have added colour and meaning to Plateau United’s home matches.

The recent encounter between Plateau United FC vs Kano Pillars FC at the Jos Zaria Road Stadium offered another remarkable example. The Kwarat dancers from Ampang West, Mangu LGA, took centre stage before the match and during the halftime interval, showcasing the beauty of Mwaghavul culture and captivating spectators with their traditional performance.

The cultural display complemented Plateau United’s impressive 4–0 victory, turning the encounter into a memorable celebration of football, culture and Plateau pride.
Beyond entertainment, the initiative sends a powerful message that every ethnic group and community has a place in the Plateau project. It also encourages young people to appreciate, preserve and promote their cultural heritage while embracing sports as a tool for unity and positive engagement.

Commendation goes to the Executive Chairman of Mangu LGA, Hon. Emmanuel Bala Mwolpun, for the partnership with the sports ministry to enable fans to attend the match for free and bringing the Kwarak dancers Chindom, Ampang West of Mangu LGA.

 Such gestures boost supporters’ participation and strengthen the atmosphere around the home team.

However, for how long will the gates be made wide open? We must understand that football today is big business, if properly harnessed it can change the economic fortune of Plateau State for good. Reason why the Plateau State Government should shift attention to completing the Zaria Road Stadium now that the rehabilitation of the famous Rwang Pam Township Stadium is at it's finishing stage.

Special commendation also goes to Chief Dr. Alhassan Yakmut for the ongoing transformation in the team, the Chairman of the Plateau State Football Association, Hon. Dr. Prince Suleiman Yahaya Kwande, for his contributions to football development in the State. Sustained collaboration among the state government, the Ministry of Youths and Sports Development, the Football Association, clubs and local communities remains essential to the growth of the game.

The broader sporting vision also aligns with the commitment of Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang to sports development and youth empowerment. Beyond competition, sports can create employment opportunities, discover talents, promote peace and strengthen social cohesion.

Meanwhile, the 2026 Plateau State Governor’s Cup has reached the quarterfinal stage, with matches scheduled to resume on Tuesday, 13 October 2026, at the Jos Zaria Road Stadium. The competition presents an opportunity to discover promising grassroots talents, with outstanding players deserving consideration for opportunities at Plateau United and Mighty FC.

At this stage, the sports ministry in collaboration with the PFA should be deliberate to ensure that Plateau united FC and Mighty Jets FC pick atleast one or two Player(s) from the ongoing Governor's cup. This is the only way our grassroots will feel the impact of the yearly tournament. Players like Golbe Elisha, Amos Gyang are products of Governor's cup, and since then we are yet to see another set of Governor's cup discovery playing in the NPFL or NNL.

At the Jos Zaria Road Stadium, From the Anaguta and Goemai cultural displays to the latest Mwaghavul Kwarak dancers performance, a new sporting experience is gradually taking shape on the Plateau.
With Governor Mutfwang’s support, Hon. Prince Miaphen’s cultural-sporting initiative, the involvement of the Plateau State Football Association, football is becoming more than a contest for goals and trophies.
It is a celebration of our identity, a bridge across our differences and a powerful expression of unity, youth empowerment and Plateau pride.


Jimmy Pam Jerry
NPFL Referee,
October 11, 2026

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