At a critical juncture marked by rising tensions over land disputes, poverty, and divisive politics, Kuman Chief Papa Rafael Otaya has called on the Kumam people to unite and rebuild their cultural heritage. He emphasized that violence hinders progress and divides communities, urging a focus on peaceful conflict resolution and development.
In an interview, Chief Otaya’s call to action centers on three key pillars: peace and unity, wealth creation, and education. He urged the Kumam people to resolve conflicts through dialogue, emphasizing the importance of preserving and promoting their rich cultural heritage through unity and collective effort.
On wealth creation, the chief stressed the need for economic development and poverty reduction, encouraging engagement in income-generating activities such as agriculture, trade, and entrepreneurship to improve livelihoods.
Education, according to Chief Otaya, is crucial for unlocking the potential of the Kumam people. He urged parents to prioritize their children’s schooling, noting that education is the foundation of a prosperous and harmonious community.
The paramount chief also warned his ministers against divisive politics, which can hinder development and service delivery. He cited the successful fight against HIV/AIDS as an example of what unity and collective effort can achieve.
Chief Otaya’s message extended beyond the Kumam people, calling on the broader community, including the diaspora, to contribute to the development and revival of Kumam culture. He stressed that preserving and promoting cultural heritage is a collective responsibility requiring support from all stakeholders.
Chief Otaya cautioned against any ill intentions towards the Kumam people, emphasizing their unity and determination to protect their interests and cultural heritage. His call to action has been welcomed by community leaders, cultural activists, and development partners, seen as a timely intervention with the potential to transform the Kumam people’s lives and promote peace, unity, and cultural revival in the region.
