Kamanoku tribe marks PNG’s 50th Independence with tribute to forefathers and call to action

Kerenga Kua MP Sinesine Yongolmulg is the guest of honour at the first United Kamanoku 50th anniversary celebration (Image: Supplied)

The Kamanoku tribe of Pari Village, in Kundiawa Gembogl District, celebrated Papua New Guinea’s 50th Independence Anniversary with a ceremony honouring their forefathers and issuing a passionate call to action for the next generation.

The event paid tribute to legendary Kamanoku leaders, including Sir Iambakey Okuk, Sir Joseph Nombri, Mathew Siune, Willie Kupo, Barunke Kaman Henry Tokam, Paul Mondia, Hugo Buafe, and John Kawage, acknowledging their contributions to PNG’s development prior to independence.

With the theme, 'Honouring the contributions of past great Kamanoku leaders in Papua New Guinea’s pre-independence development', speakers emphasized education, hard work, and community unity as pillars for shaping the nation’s future.

Keynote speaker Kerenga Kua, Member for Sinesine Yongolmulg District, urged families to prioritize education, maintain peace, and foster development.

“Without peace, there will be no future for our kids, businesses, and developments,” Kua said.

“I commend the Kamanoku elites for honouring our great leaders and inspiring our young ones for tomorrow.”

United Kamanoku 50th independence celebration at Pari village (Image: Supplied)

Bainam Gela, Kundiawa Gembogl District School Inspector, challenged the youth to learn from their forefathers’ struggles and warned against social issues such as homebrew, drugs, and violence.

“The Lord has blessed this land. It is up to parents and community leaders to establish strict rules and discipline so our children can become great leaders like their forefathers,” she said.

Representing the Kamanoku elites, John Nile Siune praised the community for self-funding the program, highlighting the tribe’s unity and self-initiative.

“This is a 50th Independence message to all of Simbu and PNG: Kamanoku can sustain themselves now and into the future,” Siune said.

The ceremony underscored the tribe’s commitment to preserving their heritage while embracing the challenges of the future, offering a message of resilience, hard work, and unity as Papua New Guinea celebrates its golden jubilee.