Gwong People of Southern Kaduna: Culture, History, & Traditions

Nestled within the undulating hills and expansive savannahs of Southern Kaduna, Northern Nigeria, lies an ancient people whose story is as enduring as the landscape they inhabit — the Gwong people, also known as Gyong or Kagoma. Steeped in oral tradition, proud of their cultural heritage, and deeply spiritual in their connection to the land, the Gwong are far more than an ethnic group; they are a living civilisation, vibrant in identity and rich in continuity.

To set foot in Gwongland is to step into a space where tradition is lived, not remembered​​—where songs echo through the valleys, language weaves through generations, and every celebration is a powerful reflection of ancestral pride. For any visitor, the Gwong people offer not just an insight into Nigeria’s indigenous cultures but a deeply immersive and human experience that lingers long after the journey ends.

Ancestry and Early Formation: Descendants of Thonna

The Gwong trace their origins to Thonna, a revered ancestral figure believed to be the patriarch of the people. Thonna had three sons — Gwong, Nindem, and Nyankpa — whose descendants settled across what is now Southern Kaduna and parts of Nasarawa State. Gwong, the eldest, is regarded as the direct forefather of the people who today identify as Gyong, with communities established in Fadan Kagoma (the administrative centre), Asso, Bisat, Fana, and Paki.

Although no written records exist to trace their migration definitively, several oral traditions persist. Some accounts suggest a movement from present-day Ghana via the Bauchi Plateau, while others associate the Gwong with the Jukun people of Taraba State. Nonetheless, the prevailing belief among the Gwong is that Num, the Almighty, created them in their current homeland, a conviction that underscores their sacred relationship with the land.

Gwong’s son, Kamaáh, and his five sons—Nghat, Kogong, Kyot, Ndak, and Soh—established their settlements. Each of these sons founded villages that evolved into enduring communities. These families remained geographically close, giving rise to interconnected clans such as Bi-fah, Bi-sat, Asso, Kpadam, and Kwagiri/Kussom. Together, they represent the enduring spirit and historical continuity of the Gwong nation.

From Khi-Gwong to Kagoma: A Name Shaped by Tongue

Names hold power, and in the case of the Gwong people, their name carries a narrative of identity, misinterpretation, and adaptation.

The people refer to themselves as Gyong, meaning ‘multitude’ — a reflection of their unity, strength, and collective identity. Initially, their land was known as Khi-Gyong or Khi-Gwong, meaning “Land of the Gyong.” However, Hausa traders, unable to pronounce the name accurately, began to refer to the area as Kagoma, a distortion that found its way into colonial and administrative records. Though ‘Kagoma’ persists in public use, Gyong and Gwong remain authentic and culturally embraced by the people.

This evolution of naming speaks not of confusion, but of interaction — of how indigenous cultures have had to assert their identity in the face of linguistic and colonial reshaping.

Language: Gyong — A Living Linguistic Treasure

Language among the Gwong is not merely a tool for communication — it is a spiritual anchor, a guardian of memory, and a medium through which cultural values are passed down.

The Gyong language, Gwong, Agoma, or Kwong, belongs to the Plateau group within the broader Niger-Congo language family. It is a rich, tonal language spoken with cadence and rhythm, filled with proverbs, idioms, and phrases that encapsulate the people’s worldview.

Despite the growing presence of English and Hausa in schools and public life, Gyong remains actively spoken in households, ceremonies, traditional councils, and storytelling gatherings. Local elders are deeply committed to preserving the language, and community-led efforts are underway to promote literacy and documentation.

To speak Gyong is to speak with the voice of one’s ancestors, and to pass it on is to preserve the soul of a people.

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Agriculture: Life from the Soil

The Gwong people are deeply tied to the land, and agriculture is the cornerstone of their economy and lifestyle. Living amidst fertile savannah grasslands, the rhythm of life in Gwongland follows the pattern of the rains and dry winds.

The wet season extends from November to April, while the dry season spans April to October. These seasonal shifts guide planting, harvesting, and communal activities throughout the year.

Staple crops include maize, millet, guinea corn, beans, and rice, while cotton and groundnuts (peanuts) are important cash crops. Farming is both a livelihood and a tradition, carried out communally and passed from one generation to the next. It is often accompanied by spiritual rites and thanksgiving practices that reaffirm the Gwong’s deep respect for the land.

Khi-Tuk Gwong: Festival of Ancestry, Agriculture, and Unity

The crown jewel of Gwong cultural life is the Khi-Tuk Gwong Festival, celebrated yearly on the first Saturday of March. Far more than a festivity, this event is a vibrant gathering of remembrance, unity, and gratitude.

Marking the end of the dry season and the beginning of agricultural preparation, Khi-Tuk Gwong is a time to honour ancestors, give thanks for the land, and reaffirm community bonds. It draws thousands of participants from across Nigeria and the diaspora—elders, youth, guests of honour, and culture enthusiasts alike.

During the celebration, the Gyashak masquerade — a sacred representation of ancestral spirits — dramatically appears, capturing the essence of spiritual protection and continuity. Cultural dances, drumming, and wrestling matches are performed by youth groups in full regalia, displaying strength and unity. Visitors are treated to exhibitions of traditional foods, handicrafts, and textiles, while storytellers and poets enthral audiences with oral history and legends of old. There are also rites of passage and community dialogues led by the traditional ruler, His Royal Highness Kpop Paul Zakka Wyoms, who reinforces peace, development, and cultural preservation messages.

Khi-Tuk Gwong is not merely a festival — it is a living embodiment of the Gwong identity, and an open invitation for the world to witness its brilliance.

Conclusion: Why the World Should Know Gwong

The Gwong people offer the world more than folklore or a destination; they provide a vision for living with rootedness, dignity, and pride in one’s heritage. Their language, traditions, agriculture, and spirituality form a tapestry that reflects resilience, authenticity, and harmony with nature.

At a time when indigenous cultures face the risk of erosion, Gwongland stands as a beacon of cultural strength, a place where tradition is not a relic but a tool for the future.

For travellers, cultural scholars, artists, and storytellers, Gwong is not just a destination to visit but a heritage to experience. In its fields, forests, and festivals lies a profound truth: that Africa’s greatest treasures are found in monuments and her living, breathing people.

So whether you come for the harvest, the hills, or the heartbeat of Khi-Tuk, you will leave with a piece of the Gwong spirit forever etched in memory.

Explore more stories from Nigeria’s diverse ethnic communities.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Where are the Gwong (Gyong) people located?

The Gwong people are based in Jema’a Local Government Area of Southern Kaduna, Nigeria, and their traditional seat is in Fadan Kagoma.

What does the word “Gyong” mean?

“Gyong” means ‘multitude’ — reflecting the collective strength of the people. The name “Kagoma” emerged from a Hausa mispronunciation of “Khi-Gyong”.

When is the best time to visit Gwongland?

The ideal time is early March, when the Khi-Tuk Gwong Festival brings the entire community together for a cultural celebration.

What is the main occupation of the Gwong people?

Farming is central to Gwong life. They cultivate maize, millet, beans, rice, cotton, and groundnuts.

Is the Gyong language still in use today?

The Gyong language remains active and is spoken in homes, cultural ceremonies, and traditional leadership. Local efforts are helping to ensure its preservation.