The Nso Kingdom has begun celebrations marking 200 years since the transfer of its capital from Kóv Vífə̀m to Kimbo, in an event that has drawn widespread attention across the fondom and among Nso communities worldwide.
The Bicentenary Celebration taking place from May 22 to 24, 2026 at Nto’ Nso, the Fon’s Palace in Kimbo, commemorates a defining chapter in Nso history and identity. The anniversary reflects on the journey undertaken by the kingdom’s ancestors and highlights the continuity of cultural traditions that have survived generations.
Organised under the authority of the Fon of Nso His Royal Majesty Sehm Mbinglo I and coordinated by the Nchelav Ngwerong-led Local Organising Committee, traditional authorities and community leaders describe the occasion as an opportunity to reconnect the people with their roots and strengthen bonds across generations and geographical divides.
In a release issued by the Nso Development Association, NSODA, sons, daughters and friends of Nso at home and abroad were urged to fully embrace the historic moment and contribute to making it memorable.
The association described the bicentenary as a moment to honour ancestors, reinforce present day solidarity and safeguard the cultural heritage of future generations.
The opening day, this Friday 22 May May traditionally known as Wailun, is featuring an inter-rligious service bringing together worshippers from different religions in a symbolic act of faith and unity.
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The programme continues on Saturday Ntanrin Nso, featuring traditional displays of palace institutions including activities from the Nwerong and Ngiri sanctums as well as presentations linked to the Manjong institution. Organisers say the displays are intended to showcase the foundations of Nso governance and cultural identity.
The final day on Sunday will witness intensive cultural exhibitions involving major compounds and sacred institutions before activities extend to the Kumbo market square, with the Menkang me mven ceremony expected to attract large crowds.
The anniversary is taking place at a period when Nso, like many communities in the North West Region, continues to grapple with the consequences of years of armed conflict. Against that background, the celebrations have also taken on a message of healing and renewal.
Earlier this year, His Majesty the Fon of Nso declared 2026 the "Year of Love", known in Lamnso as Ki yaa ke Kikonnen, calling on his people to embrace reconciliation and rebuild fractured social ties.
In his New Year message, the Fon lamented the devastating impact of conflict on Nso society and stressed the need to reject hatred and division.
"There is no gain in war, only pain and sorrow," the monarch said while calling on both young and old to draw lessons from the past decade.
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The message aligns closely with the spirit of the bicentenary celebrations, which many see as an occasion not only to celebrate a transfer of territory but also to renew a collective identity tested by crisis.
Observers note that beyond the cultural pageantry and traditional rituals, the 200 year anniversary carries broader significance. It is serving as a platform to project resilience and reinforce a shared vision for the future of Nso.
By Bakah Derick for Hilltopvoices web
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