Clan members with ILG Certificate at Iarokrai picnic homestay in the Sogeri plateau. Picture supplied.
Magibiri clan has set the pace as the first clan amongst the other 14 clans in Sirinumu to acquire its ILG certificate.
After more than 60 years, Magibari clan in Sirinumu, Central Province has finally acquired its Incorporated Land Group Certificate (ILG), marking an important milestone achievement for the customary landowners to strengthen their organisation in protecting its customary interest and pursue sustainable development opportunities.
The achievement of Magibiri clan demonstrates the assurance and enthusiasm from all clan members who have worked tirelessly.
The acquiring of ILG certificate took place at Larokrai picnic homestay Sogeri last week.
The clan was formally recognised by the Lands Department on August 26, 2026 with the establishment of the ILG No 2025.
Magibiri is one of the major customary groupsaffected by and displaced by the development of the dam in 1963.
Massive environmental damages was done to the landmass of the clan after the clan was relocated.
The journey to acquiring the ILG certificate was faced with unconditional dilemma that tested the courage and faith of a young clan leader, Willie Kidu.
Kidu wept emotionally whilst addressing the clan members, describing the struggle he endured as a young leader who stood the test to lead his tribesman in pursing the matter of acquiring the ILG certificate that went through few uphill court battle against opponent rivals, and the travel expenses and other necessary cost involved.
Kidu at the tender age of 38 and Secretary of the Magibiri clan wept openly with the chairman of the clan Baradea Iomeri, expressing their emotion of the final successful outcome.
Kidu said the launching of the ILG must be viewed as the beginning of a new chapter of organised customary land participation.
He added that the official launching of the ILG Certificate draws an important milestone for the Magibiri people providing them the formal platform to advance with their business development plan for the entire clan.
Spokesman of the clan Roy Kunia highlighted the significance of the ILG Certificate that will make an impact to promote sustainable development opportunities in areas such as tourism, agriculture, environmental conservation, employment and other administrative and legal processes.
Kunia said the Magibiri people recognise the national importance of development and the benefits that infrastructures can bring to the country.
He added that the clan believes national development should not erase the history, identity and legitimate interest of the customary landowners whose traditional land was affected.
He said the history of Magibiri is a history of land, people, culture, displacement, resilience and hope. ‘’ The clan therefore looks forward a future where customary landowners are recognised as partners in development, where their land and environment are protected, and future generations can benefit from sustainable economic opportunities. He further urged the other 14 clans in Sirinumu to acquire the ILG to pursue business development interest on their land.
