Fredrick JEJERI

Markham MP and Acting Speaker of Parliament Koni Iguan welcomed Prime Minister James Marape and his delegation yesterday with a traditional Markham greeting, saying it is disrespectful in local custom to just pass a chief without recognition.The PM, Works and Highways Minister Peter Tsiamalili Jr, senior Department of Works and Highways officials and security personnel made a brief stop at the Markham District Administration Headquarters during the PM’s maiden drive along the transnational highway.They arrived in Markham at 1:46pm after attending several official launchings of key projects in Lae and Erap. Mr. Iguan explained the custom known as Waba Ani, which means "welcoming with open arms"."In the Markham way here in Morobe, a local clan or village leader must at least welcome visitors or leaders from other places into their homes for refreshments before they continue their journey," he said."Local leaders and members of the community would be ashamed if they did not recognize and take care of you when you simply walk past them," Mr. Iguan said."As the political leader of Markham, an electorate that sits along the national highway, I felt it was right to invite you in for a short rest, to cool down and share fresh coconuts before you continue your journey."He described the visit as a "historic moment" for Markham, given the district’s role as a trade corridor along the Highlands Highway.In his remarks, PM Marape said many remote areas were still cut off from basic services."Places like Usino Bundi, Simbai, Marawaka, Kendrian Gloster and other areas still do not have road access to reach key services," Marape said."It would be unfair for us to raise the flag and celebrate the 51st anniversary of the country in towns already connected by roads, while others are still left behind."The Prime Minister also defended the government’s national road program amid public criticism."Despite all the criticism about the road linking Port Moresby, Kerema, Lae, Madang and the Highlands provinces, we have now done a maiden drive to Kerema and through to Lae. This road will be an economically viable link for the country," he said.District staff, local community leaders and residents served the delegation with fresh coconuts and light refreshments in keeping with Waba Ani before the convoy headed toward the Highlands.Following the stop, the PM, the Works Minister and the Works Secretary were airlifted by helicopter to continue their program.

After eleven (11) years of struggles to secure legal recognition over their 1,500 hectares of customary land, the people of Antir Village , Ward 9 in Onga -Wafia LLG in Markham, Morobe Province are all smiles after successfully obtaining their ILG Certificate.Guaniang Incorporated Land Group - ILG finally launched its ILG Certificate and secured legal recognition over their 1,500 hectares of customary land in Onga-Wafa LLG.The certificate, issued in October 2025 by the Department of Lands and Physical Planning, was presented to clan leaders before hundreds of villagers, government officials, and neighboring clans during the launching of the ILG Certificate. For Guaniang clan, the launch was more than paperwork. It was a victory won through loss and sacrifice."The process began in 2014 with boundary clearance mediated by Matthew Selani, former Onga-Wafa LLG executive officer. and despite losing three chiefs during the 11-year process — Kising Wamamp in 2021, Sibron Nampint in 2022, and Oseah Nampint in 2025 — members and extended families raised K57,000 to complete the registration,” said ILG Chairman Kidabing Nayut.The ILG represents two main villages in Onga-Wafa LLG. It is one of four clans in Ward 9, with two already holding certificates and one yet to launch. With legal status now secured, the clan announced its first business venture with forestry in down streaming and timber processing. Onga-Wafa LLG Council President and Markham DDA Deputy Chairman Hon. Willie Simbisi led the launching and called on other clans to copy Guaniang’s discipline.“My office stands ready to work with your ILG and any other clans who wish to get an ILG to also follow the example set by the Guaniang Clan,” Mr. Simbisi said.  He urged the clan to respect boundaries set by mediation, avoid disputes, and work with ward councilors, the LLG and district to secure a Land Title to attract investors, and assured the clan of the district’s full backing.Markham District Officer In Charge Mr. Lazarus Noah said the launch proves that when you follow the process, it often pays off.“The district will never entertain groups that skip steps. Most times, clans skip necessary rightful processes and get kicked out by the National Lands Office,” Mr. Noah warned. "Public servants at all levels are ready to assist."With certificate in hand, Guaniang leaders said the next fight is for a Land Title, the final document needed to do business and partner with investors on their land.

Morobe Provincial Police Commander (PPC) has dismissed what he says are "baseless" claims on social media that the notorious Operation Brukim Tulait (OBT) gang will start targeting the remote areas. Chief Superintendent Samson Siguyaru said the rumors falsely claimed that OBT gang members are planning to operate around Markham Valley Secondary School, causing fear among parents and guardians.“The rumors and claims are only creating fear and concerns for parents and guardians to withdraw their kids from school,” Siguyaru said.  “There has been no change of route for Operation Brukim Tulait into remote parts of Markham District.”He warned that anyone continuing to post and share such information will be held responsible and dealt with by police for creating and promoting false information and creating fear in the communities.Markham Valley Secondary School Principal Mr. Billy Kayo expressed similar sentiments.“There were claims and rumors going around but that didn't stop the school's operations. Teaching and learning is going smoothly,” Mr. Kayo said.The rumors have also prompted security to be tightened in the area. The Morobe Rural Police Command is working closely with Mutzing Police Station command in Markham, putting people on high alert.Mutzing Station Ward Councilor, Graham Gurub, said cooperation between local community leaders, police and state institutions is key to addressing this.“Whoever intending to destroy or attempt to steal will face his or her own consequences,” Mr. Gurub said.Siguyaru appealed to the public to verify information with police before sharing on social media and urged parents to send their children to school as normal.

The Clerk of National Parliament Mr. Kala Aufa has delivered on his promise a K40,000 to Nariawang Primary School in Leron Wantoat LLG, Markham District of Morobe Province.Mr. Aufa presented the funding on Friday morning, July 31st , 2026, just a week after accompanying Acting Speaker of Parliament and Markham MP Hon. Koni Iguan to open two new teachers’ houses and a double classroom at the school.The announcement caught the school community by surprise. Board members, teachers, parents, and students stood startled and speechless as the cheque was handed over.Mr. Aufa highlighted that the funding offered was part of his commitment to support infrastructure development in the area, and he is happy to fulfil his promise to the school. He added that the support was made possible because of the school’s good track record. “Because of the good administration and accountability shown in delivering previous projects, I made this commitment. Public funds must be used properly, and Nariawang has proven that.”Headmaster Mr. Robert John thanked the Parliament Clerk and assured parents and the community the money would be used well.“This funding will go toward building another double classroom,” Mr. John announced. “We will complete the building by November and do the official opening in December, and in honor of this support, the new classroom will be named after the Parliament Clerk.”Speaking on behalf of the community, Mr. Joel Gidisa said it was a proud moment for Leron.“It is an honor to receive funding directly from the Parliament Clerk,” Mr. Gidisa said. “We assure you this money will be used to change the face of this school.""When our school improves, more parents will take education seriously, and when more of our children are educated, they will contribute meaningfully to our society.”The K40,000 came through the Parliament Clerk’s Assistance Grant.For the level six primary school, the support comes at the right time as enrollment grows, and classroom space remains tight.

Communities in Ward 20 of Leron Wantaoat LLG in Markham District were praised for showing how public funds can be used effectively to deliver important services.Parliament Clerk Kala Aufa who was present at the opening of two teachers' houses and one double classroom at Nariawang Primary School on Friday 26th July 2026,praised the locals for putting their public allocated funds into very good use by investing in their children's education.Mr. Aufa said the achievement showed what communities could deliver when they take ownership of development.He said many communities across the country continued to seek more funding, but Nariawang had shown that proper management of available resources could bring real change.Mr. Aufa praised the community for transparency, honesty, and accountability in using the funds, stating that the project was an example other communities could follow.The funding was provided through the Markham District Development Authority under the leadership of Markham MP and Deputy Speaker Hon. Koni Iguan.Hon. Iguan thanked the Nariawang community for responsibly managing the funds: "If every community throughout Markham was honest and transparent like what you have demonstrated, by now we should have more and better accessible services right at our people's doorsteps,” he said.He encouraged communities across the district to work together and ensure development funds were used for their intended purposes.The delegation also witnessed the groundbreaking ceremony for a two-man aid post, which will improve access to healthcare services, the construction of the facilities will commence next month.Mr. Aufa said the Nariawang example showed that development was not only about the amount of funding available, but how communities managed their resources.The new school facilities and upcoming health facility marks an important milestone for the community.

Leaders and partners who played a role in bringing peace to Central Wantoat in Morobe province have been acknowledged for their commitment towards restoring hope and rebuilding communities after years of fear, division and displacement.The appreciation was highlighted during a peace and reconciliation ceremony where community representatives, church leaders, government officials and development partners, recognised the efforts of individuals and organisations that helped bring rival groups together.Community mediator Omin Erinu was acknowledged for stepping forward during the crisis period between 2022 and 2024 to help reconnect communities when communication had broken down.Mr. Erinu said he accepted the challenge because he saw families becoming divided and people losing trust in each other.“When the problem became serious, people stopped communicating. I decided to become a bridge so both sides could sit down, talk and find a peaceful solution,” he said.He thanked community members who supported the peace process and encouraged them to continue working together to protect the peace that had been restored.ELCPNG Deputy Bishop Pastor Lucas Kidabing was also recognised for the church’s role in supporting reconciliation and bringing spiritual guidance to affected communities.Pastor Kidabing said the church’s involvement was based on its responsibility to promote forgiveness, healing and unity.“The church must stand with people during difficult times. Peace requires forgiveness, understanding and a willingness to rebuild relationships,” he said.Representing the Markham District Development Authority, District Officer-in-Charge Lazarus Noah acknowledged the commitment of all partners who contributed towards restoring stability in Wantoat.Mr. Noah said peace could only be achieved through cooperation between communities, government institutions, churches, and supporting organisations.He said the MDDA appreciated the efforts of all stakeholders and was committed to working with them to bring lasting stability and transformation to the area.Meanwhile, the Honlly Isaac Jokema Foundation representative, Elijah Tuping, thanked the Wantoat peace committee for approaching the Foundation and allowing it to be part of the reconciliation journey.Mr. Tuping said the Foundation, established by Papua New Guinean musician and businessman Honlly Isaac, believed in supporting disadvantaged communities and creating opportunities through agriculture and social development programs.He said the Foundation had supported vulnerable groups, including juveniles, inmates and hospital patients, over the past five years and was ready to work with partners in Wantoat.“The vision is not only to respond to problems but to help communities rebuild and become productive,” Mr. Tuping said.The partnership between ELCPNG, the Department of Law and Justice Sector, Markham DDA and the Honlly Isaac Jokema Foundation, is expected to support programs focused on changing mindsets, empowering young people and creating sustainable development opportunities in Wantoat.The ceremony marked a new beginning for communities once affected by conflict, with leaders calling for continued unity and cooperation to protect lasting peace.

A community once gripped by fear, suspicion and violence in Morobe is beginning a new chapter after a peace and reconciliation ceremony held on Friday.The event brought together divided communities determined to rebuild their future.Hundreds of people from Wantoat in the Leron Wantoat Local Level Government (LLG) area of Markham District gathered on Friday to witness what church leaders described as the beginning of a new era for the area.The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Papua New Guinea (ELCPNG) led the ceremony at the Wantoat Evangelical Lutheran Church Circuit, where five parish congregations surrendered weapons and renounced alleged criminal activities associated with years of conflict sparked by sorcery accusations.The violence began in 2022 as allegations of sorcery spread through villages, causing neighbours to turn against one another.The conflict intensified in 2023 and reached its peak in 2024, resulting in killings, destruction of property and widespread fear that displaced families and disrupted government services.Residents avoided travelling freely while schools, health services and normal economic activities were affected.One of the people credited with helping restore calm is local young leader Omin Erinu, who returned to his village after completing his Advanced Bachelor of Management at the University of Goroka.Working alongside village elders, he helped establish a Peace and Reconciliation Team that encouraged dialogue, disarmament and mediation between rival communities.The initiative later received strong backing from ELCPNG Deputy Bishop Pastor Lucas Kidabing, whose leadership helped unite church and community leaders in pursuing reconciliation.Pastor Kidabing said Friday's ceremony symbolised more than the surrender of weapons; it represented the restoration of hope."We can now see a peaceful environment returning to Wantoat.People can once again live, work and move freely without fear," he said.He acknowledged the support of the Markham District Development Authority, the Honlly Isaac Jokema Foundation, the Law and Justice Sector and other partners who contributed to the peace process.During the height of the crisis, the Markham District Development Authority, under the leadership of Markham MP and Deputy Speaker Koni Iguan, provided K100,000 to support police operations.The funding enabled members of the Special Services Division (SSD) to conduct a week-long operation aimed at restoring normalcy and also assisted the Peace and Reconciliation Committee in staging its first reconciliation ceremony last year.However, lasting peace only began to emerge through sustained dialogue led by church and community leaders.District Officer-in-Charge Lazarus Noah was at the occasion delivered a speech and described the reconciliation as a powerful reminder that forgiveness and unity remain the strongest foundations for rebuilding communities.The church's next focus will be youth empowerment through agriculture, sports, community development and mindset transformation programmes to ensure peace is sustained across Wantoat.

While schools are primarily recognised for preparing students academically, a secondary school in the Morobe Province is taking an extra step by equipping young people with practical musical skills before they complete their formal education.Over the past nine years, the Markham Valley Secondary School in the Markham District has been offering students the opportunity to learn music apart from academic activities. Students are taught on playing electric instruments, stage presentations and sound system setups through a volunteer led program coordinated by self-taught musician, Jed Kayo.Although this is not part of the formal curriculum, the program has become an avenue for students to develop practical skills that could benefit them long after they leave the classroom.Kayo, who is also a former grade 12 student from the school, has been providing his services since establishing the program in 2017. His vision is to ensure students leave formal school with more than just academic qualifications."I want students to have another skill they can use after completing school," he said. "Not everyone will find formal employment or continue to university, but music and sound system skills can help them become useful in their respective local communities."Beginning with just ten students, the program has grown to 24 participants who meet outside normal schooling hours to learn keyboard, guitar, live singing, stage performance and the operation of electronic sound equipment.Students are also introduced to setting up public address systems, connecting amplifiers, mixers, speakers and microphones, giving them hands-on experience with equipment commonly used at church gatherings, cultural events, community functions and public ceremonies.Kayo, who learned these skills through years of self-study and practical experience, continues to volunteer his time and wants to see local communities filled with productive youths. He believes the greatest reward is seeing former students use what they have learned after leaving school.Several graduates have continued developing their musical talents while pursuing further studies, while others are involved in church worship teams, live sound engineering, studio recording and performances with established bands.Beyond music itself, the program encourages discipline, teamwork, commitment and self-confidence, which Kayo believes are equally important as students prepare for life beyond secondary school.He also acknowledged the support of the school administration for embracing a program that complements academic learning because without the school's encouragement, many students would never have had the opportunity to discover and develop their musical abilities.As schools across Papua New Guinea continue exploring ways to better prepare students for life after graduation, Markham Valley Secondary School's music program demonstrates that practical life skills can successfully complement classroom education.For the school, the goal is not simply to produce musicians. It is to help produce capable young men and women who would leave school equipped with confidence, practical skills and a willingness to contribute positively to the society. 

Student Enrolments from Markham District into tertiary institutions by 2027 and onwards are expected to rise following the signing of a scholarship Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Institute of Business Studies University (IBSU) and the Secondary School.Education officials say the partnership will create an additional pathway for academically deserving students to pursue university education, complementing the district's existing scholarship programme.The agreement, signed during a visit by an IBSUniversity delegation to Markham Valley Secondary School on Tuesday, July 7, makes the school the first secondary school in Morobe Province to establish a formal scholarship partnership with IBSUniversity.Markham District Education Inspector Jacob Hosea said the district has already established a strong record of supporting students into tertiary institutions through its scholarship programme over the past five years.Mr. Hosea said district scholarship records for 2025 show that 173 students from the district's four high schools and one secondary school enrolled at five of Papua New Guinea's leading universities. Of those, 98 students enrolled at the University of Goroka, 21 at the Papua New Guinea University of Technology, 20 at the University of Papua New Guinea, 17 at Pacific Adventist University, and 17 at Divine Word University.He said Markham Valley Secondary School alone accounted for 74 students who progressed to tertiary institutions in the latest academic year, highlighting the school's contribution to the district's education achievements.Mr. Hosea said the new partnership with IBSUniversity is expected to increase those numbers by providing another scholarship avenue for students who may otherwise face financial barriers to higher education.According to the Morobe Provincial Education Office, Wantoat High School, Ragiampun Adventist High School and Markham Valley Secondary School are among the province's top-performing schools, reflecting the district's continued emphasis on quality education.School Principal Billy Kayo welcomed the partnership, describing it as a unique opportunity that would encourage students to work harder and aspire to university education."I have been in education for a very long time, and this is one of the most unique opportunities I have ever heard about," Mr. Kayo said.According to the IBSUniversity administration, the scholarship programme is intended to widen access to higher education by recognising academic achievement and strengthening links between secondary and tertiary institutions.Education officials believe the new partnership will not only increase the number of Markham students entering university but also contribute to building a skilled workforce capable of supporting the district's long-term social and economic development.

The Institute of Business Studies University (IBSU) has signed its first scholarship Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with a secondary school in Morobe Province, paving the way for eligible students to further their studies.Students at Markham Valley Secondary School in Markham District now have an opportunity to pursue tertiary studies through the university scholarship programme.The agreement was formalised on Tuesday, July 7, during a visit by the University's delegation to school. Markham Valley Secondary School, located approximately 124 kilometres from Lae City, is one of Morobe Province's largest boarding schools, enrolling more than 1,800 students each year.The MoU establishes a partnership between the two institutions aimed at creating opportunities for academically deserving students to continue their education through degree programmes offered by IBSUniversity.Principal Billy Kayo welcomed the partnership, saying it would provide students with opportunities rarely available to secondary schools."I have been in education for a very long time, and this is one of the most unique opportunities I have ever heard about," Mr. Kayo said.He said the partnership would encourage students to perform well academically and provide them with a clear pathway to higher education.Mr. Kayo also thanked IBSUniversity for selecting Markham Valley Secondary School as the first school in Morobe Province to enter into the scholarship partnership.According to the IBSUniversity administration, the agreement reflects the university's commitment to working closely with secondary schools to improve access to higher education for students across Papua New Guinea.The initiative is intended to recognise academic excellence while supporting students to develop the knowledge and skills needed for future careers.The signing ceremony was attended by members of the IBSUniversity delegation, school administrators, teachers and students.The partnership makes Markham Valley Secondary School the first secondary school in Morobe Province to enter into a formal scholarship agreement with IBSUniversity and is expected to create greater educational opportunities for future Markham and Morobe human resources. 

The Status of Education in the Markham District in Morobe province has rapidly transformed because of the good accessibility to basic services. District Education Inspector Jacob Hosea said Markham has improved a lot over the years by passing good number of students to tertiary institutions because of good support prioritize by District Development Authority (DDA) under the chairmanship of their Member for Parliament (MP), Koni Iguan. "We have produced a good number of students because we have teachers teaching in schools. ""Teachers fully spend time in classrooms because we have better road links throughout the district," Mr. Hosea said. Mr. Hosea said apart from road links, Markham has high schools in all Local Level Governments (LLGs) with a complement of secondary schools in the area unlike other districts in the province. He revealed that a good number of students are now in colleges and universities throughout Papua New Guinea basing on the data collection from last year's district scholarship. According to Morobe Provincial Education office, Wantoat High School, Ragiampun Adventist High School and Markham Valley Secondary School have been labeled as the top five performing schools in province. And according to the district scholarship data from last year (2025), 98 students have registered to study at the University of Goroka. 20 students registered at University of Papua New Guinea, 21 students registered at Papua New Guinea University of Technology, 17 students enrolled at Pacific Adventist University, and 17 students enrolled at Divide Word University. Markham Valley Secondary School on record passed a total of 74 students directly to tertiary institutions throughout the country. Schools in Markham are the only remote schools in Morobe competing strongly with schools in the capital, Lae city. 

Markham District Development Authority in Morobe, through the chairmanship of Member for parliament Koni Iguan has invested a capital funding to help a science student to venture into herbal medicine production within the district. A capital funding of K100, 000. 00 was presented by the MP to Allan Thompson on Sunday at Raginam village in Umi Local Level Government (LLG) council. Allan graduated with a Bachelor of Science major in biology and chemistry from Pacific Adventist University - PAU in 2023. After graduating, he established an herbal medicine firm known as Allan Thompson Herbal medicine and produced four different types of herbal medicine products. All his products were tested by the University of Papua New Guinea's School of Medical Health and Science laboratory with the supervision of Dr. Martha Yahimbu. Patients throughout the country, including business background individuals and politicians testified that his products brought healing within days where the demand for his products got MDDAs attention. Iguan upon presenting the funding, commended young Allan for the humble approach he took to raise an initiative to work with locals in his own electorate. "You have that qualification to produce something that a company or a country would need outside of your own district but you've humbled yourself to come work with locals in your own electorate," "The DDA, under my chairmanship have recognized your humble approach and service linked to the communities in our district." "The DDA thus had resolved to assist following a request you made to help bring part of health care which is a major challenge country is facing, "Onga Wafa LLLG Council President Willie Simbisi who accompanied the MP with his colleague LLG presidents to witness the important presentation, also shared same statement saying such humble initiatives when linked to local communities would attract developments. He said when such key human resources go work with locals in their own communities would attract government at all levels to connect roads, bridges and schools needed in a ward or LLG which will in turn totally transform an electorate. Allan says the funding he got will help him to build a laboratory at his own village to conduct more research and testing on possible ways on identifying rightful solutions to herbal medicine production for use in Papua New Guinea. He added this could help bridge that gap of bringing together traditional herbal knowledge and modern testing and validation.Going forward, Alan would at least support and strengthen efforts to improve access to safe and reliable medicine in the country, especially by reducing pressure on imported supplies and encouraging more local solutions.