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.