Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang has described the recent Christmas carol and praise festival as a pathway to peace, unity and spiritual rebirth in the state.
Mutfwang, while speaking on the event at the Ten Commandments Alter Doi in Jos South local government area organised by state government in collaboration with the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and heads of denominations, described it as a significant step toward Plateau’s unity.
Our correspondent reports that the festival was characterised by the display of love, kindness and generosity as exemplified by Jesus Christ.
Governor Mutfwang said he had taken on the task of recovering Plateau from the grip of insecurity, economic downturn and division.
The festival aimed to harness the state’s God-given resources and blessings to promote tourism, economic revival and communal harmony.
He said, “The Plateau Unity Christmas Carol and Praise Festival marks the beginning of a journey to unity, progress and fulfilment of Plateau’s divine destiny. For too long, we have fought many battles. Now is the time to unite as one people. God has blessed this land abundantly; it is our collective responsibility to harness these blessings for the greater good.”
Former Head of State Gen. Yakubu Gowon (rtd) commended the governor’s leadership, describing the festival as a symbol of recovery and healing for the state.
“Plateau has endured many challenges, but this gathering reflects our collective desire to worship God and seek His intervention for peace in Plateau, Nigeria, and beyond,” he stated.
Former president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, also lauded the governor’s initiatives, emphasising the festival’s potential to foster peace, love and harmony.
He urged people of the state to embrace their diversity as a divine gift.
The festival featured scriptural readings, sermons by religious leaders like Rev. Dr. Amos Mohzo (COCIN president), Rev. Fr. Polycarp Lubo (CAN chairman) and Most Rev. Dr. Benjamin Kwashi (rtd), alongside soul-lifting songs by gospel artists like Solomon Lange, Panam Percy Paul, Ezra Jinang, Pam Monday and Neken Chuwang.
Traditional choirs from Ngas, Berom and Mwaghavul communities also delivered performances with messages of hope and reconciliation.
Attended by over 15,000 people, the festival was not just a religious gathering but also a boost to the state’s economy, as commercials activities recorded a big increase.
Notable Nigerians who attended the festival included the former Gen. Gowon, Chief Obasanjo, Prof. Mary Lar, Sen. Joshua Dariye, Sen. Jonah Jang, Gen. Martin Luther Agwai, AVM Jonah Wuyep, Boni Haruna, Prof. Jerry Ghana and Hon. Labaran Maku, among others.
Participants who spoke to our correspondent called on the organisers to make it an annual event, attracting visitors from across the globe.
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