Nigeria At 66: Only Righteousness Will Build Nigeria – Mutfwang

Plateau State governor, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang, has asserted the task of nation-building requires not only human wisdom and public policy, but also divine guidance, moral courage and a people committed to righteousness.
Mutfwang stated this at the interdenominational church service to mark Nigeria’s 66th Independence anniversary at Baptist Church, Nassarawa Gwom, Jos.

The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Ngo Josephine Piyo, said Nigeria has travelled a long way and sometimes difficult road, adding that since independence the country has experienced moments of triumph and moments of profound difficulty.

“We have witnessed economic challenges, insecurity, political disagreements, social tensions and moments that have tested our collective faith in the Nigeria project, yet, through all these, Nigeria has endured,” the governor said.

According to him, the country remains one nation and people bound by a shared destiny, a nation blessed with enormous human and natural resources, and that resilience is part of the story of Nigeria’s 66 years anniversary.

“The creativity of our young people, the resilience of our farmers, the ingenuity of our entrepreneurs, the dedication of our professionals, the sacrifices of our security personnel, the wisdom of our traditional institutions and the faith of our religious communities continue to sustain our nation,” Mutfwang said.

He maintained that these are reminders that while our journey has not been without challenges, there remains much to hope for and much to build.

The governor pointed out that the theme, “Nigeria, 66 Years After,” should remind us that the future of our nation is not only a matter for government and political institutions.
Faith has a role to play in the development and transformation of our nation.

According to him, the Church cannot stand apart from the challenges of society, it must continue to be a voice for truth, justice, compassion, reconciliation and responsible citizenship.

“Our pulpits must produce citizens who understand that leadership is service; that public resources are sacred; that human life is valuable; and that our people, regardless of tribe, ethnicity, political affiliation or religious persuasion, are deserving of dignity and respect.

“Our faith must influence how we conduct ourselves in public life, our Christianity must be reflected in our integrity, our prayers must be accompanied by responsible action.

“For us as a state, this occasion carries a special responsibility, our administration’s vision is to build a Plateau that is secure, united, prosperous and respected, this is reflected in our three-point policy agenda of Peace, Security and Good Governance; Physical Infrastructural Development; and Sustainable Economic Rebirth.”

He insisted that no government can achieve these objectives alone, the government needs the Church, “we need every citizen who believes in the future of Plateau State.

“As we reflect on Nigeria, 66 Years After, we must therefore ask ourselves what lessons we have learnt from our experiences, we must choose dialogue over confrontation, forgiveness over revenge, justice over impunity and reconciliation over division.”

He added that the Plateau “we desire can only be built when we learn to live together, work together and protect one another.

“To the Church, we appeal for your continued prayers and partnership and beyond prayer, let us continue to make our churches instruments of peace, reconciliation, compassion and social transformation.”

He also added that as “Nigeria mark this 66th Independence Anniversary and reflect on Nigeria, 66 Years After, our prayer is simple but profound, May God heal Nigeria, May God strengthen our unity, May God protect our armed forces and all those who stand in harm’s way to defend our land, and may God give us leaders who fear him, uphold justice and serve with integrity.”