by Christiana Gokyo, Jos
A 3 days’ ‘Unity Christmas Carols and Praise Festival,’ which began on Friday, organised by the Plateau State Government, witnessed former Heads of State, President Olusegun Obasanjo, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, along with Prof. Jerry Gana, Sen. Joshua Dariye, Sen. Jonah David Jang and their wives, and former Ministers, among others.
Governor Caleb Mutfwang flagged-off the first-ever Plateau Unity Christmas Carol and Praise Festival – in a historic move to promote peace, unity, and safeguard Plateau State’s divine heritage.
The event, held at the Ten Commandments Prayer Altar in Doi, Jos South Local Government Area of the state, witnessed a convergence of distinguished personalities.
Together with other citizens of the state, they joined in heartfelt praise and worship to thank God for the peace and progress being restored in the state.
Addressing the Interdenominational gathering, Governor Mutfwang described the festival as a “significant step towards the unity and prophetic destiny of Plateau State.”
“The Plateau Unity Christmas Carol and Praise Festival mark the beginning of a journey to unity, progress, and the fulfillment of Plateau’s divine destiny,” the governor remarked.
“For too long, we have fought many battles, both internal and external, but the time has come – and the time is now – to unite as a people. God has blessed this land abundantly, and it is our collective responsibility to harness these blessings for the greater good,” he said.
The governor further emphasized the state’s immense potential, stating, “Plateau is a land of blessing – fertile, resource-rich, and strategically positioned by God. By His grace, Plateau will rise as a beacon of hope and prosperity, fulfilling its destiny as a city set on a hill that cannot be hidden.”
Also, the former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (Rtd), commended the initiative and expressed gratitude for the governor’s commitment to promoting peace and unity.
Reflecting on the state’s turbulent past, he noted that, “Plateau has endured many challenges, but under Governor Mutfwang’s leadership, the state is experiencing recovery and healing.
According to Gowon, “This gathering is a testament to our collective desire to worship God and seek His intervention for peace in Plateau, Nigeria, and beyond.”
Gen. Gowon also praised the performances by the various groups and the sermon delivered by Rev. Dr. Amos Mohzo, describing them as “spiritually uplifting.”
He urged the people of Plateau to not only profess peace but to embody it in their daily lives.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo was commended for attending the event, with Gen. Gowon recalling the pivotal role he played in saving Obasanjo from a death sentence during a critical period in Nigeria’s history.
Former Minister of Information and Communications, Prof. Jerry Gana, hailed the initiative as “divinely inspired,” emphasizing that God was pleased with the multitude of souls gathered to praise Him.
In his sermon, Rev. Dr. Amos Mohzo, President of the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN), reading from the Gospel of Luke 2:13 and Psalm 96:1, highlighted the message of peace brought by Jesus Christ. He encouraged citizens of Plateau State to live out the teachings of Christ, rise above divisions of ethnicity or politics, and remain steadfast in their faith.
The event featured scriptural readings by notable personalities, including former Governor Joshua Dariye, Deputy Governor Hon. Josephine Piyo, and Senator Istifanus Dung Gyang.
The inspiring program included soul-lifting songs, cultural performances, and a profound message of hope and reconciliation.
The Plateau Unity Christmas Carol and Praise Festival has set a new precedent for spiritual and social cohesion in the state, reinforcing the commitment of its leaders and citizens to a brighter, united future.