by Christiana Gokyo, Jos
Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his resilience and renewed commitment to repositioning the Armed Forces and decisively tackling insecurity across the country, following the approval of the recruitment of 1,000 Forest Guards for Plateau State.
Thanksgiving Mass at Our Lady of Fatima Cathedral, Jos
Governor Mutfwang disclosed this on Sunday (today) during a Thanksgiving and Interdenominational Church Service to mark the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day, held at the Our Lady of Fatima Cathedral, Laranto, in Jos North Local Government Area.
The solemn service drew senior military officers, government officials, members of the clergy, and worshippers who gathered to honour fallen and serving members of the Armed Forces.
Describing the gathering as a powerful symbol of unity and national gratitude, the governor said the ecumenical service underscored the critical role of the Armed Forces in preserving peace, security, and national cohesion.
“Without their sacrifice and unwavering commitment, many of us would not be enjoying the peace we often take for granted,” he noted.
Governor Mutfwang praised President Tinubu for what he described as a “renewed determination to strengthen and support the Armed Forces,” stressing that the deployment of 1,000 Forest Guards in Plateau State would significantly enhance grassroots security, improve intelligence gathering, and complement ongoing military and security operations across the state.
While reaffirming his administration’s commitment to security and the welfare of service personnel, the governor pledged continued advocacy for improved conditions for both serving and retired officers, while also extending support to families of fallen heroes, particularly those who paid the supreme price in Plateau State.
He added that the relative peace enjoyed during the 2025 Christmas and New Year festivities was a direct reflection of the dedication and sacrifices of security agencies.
In the same vein, Plateau State Chairman of the Nigeria Legion, Colonel Adam Zumzhi (rtd), expressed deep appreciation to the governor for his consistent support to veterans, describing retired servicemen and women as enduring ambassadors of peace whose sacrifices continue to uphold the unity and stability of the nation.
Delivering the homily, the Catholic Archbishop of Jos, Most Reverend Matthew Ishaya Audu, called on Nigerians to embrace unity of purpose and collective responsibility, urging greater concern, support, and prayers for members of the Armed Forces serving in various theatres of operation across the country.
Speaking earlier, the General Officer Commanding 3 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major-General Folusho Oyinlola, described the Remembrance Day activities as a “solemn moment to honour and celebrate the gallantry of both fallen and living heroes” whose selfless service continues to safeguard the nation.
He also recalled that a Juma’at prayer had earlier been held at the Jos Central Mosque as part of the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day observances.