by Christiana Gokyo, Jos
As part of activities to mark the milestone of the 80th Birthday of an Elder Statesman, former Governor of Plateau State-cum former Senator Plateau North, Sen. Jonah David Jang, a Thanksgiving Service was held on Sunday, at COCIN RCC Headquarters Du (Jang’s home village) in Jos South Local Government Area of the Plateau State.
Speaking during the Church Service, the Plateau State Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang announced an empowerment support package for youths and widows of the COCIN RCC Du, aimed at encouraging self-reliance, productivity, and economic inclusion.
He urged children and the younger generation to cultivate the culture of honouring and caring for their parents, while they are still alive, describing such responsibility as both a moral obligation and a fulfillment of biblical injunctions.
Governor Mutfwang described Sen. Jang’s eight decades of life as a remarkable testimony of God’s faithfulness, preservation, grace, and enduring favour.
According to him, the society must learn to celebrate and appreciate distinguished leaders and elders, while they are alive, rather than waiting until after their passing before acknowledging their contributions.
“It is a privilege to celebrate distinguished leaders, while they are still with us. We must not build a culture of waiting until people pass on before appreciating their sacrifices and contributions to society,” the governor stated.
While emphasizing that parents deserve love, respect, care, and support in their old age, Governor Mutfwang urged families to remain committed to their welfare and well-being.
He cautioned against adopting foreign social practices that encourage the abandonment of elderly parents in care homes, insisting that African family values place a premium on caring for and honouring the aged.
The governor further prayed for God’s continued strength, good health, and long life for the elderly, noting that older generations remain invaluable “reservoirs of wisdom, guidance, and societal values.”
Governor Mutfwang also congratulated Rev. Dr. Sylvester Davou Dachomo on his election as Deputy General Secretary of the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN), expressing confidence that his leadership would further advance the growth and mission of the Church.
While addressing beneficiaries of the empowerment initiative, the governor stressed that sustainable wealth creation is built on diligence, discipline, and hard work rather than wishful thinking.
“Wealth is created through hard work, perseverance, and commitment. Do not despise humble beginnings, because every great achievement starts with a small step,” he advised.
Earlier, the President of the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN), Rev. Dr. Amos Mohzo, thanked God for preserving Senator Jang through 80 years of purposeful and impactful service to God, Plateau State, and the nation.
He described the celebrant as a leader whose life has been defined by dedication, courage, and service, recalling his distinguished roles as Military Governor of the former Gongola State, Executive Governor of Plateau State, and Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The COCIN President called on political leaders, traditional rulers, the Church, and citizens to promote unity, peace, justice, and the sanctity of human life, stressing that true leadership is measured not by position or privilege but by service, integrity, and the positive impact made on society.
In his remarks, Senator Jonah David Jang expressed profound gratitude to God for preserving his life and granting him the grace to celebrate his 80th Birthday “in good health and sound mind.”
The elder statesman reflected on his journey, from military service to public leadership, thanking God for His unfailing grace throughout his years as Military Governor, Executive Governor of Plateau State, and Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“I am grateful to my family, friends, associates, and the good people of Plateau State for their prayers, counsel, and unwavering support throughout my life’s journey,” Senator Jang said, pledging to remain committed to the values of service, humility, and godliness.
The Thanksgiving Service attracted prominent political leaders, government officials, the clergy, traditional rulers, family members, friends, and well-wishers from within and outside Plateau State, who gathered to celebrate Senator Jang’s enduring legacy of leadership, service, and commitment to the growth of society.