by Christiana Gokyo, Jos
JOS: The Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, in a thanksgiving note, has asserted that, “Plateau is a state set on a hill that cannot be hidden, and is destined for glory – and no one will take her back. By the grace of God, we will march on to where He has destined us.”
The governor was speaking during a Thanksgiving Service on Thursday, to mark his two-years-in-office at the Jos Polo Field. “We have come to say, Thank You, Lord, for Your enablement; for what You have already begun. And, as the Bible says, ‘we must not despise the days of small beginnings.’ What we have seen so far is just the beginning,” Mutfwang said.
“God told me, ‘There are many, many battles to be fought. There are many, many battles to be won. There are many, many victories to be proclaimed.’ But at the end, we shall be victorious,” he disclosed.
“Thank you, Plateau. Thank you. I also want to thank not only the Christian faithful but the Muslim community, who have shown a common loyalty, friendship, and support. I believe that with this kind of unity, we will be stronger than ever before,” he stated.
Gov Mutfwang noted, with optimism, that “Plateau must be united. From this day forward, we must continue to be our brother’s keeper, irrespective of tribe or tongue, irrespective of denomination or faith. We will continue to hold one another up until God takes us to the Promised Land.
“I see a land of promise. We have left the valley of retrogression. We have left the valley of indecision. And, very soon, I believe, God will take us to the place He has destined for us. With your support and prayers, we shall get there. Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord,” he applauded.
While thanking God for doing so much for him – in the legislature, in the judiciary, in the local governments – Gov Caleb Mutfwang stressed thus: “You have shown us mercy. And all we are saying is, thank you Lord,” and prayed God to continue to bless them, to help them with His grace to lead his people to the Promised Land, so that His Name will be exalted.
Governor Mutfwang further thanked Plateau pastors, traditional rulers, community leaders, and past office holders, saying, “In one capacity or another, you’ve had the opportunity to provide leadership for Plateau State. It is time to lay aside our differences. There’s so much ahead of us to pursue, to overtake, and to recover.”
“A lot has been lost on the Plateau over the years, but we cannot move forward divided. We must go as one people. I, therefore, look forward to a more united Plateau – a Plateau that will lead to prosperity for all. I am confident that God will take us there,” he noted.
“Yes, some things are happening in parts of the state that could have made us mourn. Over the past two days, we have worked to contain the situation in Mushere. The enemies of peace broke into Mushere again, and we lost some lives. But we refused to cancel this thanksgiving. Because we know the enemy’s aim is to keep us in a perpetual state of mourning – and we refuse that,” he stated.
According to him, “We know the current challenges are temporary afflictions. God will roll away the reproach that has visited Plateau over the last two-to-three decades. We are confident that God will lead us to victory.
Barr. Mutfwang further urged the people of Plateau State to continue to pray together, march on together, and pleaded with them to lay aside their differences, adding that, “There is enough for all of us, if only we can unite and face the enemy together.
“God bless Plateau State. God uplift Plateau State. God cause Plateau State to shine among the states of Nigeria. And may her story be told across the world,” the governor prayed.
In his Goodwill Massage, the Gbong Gwom Jos, Da Jacob Gyang Buba, expressed deep gratitude to God and with immense goodwill towards the current administration, noting that, “With me are traditional rulers from across the state, a testament to our unity, solidarity, and commitment to peace and progress on the Plateau state.
“As we reflect on what has transpired in the past two years, we do not take for granted the enormous strides made by the governor and your team. We acknowledge your dedication, your courage, and your visible impact on the lives of our people, despite the daunting challenges.
“As I watched you stand, I was reminded of Joseph in the Scriptures – a man adorned in a coat of many colors. Though, Joseph faced adversity from his family: was sold into slavery, imprisoned, and falsely accused, he eventually rose to become Prime Minister in a foreign land.
“We liken your leadership journey to his. ‘The coat of many colors’ you wear today is not mere coincidence; it is a divine symbol of the multiple responsibilities and blessings upon your life.
“We pray that, like Joseph, you will rise above every challenge. That God, who raised Joseph and used him mightily, will use you mightily for the good of Plateau State and beyond. But, as we pray this, we also urge you to take one step at a time,” the Gbong Gwom Jos stated.
According to him, “Today, you are Governor; tomorrow is in God’s hands. Let your focus remain firmly on the assignment before you – for the God, who brought you this far, already knows where He is taking you.
“We the Traditional Council salute your achievements so far. We recognize the efforts you are making in infrastructure, governance and, especially in confronting the security challenges that continue to threaten our land.”
The Gbong Gwom Jos, Da Jacob Gyang Buba, stressed thus: “These hurdles are not walls – they are meant to be overcome. As in athletics, hurdles do not stop a determined runner from reaching the finishing line. And so shall it be with you.”
The Gbong Gwom Jos extended the Council’s appreciation to the security agencies and their operatives, and acknowledged the burden they bear, and equally commended their tireless commitment.
“To our people across the various ethnic nationalities of Plateau, let this moment reinforce our shared vision. We are not perfect, but our hearts beat as one for a united, peaceful, and prosperous Plateau. The Council remains willing and ready to work hand-in-hand with government in realizing this dream.
“As you enter the second phase of your first term, we commit you, your family, and your cabinet to the care and guidance of Almighty God. May you not only lead, but also dispense justice. May you not only govern, but heal. And may you not only inspire Plateau, but shine as a beacon for the entire nation,” the Gbong Gwom Jos stated.