Plateau State Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang has called on Nigerians to embrace dialogue, forgiveness, justice and reconciliation as the country marks its 66th Independence Anniversary.
Mutfwang made the call through his Deputy, Ngo Josephine Piyo, who represented him at an interdenominational church service held at Nasarawa Baptist Church, Dutse Uku, Jos, on Sunday.
The service, themed “Nigeria, 66 Years After,” brought together government officials, Christian leaders and worshippers to pray for Nigeria and Plateau State.
The Governor said the anniversary was an opportunity to reflect on Nigeria’s journey, its challenges and achievements, as well as the responsibility of citizens to contribute to building a better nation.
He described the occasion as a time for gratitude, reflection, repentance, recommitment and prayer.
Mutfwang acknowledged the economic challenges, insecurity, political disagreements and social tensions Nigeria has experienced over the years but said the country had continued to demonstrate resilience.
He highlighted the contributions of young people, farmers, entrepreneurs, professionals, security personnel, traditional institutions and religious communities to the survival and development of the nation.
The Plateau Governor also urged the Church to play a greater role in promoting truth, justice, compassion, reconciliation and responsible citizenship.
He said Christians should demonstrate their faith through integrity and responsible action.
“Our faith must influence how we conduct ourselves in public life. Our Christianity must be reflected in our integrity, and our prayers must be accompanied by responsible action.”
Speaking on Plateau State, Mutfwang said his administration remained committed to building a secure, united, prosperous and respected Plateau.
He said the administration’s agenda focuses on Peace, Security and Good Governance; Physical and Infrastructural Development; and Sustainable Economic Rebirth.
The Governor stressed that government could not achieve these objectives alone and called for stronger partnership between government, the Church and citizens.
He urged Plateau residents to choose dialogue over confrontation, forgiveness over revenge, justice over impunity and reconciliation over division.
“The Plateau we desire can only be built when we learn to live together, work together and protect one another.”
The President of the Plateau Baptist Conference, Rev. Dr. K. K. Saleh, also called on Nigerians to look to God for solutions to the challenges facing the country.
Preaching at the service, Saleh said engaging in a blame game would not solve Nigeria’s problems, urging both leaders and citizens to examine their relationship with God.
“The fixing of Nigeria is in the hands of God. Let’s look up to the Lord.”
He encouraged Christians to trust God and seek divine guidance in addressing the challenges facing Nigeria and Plateau State.
Plateau State Commissioner for Information and Communication, Joyce Ramnap, said the service provided an opportunity to thank God for Nigeria’s journey and pray for the country, Plateau State and its leadership.
Ramnap acknowledged the challenges faced by Plateau State but said the resilience of its people had helped the state move forward.
She said holding the service in Dutse Uku was significant because the area had experienced an attack months earlier.
According to her, the gathering was also a demonstration of unity among Plateau people across denominations.
She explained that Independence Day activities were being observed on a low-key basis because of the prevailing challenges, with greater emphasis placed on prayer and thanksgiving.
She added that the celebrations had also included Muslim prayers at a mosque.
The interdenominational service featured special prayers for Nigeria and Plateau State.
The prayer session was led by the Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Jos, Rt. Rev. Prof. Ephraim Gongden; Chaplain of the Chapel of Grace, Government House, Rev. Benjamin Nadabo; and Resident Pastor of Nasarawa Baptist Church, Rev. Bolaji Oyateru.
The prayers focused on peace, unity, security, good governance, divine guidance for leaders and the wellbeing of citizens.
The service formed part of activities marking Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary, with participants calling for renewed faith, unity, peace and commitment to nation-building.
