…as Christmas Carols Festival ends in Jos

By Marie-Therese Nanlong

Jos – Former Governor of Plateau State, Senator Joshua Dariye, has assured Governor Caleb Mutfwang of the support of all former State leaders as his administration advances initiatives for peace, healing, and development.

The declaration came on Sunday evening during the concluding session of the Plateau State Unity Christmas Carols and Praise Festival, held at the Ten Commandments Prayer Altar in Jos.

Addressing a vast gathering of worshippers and prominent guests, at the event also attended by former Governor Jonah Jang, the former leader stressed that Plateau’s stability and growth must rise above political divisions.

The event also attracted the immediate past Chief of Defence Staff, General Chris Musa, former Benue Governor, Samuel Ortom serving and retired judges, senior clergy members, and other notable figures.

Dariye stated, “On behalf of all who have governed Plateau, we have a duty to support the sitting governor, regardless of whether we voted for him or not.”

Addressing Governor Mutfwang, he added, “You must be allowed to govern fully during your tenure. My brother, fear not… fear not.”

He further praised the Christmas carol festival as a spiritual beacon for Plateau, a State that has endured periods of unrest. Drawing inspiration from Exodus 14:13–14, Dariye encouraged citizens to stay hopeful as “The Egyptians we see today, we shall see them no more.”

Governor Mutfwang, in his address, described the three‑day festival as a testament to unity in diversity, and highlighted the presence of choirs, women’s fellowships, musicians, Church leaders, political figures, and business leaders from across Nigeria and beyond, celebrating Plateau’s spirit of brotherhood.

The programme also featured stirring sermons and exhortations by Pastor Paul Enenche, alongside performances by Sinach, Buchi, Uche Etiaba, and others, and concluded with fireworks display that lit up the night sky.

Pastor Enenche commended Governor Mutfwang for sustaining the festival, describing it as a spiritually inspired initiative that promotes harmony, community cohesion, and moral renewal.

Mutfwang emphasised that the Christmas season offers an opportunity for joy, reflection, and togetherness, and encouraged participants to strengthen family bonds, share goodwill, and embrace the festival as a platform to foster hope and unity.

He also expressed appreciation to the planning committee, led by Samuel Jatau, the Secretary to the Government of the State.