…Mutfwang, ex-govs, Obasanjo harp on peace

By Innocent Anaba

Jos, Plateau State, has hosted the Plateau Unity Christmas Carols and Praise Festival at the Ten Commandments Prayer Altar, Dwei-Du, Jos South Local Government Area of the state.
The programme drew thousands of worshippers and an array of prominent clerics, gospel artistes and political leaders.
The three-day event, between November 28 and 30, featured performances by renowned gospel artistes, including Sinach, Buchi, Uche Etiaba and Femi Coker, alongside stirring choir renditions from Kungiyar Nazari (Katsina), Baptist Women’s Fellowship, the Plateau Unity Choir and the Seventh-Day Adventist Church. Artistes such as Apostle Andrew Dangwei, Pastor Chingtok Ishaku and lawyer-musician Ezra Jinang also thrilled the crowd.
Many emerging singers also showcased remarkable talent, which, as one attendee put it, “reminded us of how rich Nigeria is in gifted voices.” Bible readings and congregational hymns formed the core of the programme.
Guests from across the country gathered to offer praises and listen to exhortations from ministers, among them Pastor Paul Enenche of Dunamis International Gospel Centre. The presence of all former governors of Plateau State also drew attention. The 90 year-old Prof. Mary Lar, widow of the state’s first civilian governor, amazed many with her agility as she participated in the readings.
Declaring the festival open, Governor Caleb Mutfwang of the state emphasised the need for unity and peaceful coexistence. “God is delighted when we come together as a people in unity to worship and exalt His name,” he said.
He urged residents to “drop the things that divide us” and embrace what strengthens communal bonds. “With unity, we will achieve a lot; with unity we will shut the door against the enemy that troubles us,” he added.
Mutfwang described Plateau as “blessed,” noting that the state’s challenges were often aggravated by internal divisions. “Plateau is for all of us. There is enough for everyone if we unite under God to pursue the goodness of the land,” he said
Former Governor Jonah Jang received special acknowledgement from Mutfwang, who described him as “the father of Plateau State and the visioner of this venue,” noting that the Ten Commandments site has become “a point of unity for the people of Plateau.”
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, in a goodwill message, lamented the continued insecurity nationwide. “The first responsibility of any government is the protection and security of its citizens. Every Nigerian life that is lost is a shame to Nigeria,” he said.
He warned against making excuses for killings based on ethnic or religious identity, describing such arguments as “nonsensical.”
On the final day, Pastor Paul Enenche called for forgiveness and reconciliation across Plateau communities. Preaching on “The Gift of Jesus Christ to Humanity,” he said, “Humanity is owned twice by God—by creation and by redemption.” Enenche prayed for peace in areas affected by repeated attacks, declaring that “insecurity must come to an end across this state.”
As the festival drew to a close, Mutfwang reiterated that the programme was a platform for healing and rebuilding trust. “This gathering strengthens our resolve to restore Plateau’s image as the Home of Peace and Tourism,” he said.
The event attracted Christian leaders, traditional rulers, former public office holders and worshippers from within and outside the state.