The Day Plateau Christians Gathered for the Maiden Unity Carol and Praise Festival

It was 3-days of praises and worship in Jos, the Plateau State capital between November 29th, 30th to December 1, 2024, as citizens of the state especially the Christian community set aside their doctrinal differences, defied the cold weather and converged on the Ten Commandments Prayer Altar located at Doi in Jos South LGA for the first ever unity Christmas carol, tagged “Plateau Unity Christmas Carol and Praise Festival.” An event keen observers opined, would remain unforgettable in the hearts of many who witnessed the gathering or watched it via their TV screens including those who followed via live streaming on various social media platforms. Indeed, these 3-days would go down in the annals of the state as epoch-making as the people were unanimous in the multiple renditions they rendered in their native dialects. The event organised by the Plateau State Government in collaboration with the State Chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), was aimed at promoting peace, and unity, as well as safeguarding the divine heritage of the state under the banner of Christ reports Ralph Madugu

From the first day, precisely November 29, members of the Christian community left their homes from 1:30 pm to be at the various designated take-off points to be conveyed to the venue of an event that was scheduled to begin at 3 pm to allow them to secure vantage spots to catch a complete view of the sights and sounds of a gathering that attracted eminent personalities including former Nigeria’s head of states General Yakubu Gowon, General Olusegun Obasanjo, former governors Joshua Dariye, Jonah Jang and Bonni Haruna of Adamawa State, prominent Plateau sons and daughters,  including former and serving members of the State and National Assembly.

Led by the Governor of the state, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang, the cheerfulness of the people as they defied the cold weather to express their boundless joys. They rolled out their drums, and rendered special renditions in expression of their gratitude to God for the peace and unity of the state.

The man at the centre of the whole event, Gov. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang in his address described the festival as a significant step towards the unity and prophetic destiny of Plateau State.

Gov. Mutfwang said, “The Plateau Unity Christmas Carol and Praise Festival marks the beginning of a journey to unity, progress, and the fulfilment of Plateau’s divine destiny.”

He added, “For too long, we have fought many battles, both internal and external, but the time has come and the time is now to unite as a people. God has blessed this land abundantly, and it is our collective responsibility to harness these blessings for the greater good.”

While emphasizing on the state’s immense potential, the governor stated that “Plateau is a land of blessing-fertile, resource-rich, and strategically positioned by God. By His grace, Plateau will rise as a beacon of hope and prosperity, fulfilling its destiny as a city set on a hill that cannot be hidden.”

In an exhortation, COCIN President, Rev. Dr. Amos Mohzo, who read from Luke 2:13 and Psalm 96:1, focused on the message of peace brought by Jesus Christ and encouraged citizens of Plateau state to live out the teachings of Christ by rising above divisions of ethnicity or politics, and remain steadfast in their faith.

In his remarks, former Nigeria’s Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (rtd), applauded the initiative and expressed gratitude for Governor Mutfwang’s commitment to promoting peace and unity.

Reflecting on the state’s stormy past, Gen. Gowon noted, “Plateau has endured many challenges, but under Governor Mutfwang’s leadership, the state is experiencing recovery and healing. This gathering is a testament to our collective desire to worship God and seek His intervention for peace in Plateau, Nigeria, and beyond.”

While urging the people of the state not to only profess peace but embody it in their daily lives, Gen. Gowon also commended the performances by the various groups and the sermon delivered by the COCIN President, Rev. Dr Amos Mohzo, describing them as spiritually uplifting.

While appreciating former President Olusegun Obasanjo for attending the event, Gen. Gowon recalled the key role he played in saving Obasanjo from a death sentence during a critical period in Nigeria’s history.

Former Minister of Information and Communication, Prof. Jerry Gana, hailed the initiative as divinely inspired, emphasizing that God was pleased with the multitude of souls gathered to praise Him.

The 3-day event featured scripture readings by prominent personalities, including former Governor Joshua Dariye, Deputy Governor Josephine Piyo, and Senator Istifanus Dung Gyang.

The program included soul-lifting songs, and cultural performances by various choral and fellowship groups.

Many who spoke to this medium at the end of the 3-day event described it as “an event pointing towards a new direction for spiritual and social cohesion in the state and further reinforcing the commitment of its leaders and citizens to a brighter, united future.”

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