By Gyang Bere
For decades, Christians in Plateau State have joyfully celebrated Christmas carols, marking the birth of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who came to redeem humanity from sin and its grave consequences.
In the 1970s and 1980s, this season was profoundly significant for Christians globally, particularly in Plateau State. It was a time characterized by love, kindness, and generosity; values exemplified by Christ. However, over time, the sacred joy of the season was marred by unfortunate events that bred bitterness, hatred, and destruction of lives and prosperity.
This narrative persisted until the emergence of a visionary leader, Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang. Overwhelmingly elected by the people, he has taken on the noble task of recovering Plateau State from the grip of insecurity, economic downturn, and division. With bold and strategic leadership, he is steering the state toward a new era of hope, unity, and development.
The 2024 Plateau Christmas Carol Festival, tagged “Plateau Unity Christmas Carol and Praise Festival,” was initiated by Governor Mutfwang in collaboration with the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and heads of denominations. It is a call for the people’s unwavering support to fulfil Plateau State’s prophetic destiny. The festival aims to harness the state’s God-given resources and blessings to promote tourism, economic revival, and communal harmony.
The maiden edition of the festival, held at the Ten Commandments Prayer Altar in Doi, Jos South Local Government Area, was graced by eminent Nigerians who have significantly contributed to national peace and unity.
Notable among them were Former Head of State Gen. Yakubu Gowon (GCFR), Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, and Ambassador Prof. Mary Lar, wife of Plateau State’s first civilian Governor, Chief Solomon Lar. Others included former Governors Senator Joshua Dariye and Senator Jonah Jang, alongside an array of military generals, politicians, and dignitaries like Gen. Martin Luther Agwai, Air Vice Marshal Jonah Wuyep, former Governor of Adamawa State Boni Haruna, former Ministers of Information and Communications, Prof. Jerry Gana and Hon. Labaran Maku.
Governor Mutfwang, while highlighting the festival’s essence, described it as a significant step toward Plateau’s unity and prophetic destiny.
“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,” the Governor remarked. “For too long, we have fought many battles. Now is the time to unite as one people. God has blessed this land abundantly; it is our collective responsibility to harness these blessings for the greater good.”
Former Head of State Gen. Yakubu Gowon commended the Governor’s leadership, describing the festival as a symbol of recovery and healing for the state.
“Plateau has endured many challenges, but this gathering reflects our collective desire to worship God and seek His intervention for peace in Plateau, Nigeria, and beyond,” Gowon stated.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo also lauded the Governor’s initiatives, emphasizing the festival’s potential to foster peace, love, and harmony. He called on the people of Plateau state to embrace their diversity as a divine gift.
The festival, attended by over 15,000 people, was not just a religious gathering but also a boost to Plateau’s economy. Hotels were fully booked, and traders thrived, selling goods and services to attendees. The event transformed its venue into a vibrant hub, akin to a modern-day Jerusalem.
The program featured scriptural readings, inspiring sermons by religious leaders like Rev. Dr. Amos Mohzo (COCIN President), Rev. Fr. Polycarp Lubo (CAN Chairman), and Most Rev. Dr. Benjamin Kwashi (Rtd), alongside soul-lifting songs by renowned gospel artists like Solomon Lange,
Panam Percy Paul, Ezra Jinang, Pam Monday, and Neken Chuwang. Traditional choirs from the Ngas, Berom, and Mwaghavul communities also delivered captivating performances with profound messages of hope and reconciliation.
Governor Mutfwang had earlier declared December 2024 as Tourism Month in Plateau State, ensuring a season filled with captivating experiences for families, tourists, and visitors. Jos will shine brightly with twinkling lights and joyous carols, embodying the shared values and spirit of Christmas.
The event concluded with calls for the festival to become an annual international event, attracting visitors from across the globe. This aspiration aligns with Governor Mutfwang’s vision of Plateau as a beacon of hope and prosperity.
“Together, we will reclaim Plateau’s divine destiny as a city set on a hill that cannot be hidden,” the Governor affirmed.
The Plateau Christmas Carol Festival has indeed set a new standard, showcasing the power of faith, unity, and shared purpose in rebuilding the state.
Bere is the Director of Press and Public Affairs to Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State