It was a moment of jubilation and thanksgiving at the Government House, Rayfield Jos as family, friends and staff converged to rejoice with Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong who turned 60.
Governor Lalong accompanied by his wife Regina Lalong was ushered into the presence of enthusiastic guests and well wishers who came to congratulate him and wish him well.
Chaplain of the Government House Chapel Rev. Fr. Godfrey Gopep said the special day calls for thanksgiving and prayers to God for giving the Governor long life and good health particularly during his 8 year term as Governor.
He said the Governor has consistently relied on God and remained humble, compassionate and fair in running the affairs of the State.
A statement signed by Macham Makut his director of press and public affairs reads that while praying God to grant him many more years of good health, divine protection and God’s grace, the Chaplain said Lalong will continue to soar higher because of his total dependence on God and ability to carry people along.
Other speakers who include the Commissioner for Finance Dr. Mrs Regina Soemlat, Permanent Secretary Government House Administration Mrs. Mary Afan mni, Special Adviser on Job creation Hon. Samuel Kwampkur among others all eulogised the Governor and commended him for being a man of integrity and love which has seen him surmount many challenges of the State.
Wife of the Speaker House of Assembly Mrs. Yakson Sanda who proposed the toast also prayed God to continue to bless the Governor as he moves to higher responsibilities.
She said there is no doubt that he has done well to serve his people and give everyone a sense of belonging.
While supervising the cutting of the cake, the Permanent Secretary Government House Administration Mrs. Mary Afan explained that the cake was fashioned to depict the newly constructed British-American Flyover and Dualisation to Lamingo Junction Roundabout as a way of expressing appreciation to him for doing a lot of projects in the State.
Responding, Governor Lalong thanked God for his love and mercies saying the grace has been sufficient for him over the last 60 years.
He appreciated all who came to celebrate him as well as those who called or sent him messages of goodwill.
Lalong said the birthday is a special one for him because it reminds him of the support he has enjoyed from many people over the years as well as during his term as Governor which is about to end.
Meanwhile the Director General of the Industrial Training Fund Sir Joseph Ari has extended warm greetings to the Governor on the auspicious occasion of his 60th birthday.
The Director General in a message he personally signed said the humble beginnings of the Governor and his progress in life shows that God is with him.
He said the Governor has become a role model and source of motivation for the younger generation having become Speaker, Governor, Chairman Northern Governors Forum and Director General of the Tinubu/Shettima Campaign Council.
Despite these positions, Sir Ari noted that Lalong has remained humble, hardworking, committed and determined to make a difference in the lives of people he has had dealings with.
He wished him more years of God’s grace and wisdom.
