Prominent church leaders from various denominations in Plateau like, Sen. Jonah Jang, Plateau Governor-elect, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang and the political class on Sunday converged to celebrate with Mrs Mary Lar, widow of the first civilian Governor of Plateau State, Chief Solomon Lar, on her 88th birthday.
Our correspondent reports that they used the occasion to strengthen the bond of unity, peace and brotherhood among Plateau citizens.
A statement signed by Gyang Bere Special Assistant on Media to Plateau State Governor-Elect and made available to newsmen in Jos reads that the peace and unity talk was led by Anglican Bishop of Jos Dioceses, Rev. Dr. Benjamin Kwashi, President Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN), Rev. Dr. Amos Mohzo, Vice President of ECWA, Deputy Governor-elect, Hon. Josephine Piyo, who represented the Governor-elect, wife of the Governor-elect, Mrs. Helen Mutfwang among other respected elders.
Other accomplished leaders in Plateau State graced the occasion held at the resident of late Chief Solomon Lar in Jos, Plateau State.
Amb. Mary Lar, who set the tone for the discussion, said she invited all the dignitaries for the celebration of her 88th birthday to discuss the way forward for peace and unity in Plateau.
She said that respected Church leaders and the political class across different political parties were invited to chart the way forward for the kind of peace, unity and oneness that Plateau State is known for.
“People from all denominations and different political parties are invited here to chart the way forward for peace and unity and to show the kind of oneness and togetherness that I will want to see in Plateau State,” she said.
Jang, in his speech, said that late Lar was an epitome of peace and unity, and urged politicians in the state to emulates his politics and close the gap of disunity in the state.
He congratulated Amb. Mary Lar for attaining 88th years and prayed to God to continue to guide and shield her to provide more moral counsel for the unity of the state.
Sen. Jang called on Plateau politicians to imbibe the spirit of Christ and stop preaching hatred so as to build a united and a healthy Plateau.
President of COCIN, Rev. Dr. Amos Mohzo, described the family of late Chief Solomon Lar as the corner stone and symbol of peace and unity on Plateau state.
He noted that peace and unity is not negotiable for harmonious living, saying that Mama would not be happy with the current situation that Plateau and Nigeria had found itself, and called for better understanding and unity among Plateau people.
The Anglican Bishop of Jos Dioceses, Rev. Dr. Benjamin Kwashi, said the uniqueness of Plateau is a gift of God adding that the forefathers of Plateau stood their ground for peace and unity.
He urged the younger generation to emulate the virtues of peace exhibited by the forefathers who made immense sacrifices for Plateau togetherness.
The Deputy Governor-elect, Hon. Josephine Piyo, who represented the Governor-elect, congratulated Mama, Amb. Mary Lar for attaining 88th years and thanked her for the love for peace and unity of Plateau and Nigeria.
She said Mama has made tremendous sacrifices in the struggle for the emancipation of Plateau women whom she has impacted positively over the years.
Hon. Piyo prayed to God to bless mama with more years of good memories, protection in sound health to give motherly advice in moving Plateau to an enviable heights.
Wife of the Governor-elect, Helen Mutfwang, congratulated Mama and wished her more good years to continue to advise Plateau people for sustainable peace in the state.
Dignitaries who graced the occasion includes, CAN Chairman Plateau State, Rev. Fr. Polycarp Lubo, Vice President ECWA, Member representing Langtang North/Langtang South in the House of Representatives, Hon. Beni Lar, Barr. Olivia Dazyam, Deputy National Internal Auditor, Wife of the Senator-Elect, Plateau North, former Chairman, Langtang North, Joshua Ubandoma.
Others are Vice Chancellor, Karl Kum University, Prof. Nanvem Gambo, Member representing Jos North West in the House of Assembly, Mrs. Esther Simi Dusu, Arch. Samuel Jatau among other respected elders and illustrious sons and daughters of Plateau State. Prayers were offered for long life and more wisdom to lead Plateau people aright.
