By Emmanuel Awari – Jalingo
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Taraba State Chapter, has gathered Christian faithful for an interdenominational service at the CAN Secretariat in Jalingo to mark Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.
The solemn yet joyful gathering brought together prominent religious and political figures to celebrate the nation’s milestone and pray for the state’s continued progress.
The celebration with the theme, “CAN: The Symbol of a United Church for the Transformation of Taraba State,” the combined service underscored the vital role of religious harmony in driving regional development.
In his remarks, the Taraba State Governor, Agbu Kefas, represented by the Speaker of the Taraba State House of Assembly, Hon. Kizito Bonzenna, thanked all participants for making the service a success.
He reiterated the state administration’s unyielding commitment to ending insecurity and prioritizing sustainable development across the state, adding that the government would continue to work with religious institutions and other stakeholders in promoting peace, unity and development across the state.
He commend the ongoing peace sensitisation efforts of the Taraba State Bureau for Peace and Conflict Management, describing the initiative as critical to the state’s development.
He said that the establishment of the Bureau by Governor Agbu Kefas reflects what he described as a strategic vision to promote peace and create an enabling environment for sustainable development across the state. According to him, maintaining a peaceful atmosphere is essential for attracting investment, promoting economic activities and supporting social development.
”The creation of the Bureau for Peace and Conflict Management by the administration of His Excellency, Governor Agbu Kefas, is a clear testament to a strategic vision aimed at creating an enabling environment for development,” Bonzena said.
”There is nothing as critical as providing a peaceful atmosphere, which is currently being achieved through the deliberate activities of the Peace Bureau,” he added.
Bonzena also commended the Director-General of the Bureau, Bishop Innocent Rubiruka Solomon, for what he described as proactive efforts to promote peace sensitisation and awareness across the state. He noted that the Bureau’s activities have extended to Taraba’s 16 Local Government Areas and two Special Development Areas, with the aim of strengthening peace and peaceful coexistence at the grassroots.
The Speaker said sustained community-level peace would help create a stronger foundation for economic partnerships, infrastructure development and broader prosperity across Taraba State.
He therefore urged residents to remain united, law-abiding and supportive of peace-building initiatives, stressing the importance of collective efforts in sustaining peace and development in the state.
Delivering the keynote address, the guest speaker, Rev. Lawrence Tata, urged Christians to walk in God as a chosen people, charging them to shun dissension and acrimony.
He emphasized that true Christian unity is characterized by the absence of abusive words and division, asserting that a united church is indispensable for the transformation of Taraba State.
In his speech, the Taraba State CAN Chairman, Very Rev. Fr. Williams Peter Awoshiri, encouraged Christian leaders to strengthen consultations, fellowship, and mutual respect.
He further challenged them to collaborate closely in areas such as community service, humanitarian intervention, education, and peacebuilding.
Rev. Father Awoshiri admonished leaders to practice politics without bitterness, focusing instead on ideas, policies, and competence. He cautioned against personal attacks, incitement, intimidation, misinformation, and violence to ensure a smooth and peaceful democratic process.
In the spirit of recognition, the Taraba State CAN chapter conferred prestigious awards on deserving personalities for their tremendous service to humanity. A notable recipient was the former Governor of Taraba State, Rev. Jolly Nyameh, who spoke passionately on behalf of all the awardees and noted that the recognition serves as a powerful motivator to work harder.
Added to the celebratory atmosphere, the Women Wing of the Christian Association of Nigeria (WOWICAN) decorated the wife of the Executive Governor, Mrs. Agyin Kefas Agbu. She expressed deep appreciation for the warm gesture and commended the women’s wing for their continuous dedication to societal upliftment.
Attendees used the platform to reflect on Nigeria’s journey since 1960 and the collective responsibility required to build a stronger society.