By Emmanuel Awari, Jalingo
Rev. Dr. Philip Micah Dopah, a guest speaker, encouraged believers to develop a habit of thanksgiving to God during a thanksgiving service at the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Secretariat in Jalingo. The service commemorated Taraba State Governor Dr. Agbu Kefas’ one year in office.
In his sermon, titled “Oh Give Thanks to the Lord,” Dopah emphasized the importance of appreciating God’s faithfulness and kindness. He lamented that many people lack contentment, which can lead to greed, envy, and corruption. He encouraged politicians to focus on developing their own cities and countries rather than investing in foreign lands.
Governor Kefas expressed gratitude to God for guidance, protection, and wisdom in decision-making. He highlighted his administration’s achievements, including infrastructure development and youth empowerment, and sought continued prayers for success.
The CAN Chairman, Rev. (Dr.) Isaiah Magaji Jirapye, commended the Governor’s friendly posture and love for the state and people. He urged the Governor to consider appointing more aides, granting scholarships, and initiating actions to unify the state.
The event included special prayers for the Governor, his family, and the state’s prosperity, as well as a minute of silence for the three members of WOWICAN who lost their lives in an accident.
In a separate event, the Muslim Community, led by SA Islamic Religious Affairs Malam Hussaini Ismail, held a special prayer session at the Government House Jumma’at Mosque. They applauded Governor Kefas’ leadership qualities and dedication to the state’s progress, enumerating his achievements and praying for continued success and guidance
In his sermon, Dopah, who took his text from the book of Psalms 118:1 captioned his Sermon “Oh Give Thanks To The Lord ”
He described thanksgiving as the act of appreciating God for his faithfulness and kindness.
“Most of our people are full of ingratitude, the spirit of lack of contentment is high in many of us.
“Lack of contentment have kill our nation. Greed, envy and corruption is all over.
“Our land is not growing due to injustice, greed and corruption.
He pointed out that some civil servants reduces their age for them to stay longer in the civil service.
“Even if you reduce your age, it will one day come to an end.
“God want us to be thankful always.
“We should give thanks to him in any situation we found ourselves. Either you lost election, in pains or in joy, let’s give thanks to Him.
He called on politicians to develop their cities, towns and country rather than developing other countries.
“Have you ever seen any White man clamouring to build his house in Nigeria, Why should we be clamouring to build in their countries? – he asked.
He described the first anniversary thanksgiving of the Governor as timely and stressed that thanksgiving to God over His goodness and mercy is scriptural and urged believers to make it a culture in all situations and circumstances.
Speaking at the service, Governor Dr Agbu Kefas expressed deepest appreciation to God for guidance, protection, and for giving him wisdom in terms of decision-making.
He informed the gathering that his administration came on board with a vision for a prosperous Taraba state and that he has been working tirelessly to improve infrastructure and other aspects of development.
According to him, in the coming years, he hopes to intensify efforts in addressing the needs of communities, invest in youth and women empowerment, support farmers and ensure everyone feels the impacts of government and solicited more prayers from the faithful for him to succeed.
In his address of Welcome, the CAN Chairman of Taraba State, Rev (Dr) Isaiah Magaji Jirapye represented by the Vice Chairman of CAN, Bishop Isaac Phillip Taku commended the friendly posture of the Governor and his love for the state and people, adding that the Governor has started well and in just one year in office, and that his policies and programmes so far are for progress and prosperity.
He urged the Governor to consider appointing more aides, and grant scholarships for people of the state both within and outside the state and further initiate deliberate actions aimed at unifying the state.
The Speaker of Taraba State House State House of Assembly Rt Hon John Kizito Bonzena spoke with the press on the programme.
Special prayers of thanksgiving, prayer for the Governor and his family and all tiers of government as well as prosperity of the state in peace and security, were rendered to God.
A minute of silence was observed in respect of the three members of the WOWICAN that lost their lives in an accident while descending the Mambilla Plateau hills after their annual conference.
In a similar event, the Muslim Community, Led by SA Islamic Religious Affairs Malam Hussaini Ismail, had a special prayer session held at the Government House Jumma’at Mosque. This event saw a diverse gathering, including religious organizations , Imam’s and Islamic scholars within the State.
The event also in attendance, the Deputy Governor Alhaji Aminu Alkali, Hon. Muslim Aruwa (Commissioner )
Hon. Sale Sa’ad, Hon. Nasiru Bobboji former Senator Distinguish Dahiru Bako, and the Executive Chairman of Jalingo L G C Hon. Aminu Jauro Hassan among others
During the prayers, the Muslim Ummah applauded Governor Agbu Kefas, for his exceptional leadership qualities and unwavering dedication to the progress of Taraba State.
“His transformative initiatives and commitment to good governance have positioned him as a beacon of hope for the people of the state.
The Muslim Ummah testified to Dr. Kefas’ exceptional leadership and his dedication to driving progress in the state.
They expressed their gratitude for his efforts and prayed for continued success and guidance in his leadership journey.
“The impact of your leadership is truly commendable.
They enumerated some key achievements of the governor, to include,
Free education for both primary and secondary school students, Reviewed school fees for tertiary institutions, Restructuring and rehabilitation of primary and secondary school, Infrastructure Development, Expansion of Kashimbila International Airport, Restructuring and expansion of Danbaba Suntai Airport in Jalingo, Construction and maintenance of Jalingo-Wukari Road and Jalingo-Zing Road, Ongoing maintenance work at the Taraba State Specialist Hospital, Construction of a modern Jalingo Abattoir.
Electrification of Gembu Town and Renovation of Government House Mosque. Others are, Agriculture and Economic Growth, Promoting agricultural development and mechanized farming, Procurement of 950 tractors in collaboration with partners to enhance agriculture, Support for farmers in transporting their goods, Launching the Taraba State Palliative Market, Rehabilitation of worker remunerations, implementation of the 30k minimum wage, Enrolling over 1,000 retired local government staff into the pension scheme, Employment of 10,000 youths and women into the state sanitation scheme, Youth inclusion in governance with the appointment of 15 youths as commissioners, Donation of vehicles to traditional rulers and security agencies, Setting aside 5 billion Naira to offset gratuity and address arrears from past administrations, Donation of vehicles to traditional rulers, Revamping the Taraba Marshal to enhance security, Construction of a trailers park, Renovation of government formations including the Government House, SGS office, ministry, board, and parastatals.
The Muslim Ummah emphasised that together, the people of Taraba State can always make progress and achieve greater heights.
“Your efforts have brought significant progress and hope to the people of Taraba State. As you continue your governance, we stand firmly behind you, offering our support and prayers for continued success and prosperity. May your leadership continue to bring growth, peace, and development to our state.”