By Emmanuel Awari-Jalingo
The Dean of Cabinet Southern Conference of the United Methodist Church UMC, Rev. Philip Micah Dopah has describe the Nigerian debt profile as worrisome.
He stated this during the opening of the 43rd Annual Conference session of the Church in Zing, Zing local government, Taraba State.
“We appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinibu to reduce borrowing, especially now that fuel subsidy has been removed.
“We acknowledged the reduction in prices of food crops though it has affected farmers. We call on the President to also work on lowering the price of petrol, gas, cement, transportation and airfares amongst other essential commodities.
“We want to further appeal to him to strengthen security and protect citizens in the affected states such as, Plateau, Benue, Zamfara, Sokoto, Niger and Katsina. Our security agencies need mordern equipments to confront terrorism and banditry effectively.
He use forum to appreciated Governor Dr Abgu Kefas for placing Taraba State on the world map through the investment summit and other implementations in Educational, Agriculture, Security and Airport expansion.
“We appeal for more attention to road construction, especially Jalingo – Zing, and Jalingo – Wukari roads.
“We also urge collaboration with the Governor of Adamawa State to push for federal intervention on Numan – Jalingo road which has become a death trap – he said.
He disclose that during the year under review, the Conference received reports from 337 charges and recorded the loss of 909 members across 43 Districts and Mission areas.
In his message, the Guest Speaker Rev. Cletus Kuturu, appreciated God for making it possible to see the day.
“We were with many last year, but today they are not with us. God has reason for bringing us together. He is doing this because he loves us and he is preparing us for his Kingdom.
He spoke on the theme:
“Living in the Urgency of His return,(Mathew 24:42).
He took his reading from the books of Revelation 22:12, Mathew 24:36-42, 1:21, Isaiah 55:25 -26.
“I urge believers to be on alart, for the son of man comes when no one knows.
“I call on you to make a pledge that in 2026, you will leave a Holy Life, preparing for his coming. Pray that God will give you the grace to live well in 2026 because he will come soon.
According to him, during the days of Noah, people were deceived that,
“We were told that God is coming soon, but up till now we have not seen him and they continue to enjoy themselves. Don’t let the world deceive you in the year ahead.
He pointed out that people were disobedient and refused to listen God’s warning.
In his response, the Conference Lay Leader, Yunana Kinka, disclose that the conference is praying towards the creation of a new Episcopal Area and the election of a new Bishop come December 2026.
According to him, the conference stands with the Taraba State Governor Dr. Abgu Kefas in ongoing developmental efforts.
“I call for accelerated work on the Jalingo – Zing, Jalingo – Wukari and the dangerous Jalingo – Numan roads – he said.
In his remarks, the Resident Bishop, Nigeria Episcopal Area and the District of Senegal and Cameron, Bishop Ande Emmanuel said that the Conference has dismantle tribalism, gender discrimination and sectionalism by giving everyone equal opportunity to exercise their God’s giving talent.
“We are welcoming back our brethren that left the Global Methodist Church GMC and are willing to return back.
He said that the Conference under it’s Education and Theological development, has train 25 Pastors, 2 for a Ph.D, 8 for Masters and 15 for undergraduate degree program in Africa unity, United Methodist University in Liberia amongst other Universities, Theologicaly Colleges and Seminaries.
He disclose that the Conference has concluded plans to train One hundred people under the Technical Training Program and One hundred Women under the Leadership Training Program.
“I deeply appreciate your support, trust and Prayers as I shoulder God’s sacred responsibility as a Bishop.
“As a Conference, you have continue to worship, serve and grow in faith.
“We mourn our beloved brethren whom we labor together in the Lord’s vineyard, with heavy heart, today they are not here with us, we rejoice because they are with the Lord – he said.
A total of 1,163 delegates attending the session.