Taraba Gov Pledges Responsible Leadership, Announces Rebuilding of Christian Centre at CAN New Year Service
By Hilary John
Taraba State Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas, has pledged to lead the state with responsibility, dedication, and openness to the needs of the people, despite the challenges facing governance.
Gov Agbu Kefas
The Governor made the pledge at the New Year Combined Service organised by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Taraba State chapter.
Dr Kefas said his emergence as governor at this period was not by chance, noting that leadership comes with heavy responsibility.
He assured residents that his administration remains committed to listening to the people and delivering on its mandate, even as the state grapples with limited resources.
He appealed to citizens to exercise patience with his government and to continue praying for leaders at all levels.
The governor also urged Christians to remain grateful to God for His mercy and faithfulness as the new year unfolds.
Commending CAN for organising the New Year service, Governor Kefas called on Christians in the state to support the leadership of the association and continue to promote unity and peaceful coexistence, irrespective of denominational differences.
The Governor announced that the Christian Centre in Jalingo would be rebuilt into a larger and more modern facility, describing the current structure as small and outdated.
He also disclosed plans to strengthen connectivity between Karim Lamido and other parts of the state to enhance development and inclusion.
Delivering the sermon, the guest speaker, Rev. Simon Peter Ali, spoke on the theme “The Mercy of God.”
He emphasised forgiveness, humility, and spiritual renewal, urging Christians to let go of past grievances and trust in God’s mercy for a fresh start.
Rev. Simon Peter Ali
He noted that God’s mercy restores lives and promotes unity within the church and society.
In his New Year message, the CAN Chairman, Taraba State chapter, Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Williams Awoshiri, called for gratitude, responsible spiritual leadership, peace, and shared prosperity.
He thanked God for the gift of a new year and acknowledged the challenges of the previous year, describing them as moments of trial that strengthened faith.
Fr. Awoshiri urged clergy members to uphold the sanctity of the pulpit and avoid using it as a platform for division or personal attacks, stressing that correction should be guided by compassion.
He also commended the state government for maintaining relative peace and called for enhanced security in vulnerable communities.
Calling for unity and responsible citizenship, he encouraged residents to renew their commitment to peace and to instil values of love and tolerance in their children, expressing hope for restoration, progress, and shared prosperity in the new year.
Also speaking, the Majority Leader of the Taraba State House of Assembly and member representing Wukari I Constituency urged residents to live in peace and harmony for the development of their communities and the state.
He expressed optimism that the year would bring progress and assured constituents of accessible and inclusive leadership.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Christian Religious Matters, Rev. Fr. Patrick Muke, described the service as part of CAN’s statutory New Year thanksgiving activities observed nationwide.
He thanked God for the new year and expressed confidence that unity among Christians and Muslims would continue to drive development in Taraba State.
He added that the theme of God’s mercy reflects the foundation of the state’s progress and expressed optimism that divine grace would continue to guide Taraba State and its leadership.
