By Golok Nanmwa, Jos
Plateau state Governor Simon Lalong on Tuesday said his administration would always count on the church for partnership and spiritual guidance.
“My administration would continue to work for the betterment of the people of Plateau” the Governor further added.
He made this known while speaking at the 19th General assembly of the Catholic church held in Jos.
Lalong said “The social interventions of the church in various sectors such as education, health, agriculture and other humanitarian services are also highly commendable and appreciated.”
“I feel blessed to experience the privilege of being at the 19th General Assembly of the Archdiocese of Jos with a theme that is at the heart of Catholism: ‘‘The Eucharist our Strength Towards a Better Nigeria”. This is a fraternal gathering that affords us the opportunity to share our experiences as a Church and people living and working in a world full of temptations and expectations.
The Governor who congratulated His Grace, Archbishop Matthew Ishaya Audu on this auspicious occasion said that the beauty of the Catholic Church is in the words of St Paul according to his First letter to the Corinthians 3:6-8 where he stated that: ”I planted the seed and Apollos watered it, but it was God who made it grow. It is not important who does the planting or who does the watering. What is important is that God makes the seed grow.”
Lalong further added that The one who plants and the one who waters work together with the same purpose. And both will be rewarded for their own hard work. For we are both God’s workers.”
The Governor also said that “I note with great pride that the Archdiocese of Jos has continued to play a very crucial role in the lives of the people and the nation, having been led at various times by humble and visionary servants of God such as Monsignor William Lumley; Rt. Rev. John Reddington (SMA); Most Rev Dr. Gabriel Gonsum Ganaka; Monsignor Emmanuel Udeh; Most Rev. Dr. Ignatius Ayau Kaigama; and now Most Rev. Dr. Matthew Ishaya Audu, without any acrimony.
“Even the General Assembly which we are celebrating the 19th edition today, was conceived and started by Archbishop Kaigama and Archbishop Matthew Ishaya Audu has continued the convention. Because of this spirit of Continuity, Jos Archdiocese has given birth to Shendam Diocese and Pankshin Diocese in Plateau State among many other achievements.”
“When there is unity, love and continuity, we can do better and greater than things for the Lord. May I appeal to my colleagues, my brothers and sisters in politics, to take a cue from the example displayed by the Catholic Church by closing ranks and seeing ourselves as God’s workers. That way, we can see Plateau State and Nigeria as God’s field and God’s building where we can all play our roles in fulfilling His purpose.”
The Governor also added that “Speaking for myself, I can say that my roots as a Catholic have shaped my thinking in this regard and enabled me to see governance as a duty to serve the people irrespective of their differences and affiliations. Love, justice, fairness and equity are my principal considerations at all times when decisions need to be taken, particularly difficult ones.”
“Let me therefore specially thank His Grace and the entire Catholic ArchDiocese of Jos for not only partnering with Government in several areas, but also offering encouragement, advices and prayers at all times.”
“This has greatly assisted us to restore and sustain substantial peace in the state as well as carry out development projects.”
“As a lay Catholic, I learnt from my elementary catechism that the Eucharist is a communion meal that binds us together as one and from where we draw our spiritual strength for the journey of life. May this General Assembly renew in us our oneness and strengthen us. May this also be a spring board for our national unity and integration.”
“We need this more than before in view of our elections coming up in 2023. I urge the Church to continue to pray for the success of the elections and also encourage the people to participate actively and peacefully. Staying away will only give room for the emergence of bad leaders that may not be suitable for the challenges of nation-building.”
Gov Lalong also wished the delegates at the 19th General Assembly fruitful deliberations stressed that the fruits that will come out of the Assembly would make us love one another and live in peace in Jesus Name.