…Calls on Church to Lead Plateau’s Peace Journey
By Debby Lanta, Jos
For many widows, the pain of losing a spouse often marks the beginning of another struggle—one filled with loneliness, financial hardship, and, in some cases, rejection by family members. But for hundreds who gathered at COCIN Bukuru, Gyel, in Plateau State, Sunday’s Widows’ Remembrance Service became more than a day of prayer. It became a message of hope.
Standing before a congregation of worshippers, widows, church leaders and youths, Plateau State Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang pledged that his administration would continue to stand with widows, describing their welfare as a government priority rather than an act of charity.
The service, held on Sunday, July 12, focused on honouring widows and reflecting on the biblical responsibility of caring for the vulnerable. Beyond the hymns and prayers, the gathering also became a platform for discussing peace, unity and economic empowerment.
Governor Mutfwang appealed to Christian leaders to strengthen unity within the Church, saying a united Church remains the strongest foundation for lasting peace and peaceful coexistence across Plateau State.
“The unity of Plateau State depends on the Church,” the governor told the congregation.
“If the Church takes the lead, irrespective of tribe or background, the people of Plateau will come together as one family because none of us can stand alone; we need one another.”
His message comes at a time when Plateau State continues to recover from years of communal tensions and security challenges that have affected many families, leaving behind widows and orphans in several communities.
Speaking emotionally about the struggles of widows, Mutfwang acknowledged the enormous sacrifices many women have made in raising children and keeping families together after losing their husbands.
He noted that behind the success stories of many accomplished Nigerians are mothers and widows who refused to give up despite overwhelming difficulties.
Drawing from his personal experiences, the governor encouraged citizens never to look down on humble beginnings, stressing that dignity, hard work and perseverance often lay the foundation for future greatness.
In what drew loud applause from the congregation, Mutfwang announced a donation of ₦10 million to support widows in the church, describing the gesture as a symbol of government solidarity with women who have suffered loss.
He also revealed that the state government had revived the Widowhood Centre in Mangu, where more than 100 widows completed vocational training last year. According to him, an additional 500 women have already benefited from different livelihood skills designed to help them become financially independent.
The governor disclosed that Plateau State recently fulfilled its counterpart funding obligations for a World Bank-supported programme expected to provide vocational and economic training for about 90,000 women across the state.
“Our support for widows is government policy,” he declared.
“We cannot ignore women, especially widows who are genuinely in need. They deserve dignity, empowerment and opportunities to rebuild their lives.”
Beyond government intervention, Mutfwang challenged families to take greater responsibility for widows within their homes and communities.
He condemned the practice of relatives seizing the property of deceased husbands from their widows, describing such actions as cruel and unacceptable.
According to him, caring for widows should not be left to government or the Church alone, insisting that families remain the first line of support for bereaved women and elderly parents.
The governor equally extended hope to young people struggling to establish businesses.
He invited 50 youths from the church with viable business ideas to submit their proposals through the Office of the Secretary to the State Government, assuring them that successful applicants would receive government support to start sustainable enterprises.
He explained that empowering young people economically would not only reduce unemployment but also contribute to lasting peace and social stability.
Turning to security, Mutfwang urged residents to work closely with security agencies by providing credible information capable of preventing criminal activities before they occur.
“When you see something, say something,” he appealed.
“Security depends on intelligence. Together, we can keep Plateau safe and continue on the path of peace and progress.”
Earlier in his sermon titled “A Defender of Widows,” Associate Pastor Nehemiah Mafiyai reminded the congregation that Scripture presents God as the protector of widows and the father of the fatherless.
Preaching from Psalm 68:5 and 2 Kings 4:1–7, the cleric distinguished between widows who have family support and those the Bible describes as “widows indeed”—women left without anyone to care for them.
He urged families, churches and society not to neglect widows, warning that abandoning them contradicts biblical teachings.
Pastor Mafiyai also encouraged widows not to see financial hardship as evidence that God had abandoned them, assuring them that divine favour is not measured by material wealth.
In his goodwill message, gospel minister and public figure Kefas Ropshik, popularly known as Kefiano, praised COCIN Gyel for establishing a special annual service dedicated to honouring widows.
He described the initiative as a ministry that reflects God’s compassion for the vulnerable and challenged other churches to emulate the example.
The event ended with special prayers for widows, Plateau State and its leaders, leaving many worshippers inspired by messages of compassion, unity and renewed hope.
For many of the widows who attended, the service offered something beyond financial promises—it restored a sense of belonging and reminded them that even after profound loss, they are not forgotten. As Plateau continues its journey toward peace, Governor Mutfwang’s appeal suggests that true healing may begin not only with government policies, but with families, churches and communities choosing compassion over indifference.
