By Faith Chondol
Plateau State Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang has called for sustained commitment to peace, humanitarian support and the recovery of communities affected by violence during a meeting with former Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby in Jos.
Mutfwang made the call on Monday, September 21, 2026, when he received Welby on a courtesy visit at the Old Government House, Rayfield, Jos.
The meeting focused on peacebuilding, interfaith relations, humanitarian intervention and the welfare of communities affected by conflict and displacement.
The governor told Welby that his administration was pursuing interventions to help victims of violent attacks rebuild their lives and return safely to their communities.
Mutfwang specifically cited the recently commenced ₦1.5 billion joint intervention by the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and the Plateau State Government to empower victims of violent attacks and support their recovery.
He said the intervention would also support the return of internally displaced persons, restore livelihoods and strengthen confidence in affected communities.
The governor also emphasised the responsibility of religious leaders to promote unity and compassion, arguing that the essence of faith should be reflected in practical service to humanity.
“Religion, like the Bible says, is not mere talk, it is what you do for the less privileged and what you do for common humanity that shows really the value you place on God,” Mutfwang said.
Welby, in his response, reflected on the demands of public leadership, drawing from his experience during the coronation of King Charles III.
He recalled the moment he anointed the King with oil, saying the experience left him with a deeper appreciation of the responsibility borne by those entrusted with political leadership.
“The impression I had then was of the weight of government, how enormously heavy it is to be in politics, to lead a state, to lead a local government authority, to lead a nation,” Welby said.
The former Archbishop encouraged continued efforts to promote peace, compassion and the protection of vulnerable people, referencing experiences from his international peacebuilding engagements.
Welby also expressed his longstanding affection for Nigeria, recalling that he first visited the country in 1978 and had returned to the region more than a dozen times.
Welby retired as Archbishop of Canterbury on January 6, 2025, after serving as the senior bishop and principal leader of the Church of England.
The visit comes as Plateau continues efforts to support communities affected by violence, rebuild livelihoods and strengthen peaceful coexistence across the state.
Post Comment