The Plateau Unity Christmas Carols & Praise Festival 2025 opened on the evening of November 28th, ushering in an atmosphere thick with praise, excitement, and a profound sense of togetherness. The Ten Commandments Prayer Altar, Dwei-Du, Jos South, came alive with thousands of worshippers, dignitaries, choirs, bands, and ministers of the gospel gathering under one purpose unity in Christ and peace on the Plateau.
This year’s festival jointly hosted by the Plateau State Government and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) promised to be bigger and more spiritually stirring. Day One did not disappoint.
Day One began with a colourful display of cultural expressions, mass choir renditions, and awe-inspiring band performances. The atmosphere was charged with harmonious prison worship segments and several soul-lifting presentations that set the tone for a sacred night of celebration.
The highlight of the music ministry came from the legendary Buchi, who delivered spirit-filled reggae gospel worship that had the entire arena singing along. Other artistes followed with powerful ministrations, turning the venue into a river of praise.
Rev. Godwin Manzo brought a deeply emotional and symbolic goodwill message. Drawing from Ephesians, he reminded the people that Christ has already broken down the walls of hostility between tribes, regions, and groups:
“Who has made us both one, and has broken down, in His flesh, the divided world of hostility… that He might create in Himself one new man… making peace.”
He urged the people of Plateau to return to God as one body, leaving behind years of division and suspicion.
Rev. Manzo pointed to a symbolic image mounted on the left side of the altar a picture of three people holding Plateau up:
“Perhaps many of us have not noticed it before. To me, it is very significant. As Plateau people, we must declare boldly: We hold. We hold each other, and we pursue peace and unity. That is the only path.”
His message set the spiritual tone for the rest of the evening.
The Governor delivered a heartfelt welcome, acknowledging the presence of distinguished elders, clergy, traditional leaders, and national figures who came to grace the opening day.
He began by honoring Mama Professor Mary Daushev Lab, the former First Lady of Plateau State nearly 90 years old who still traveled early that morning just to attend the event.
He further recognized former ministers, legal luminaries, senators, serving and retired House of Representatives members, court judges, and notable national guests.
Among those welcomed were:
Dr. Jonah Mandugu
Mrs. Sarah Ochekpe
Comrade Barrett Waring
Barr. Solomon Darno
Senior serving and retired military officers
He then invited all retired senior military officers on stage to welcome the night’s special guest the former President of Nigeria.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s presence electrified the atmosphere. Led in by the retired generals, he mounted the stage with warmth and humour.
He thanked the Governor and acknowledged his fellow senior military men:
“Old soldiers never die. Even when you can’t see them, they never truly leave the table.”
Obasanjo commended Plateau State for sustaining such a monumental initiative:
“For the first time, a state in Nigeria has hosted such a program in a way never done before. This is remarkable and must continue.”
He encouraged the Governor to place the event on a global calendar, making Plateau a yearly pilgrimage point for Christmas worship and unity celebrations.
He noted that he would not be available the next day but promised to return next year:
“What I have seen this year has whetted my appetite for next year.”
His speech was both fatherly and prophetic.
Governor Mutfwang returned to close Day One with hope and courage
“Those who wish to see Nigeria destroyed will not succeed. God will help our leaders to do what is right.”
Day One of the Plateau Unity Christmas Carols & Praise Festival 2025 ended with bright lights, lifted hands, and grateful hearts. It was more than an event it felt like a rebirth of hope, a public declaration of unity, and a strong reminder that Plateau remains a beacon of peace and God’s glory.
Plateau is rising together, stronger, and united in Christ.
