13th June, 2015
Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau, on Saturday urged the Church not to compromise its position as an agent of change.
Lalong gave the advice at the first anniversary thanksgiving and Fund Raising of Pankshin Catholic Diocese, held at the Holy Cross Cathedral.
The Governor, represented by Prof. John Wade, Director-General, State Research and Planning Directorate, said the society was in dire need of the fear of God.
He said that there was moral decadence in the society and only the Church could bring about a change of attitude.
“The philosophy of this administration is anchored on the fear of God to bring about change in the attitude of the citizenry and the church is seen as the greatest agent of this change,” he said.
Lalong called on the church to intensify prayer for his administration to succeed in effecting the desired economic growth and development in the state.
Earlier, Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama, President Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria, sued for peace and unity among people of the state to enable governor succeed.
Kaigama stressed the need for the diocese to foster effective evangelisation and pastoral care for the faithful and less privileged in the society.
Most Rev. Michael Gokum, the Bishop of Pankshin Diocese, said though the diocese had greatly improved pastorally, it needed more funds to establish schools and healthcare centres.
Among the dignitaries at the occasion were former a governor, Mr Fidelis Tapgun, Emir of Kanam, Alh Mu’azu Babangida, as well as Chairmen of Pankshin, Kanke and Bokkos Local Government Areas of the state.
