As family, friends, and staff gathered to celebrate the 60th birthday of Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong, it was a time of joy and thankfulness at the Government House in Rayfield Jos.
Thrilled friends and well-wishers who had come to congratulate and wish Governor Lalong well ushered him in, escorted by his wife Regina Lalong.
The unique day calls for appreciation and prayers to God for providing the Governor long life and excellent health, especially during his 8-year time as governor, according to Government House Chapel Chaplain Rev. Fr. Godfrey Gopep.
He claimed that while managing the affairs of the State, the Governor has continuously depended on God and remained modest, compassionate, and fair.
While praying God to grant him many more years of good health, divine protection and God’s grace, the Chaplain said Lalong will continue to soar higher because of his total dependence on God and ability to carry people along.
Other speakers who include the Commissioner for Finance Dr. Mrs Regina Soemlat, Permanent Secretary Government House Administration Mrs. Mary Afan mni, Special Adviser on Job creation Hon. Samuel Kwampkur among others all eulogised the Governor and commended him for being a man of integrity and love which has seen him surmount many challenges of the State.
Wife of the Speaker House of Assembly Mrs. Yakson Sanda who proposed the toast also prayed God to continue to bless the Governor as he moves to higher responsibilities.
She said there is no doubt that he has done well to serve his people and give everyone a sense of belonging.
While supervising the cutting of the cake, the Permanent Secretary Government House Administration Mrs. Mary Afan explained that the cake was fashioned to depict the newly constructed British-American Flyover and Dualisation to Lamingo Junction Roundabout as a way of expressing appreciation to him for doing a lot of projects in the State.
Responding, Governor Lalong thanked God for his love and mercies saying the grace has been sufficient for him over the last 60 years.
He appreciated all who came to celebrate him as well as those who called or sent him messages of goodwill.
Lalong said the birthday is a special one for him because it reminds him of the support he has enjoyed from many people over the years as well as during his term as Governor which is about to end.
Meanwhile the Director General of the Industrial Training Fund Sir Joseph Ari has extended warm greetings to the Governor on the auspicious occasion of his 60th birthday.
The Director General in a message he personally signed said the humble beginnings of the Governor and his progress in life shows that God is with him.
He said the Governor has become a role model and source of motivation for the younger generation having become Speaker, Governor, Chairman Northern Governors Forum and Director General of the Tinubu/Shettima Campaign Council.
Despite these positions, Sir Ari noted that Lalong has remained humble, hardworking, committed and determined to make a difference in the lives of people he has had dealings with.
He wished him more years of God’s grace and wisdom.
