Vice President Kashim Shettima has called on political, traditional and religious leaders in Plateau State to close ranks in the interest of peace, saying unity remains the surest path to lasting stability and development.
Shettima spoke in Jos during the wedding ceremony of Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s daughter, Nanbam Mutfwang, who exchanged marital vows with Jeremiah Ayodele at the headquarters of the Church of Christ in Nations.
The colourful ceremony drew an impressive gathering of political leaders, diplomats, traditional rulers, clerics and senior government officials from across the country, turning what began as a family celebration into a rallying point for national unity.
Addressing guests at the reception, Shettima described the marriage as a symbol of Nigeria’s diversity and shared destiny, noting that the union further strengthened the bonds between Northern and Southern Nigeria.
According to him, the bride is the product of a union between Plateau and Bayelsa states, while the groom is from Osun State, making the marriage a reflection of the country’s rich cultural diversity.
“What binds us together is far greater than whatever divides us. We must continue to build bridges and embrace one another as one people,” the Vice President said.
He urged leaders and citizens alike to rise above ethnic, religious and political differences, stressing that Plateau’s security challenges could be overcome through collective resolve and purposeful leadership under President Bola Tinubu.
Shettima also said Plateau possesses enormous human and natural resources capable of transforming it into one of Nigeria’s leading economic hubs if its people sustain peaceful coexistence.
Earlier, Mutfwang thanked the Vice President for honouring the occasion, describing his presence as another demonstration of the Federal Government’s solidarity with Plateau, barely a week after his visit to the state to reassure residents of Abuja’s commitment to restoring peace and protecting lives and property.
“Though the times may be challenging, there is no need for despair. We must continue to move forward with hope and confidence,” the governor said.
Mutfwang also expressed appreciation to the governors of Borno, Kaduna, Zamfara, Kwara and Katsina states, the National Chairman of the APC, Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, ministers, lawmakers, military chiefs and other dignitaries who travelled from different parts of the country to celebrate with his family.
He said their presence reflected enduring friendship, mutual respect and national solidarity, praying that joy would never depart from their homes.
In his sermon, Archbishop Benjamin Kwashi, who preached from Ephesians 5:25, described marriage as a sacred covenant built on love, sacrifice, commitment and shared purpose before God.
He charged the groom to love his wife as Christ loved the Church and urged the bride to honour and support her husband, reminding the couple that marriage thrives on faithfulness and selfless devotion.
The ceremony was officiated by the President of COCIN, Rev. Prof. Amos Mohzo, who pronounced the couple husband and wife and encouraged them to build their home on a firm Christian foundation anchored on prayer, faith and mutual commitment.
