In a heartwarming display of gratitude and unity, prominent leaders and hundreds of worshippers gathered at the Government House Chapel in Yola on Sunday for the 2024 Adamawa State Thanksgiving Service. The event, themed “It’s Been God,” served as a moment of reflection on the state’s journey through adversity and its ongoing pursuit of peace and development.
Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Boss Mustapha, CFR, presided over the service as its chairman, alongside former Governor Boni Haruna and Deputy Governor Prof. Kaleptawa Farauta George. The service, organized by chapel officials under Venerable Yunusa Habila Tula’s chaplaincy, not only celebrated God’s faithfulness to the people of Adamawa but also emphasized the importance of unity and collective action for the greater good.
In his address, Boss Mustapha drew from the Biblical text of Psalm 124:1-8, expressing deep gratitude for God’s unwavering presence amidst life’s challenges. “No one has made it this far without the help of God,” he declared, reflecting on the many trials faced by the state. “When the storms of life came, it was God who steadied us.”
Addressing the congregation, Mustapha acknowledged the economic and social struggles that have tested the state, saying, “Today, we choose not to dwell on the storms. Instead, we celebrate the God who brought us through them. His faithfulness is the thread that has held us together.”
He further urged the worshippers to use this occasion not merely for words of thanks but as a time for reflection and commitment to living lives that honor God. “Let us strive for unity in our families, excellence in our work, and compassion for those around us,” he urged.
Mustapha also raised hopes for the future, expressing confidence that the people of Adamawa would overcome current economic and security challenges. “
He concluded with a passage from the Psalmist: “Blessed be the Lord, who has not given us as prey to their teeth. Our soul has escaped as a bird from the snare of the fowler; the snare is broken, and we have escaped. Our help is in the name of the Lord.”
The speaker during the occasion, Prof Felix Illesami, talked on Bible passages of Psalm 124:1, Luke 11:22, Rev 21:1-5, and Hebrew 11:13-15, and urged worshipers to thank God for his faithfulness in the state and encouraged them to reciprocate God’s goodness.
Felix, while calling on them to make their eternity journey a most priority by shining the light of Christ wherever they find themselves, said Christians in Adamawa State have to thank God for kidnapping and other forms of insecurity not being endemic.
He said the insecurity challenges have drastically subsided, as a database on the fight revealed that the statistical ranking of Adamawa state as the 15th most endemic moved to the 28th less endemic position. “This can only be done by God Almighty.”
Felix recalled how Mubi and environs on 13th November 2014 recovered, and God has calmed down the confusion of the March-April 2023 Governorship election. Felix said every Christian must have a reason to thank God, most especially for the development seen and recorded all over the state.
“Heaven is better by far, a permanent home address for all,” Felix made a passionate call to Christians to make a most meaningful life of making sure they end up with God in heaven by leaving a good mark as government officials.
Adamawa State has indeed come a long way, having faced its share of trials, including economic challenges and social tensions. However, with a projected population of 4,902,100 as of 2021, the state remains committed to rebuilding and offering hope to its citizens.
The thanksgiving service served as a reminder of the importance of gratitude, reflection, and action. As Boss Mustapha aptly put it, “Thanksgiving is not just about words; it’s about reflection and action.”