Most Rev. Philip Dung, the Catholic Bishop of Shendam in Plateau, has called on the Federal and State governments to pay more attention to the provision of critical infrastructure in rural communities.
Dung made the call on Saturday at the one-year memorial mass in honour of late Paeke Dongban , the son of the President of Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban -Mensem.
Dongban died on July 22, 2022.
The memorial mass was held at St Peter’s Claver Catholic Church Demsa in Shendam Local Government Area of the state.
The Bishop, who decried the absence of critical of infrastructure in most rural communities in Nigeria, called for concerted efforts from government toward the provision of basic needs of the rural dwellers.
“Rural areas are in dire need of access roads, electricity, good schools, water, and other social amenities to improve their welfare. This will enable people at the grassroots enjoy the dividends of democracy.
“Don’t forget the rural people lack a lot of critical amenities, so put resources at the service of the people,“ he advised
Dung commended the president of the court of appeal for her commitment in supporting the growth of quality education in her community by providing scholarships to indigent youths.
Speaking at the event, Gov. Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau, who prayed God to continue to comfort the family of the deceased, called on Plateau citizens to be upright at all times.
The governor, who called on residents of the state to pray for his administration to succeed, assured them of his readiness to meet the yearnings and aspirations of all citizens devoid of religious, ethnic or political inclinations.
“We will continue to pray that God will teach us to number our days that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom, “ he said.
Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo, who spoke on behalf of the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF), eulogised late Dongban, adding that he led an impactful life in spite his short stay on earth.
Makinde urged young Nigerians to strive toward leaving behind sterling legacies worthy of emulation.
In a brief sermon, Rev. Fr. Victor Dakwan, the Parish Priest of St James Catholic Church, London, said that the memorial mass presents an opportunity for people to reflect on the need to live exemplary lifestyles.
Dr. Bashir Jimoh, the Director General of Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) inaugurated a school hall built in memory of Paeke Dongban at Pa William Mensem Memorial School, Ngotuguut in Shendam.
Dignitaries who attended the event include Gov. Hyacinth Alia of Benue, Dapo Abiodun of Ogun, former governors of Rivers, Nyesom Wike, Jigawa, Baduru Abubakar, Cross River, Benson Ayade and Boss Mustapha, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF).
Others dignitaries at the event were two former governors of Plateau, Simon Lalong and Jonah Jang, former governor of Kebbi, Abubakar Bagudu, Judges of the Court of Appeal, among others.
