UMC Fixes Feb. 22 Commendation Service at Jatutu Memorial Cathedral

The United Methodist Church in Nigeria (UMC) has announced Jatutu Memorial Cathedral, Magami, Jalingo, as the venue for its forthcoming Commendation Service scheduled for Saturday, February 22, 2026, by 10:00 a.m.

The Bishop of the United Methodist Church in Nigeria, Most Rev. Emmanuel Ande, disclosed this while expressing appreciation to the Executive Governor of Taraba State, Dr. Agbu Kefas, for attending the closing service of the United Methodist Women Convention held at Appawa in Lau Local Government Area. Bishop Ande also commended former Governor of Taraba State, Rev. Jolly Nyame, for his presence at the event.

 

According to the bishop, Governor Kefas personally confirmed his intention to attend the Commendation Service at the Jatutu Memorial Cathedral, a gesture he described as encouraging and reassuring to the church. He noted that the UMCN remains committed to its mission of loving boldly, serving joyfully and leading courageously.

Governor Agbu Kefas was among dignitaries who attended the closing ceremony of the annual Convention of the Women of the Southern Conference of the United Methodist Church Nigeria, held at the UMC Camp Ground in Appawa. The event attracted women from across the conference for prayers, spiritual fellowship and thanksgiving.

Speaking at the convention, Governor Kefas expressed delight at being part of the programme and reaffirmed his administration's commitment to sincere and people-oriented governance in Taraba State. He disclosed that preparations were ongoing for the award of the contract for the construction of the Zing–Monkin Road, aimed at easing movement and boosting economic activities in the area.

The governor also briefed the gathering on achievements recorded by his administration in critical sectors such as security, education, healthcare, and the payment of pensions and gratuities. He said deliberate efforts had been made to strengthen security architecture, improve learning environments, revive health facilities and ensure retirees receive their entitlements.

To further deepen grassroots development, Governor Kefas said he had directed local government council chairmen to prioritisethe immediate needs of their communities in line with the state's development agenda.

In his remarks, Bishop Emmanuel Ande thanked the governor for honouring the church's invitation and commended his initiatives in education, security and road rehabilitation, describing them as laudable contributions to the development of the state.

The bishop said the UMCN has continued to implement development programmes that align with the governor's Five-Point Agenda, particularly in the areas of education, healthcare, empowerment and agriculture. He added that although the church faced challenges and internal divisions in the past, God had resolved the crisis and the UMCN now stands united.

Bishop Ande further stated that under the newly regionalisedstructure of the United Methodist Church, the church in Africa does not accept same-sex marriage, stressing that its position is consistent with the Holy Scriptures and the Constitution of Nigeria.

He also appealed to the governor to give urgent attention to the security challenges in parts of Karim Lamido and Takum Local Government Areas to restore peace in the affected communities.

The convention featured special prayers for the governor and other political office holders, song ministrations and other activities.