Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, on Monday received the former Archbishop of Canterbury, Bishop Justin Welby, on a courtesy visit to the Old Government House, Rayfield, Jos.
The meeting focused on peacebuilding, interfaith relations, humanitarian support and the welfare of communities across Plateau State and Nigeria.
Bishop Welby, who retired as Archbishop of Canterbury on January 6, 2025, expressed his continued affection for Nigeria, recalling his longstanding relationship with the country and his numerous visits to the region since his first visit in 1978.
Welcoming the former Archbishop, Governor Mutfwang appreciated his longstanding commitment to peace, reconciliation and humanitarian causes, stressing the important role of faith leaders in promoting unity, compassion and peaceful coexistence.
The Governor noted that the true value of faith is demonstrated through service to humanity, particularly by caring for vulnerable and less privileged members of society.
“Religion, like the Bible says, is not mere talk, it is what you do for the less privileged and what you do for common humanity that shows really the value you place on God,” Mutfwang stated.
Governor Mutfwang also briefed Bishop Welby on some of his administration’s interventions to support communities affected by violence and other difficult circumstances.
He highlighted the recent commencement of a ₦1.5 billion joint intervention by the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Bola Tinubu, and the Plateau State Government, aimed at empowering victims of violent attacks, supporting their recovery, facilitating the safe return of internally displaced persons to their ancestral communities, rebuilding livelihoods and strengthening confidence among affected communities.
Responding, Bishop Welby reflected on the enormous responsibilities associated with public leadership, drawing from his experience during the coronation of King Charles III.
He recalled the moment he anointed the King with oil as an experience that deepened his understanding of the weight of leadership and the responsibilities placed on those entrusted with public office.
“The impression I had then was of the weight of government, how enormously heavy it is to be in politics, to lead a state, to lead a local government authority, to lead a nation,” Welby said.
The former Archbishop encouraged continued attention to peacebuilding, compassion and the protection of vulnerable people, drawing from his experiences in international peace missions.
The meeting underscored the shared importance of faith, leadership and humanitarian action in promoting peace, reconciliation and community resilience.
