Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has commended Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State for introducing the yearly Unity Christmas Carol and Praise Festival, urging him to elevate the event to the global stage by placing it on the international tourist calendar.

The former president made the remarks while delivering the exhortation on the opening day of the festival at the Ten Commandments Prayer Altar, Dwei-Du, Jos.

Obasanjo, who was originally scheduled to speak on the second day of the event, stepped in to take the exhortation in place of former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, who was absent due to an engagement in Tanzania.

Highlighting the irony that he himself would be travelling to Dubai for another international assignment on his scheduled speaking day, Saturday, Obasanjo nonetheless mounted the stage to deliver a message to the thousands gathered. He admonished the congregation that periods of suffering in life are often unavoidable.

Before beginning his homily, the former president praised Governor Mutfwang for initiating the festival, which debuted in 2024. He encouraged the governor to place it on the global tourism calendar to attract visitors from across the world.

“When you do that, people will know that for three days in the year they can come and enjoy what we are enjoying here,” he said.

He proceeded with his sermon, reminding the body of Christ that suffering and persecution are pathways Jesus Christ Himself foretold. Citing the words of Christ — “In this world we will have trouble, but I have lived in the world and I have overcome, and so you will overcome” — Obasanjo reassured the faithful of Christ’s promise of victory to those who trust in Him.

The festival, which continues on Saturday at 3 p.m., drew several dignitaries, including former governors of Plateau State: Senators Jonah Jang, Joshua Dariye, and Lawrence Onoja; as well as former Governor of Adamawa State, Mr. Boni Haruna. Clergy from across Nigeria and choirs from various states, including the 800-member Plateau United Choir, were also in attendance.

Guest artistes who performed on Friday included Buchi, Uche Etiaba, and Pastor Chingtok Ishaku. World-acclaimed gospel artiste Sinach is expected to headline the event on Saturday.