Former Plateau State Governor, Sir Fidelis Tapgun, left, Senator Nora Da’adut and Senator Lalong, right, at the occasion By Anthony Maliki, Abuja......KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE👈
Senator representing Plateau South Senatorial District Simon Lalong on Saturday 26 October 2024 represented Senate President Godswill Akpabio at the official presentation of the Gamai Bible in Shendam, Plateau State.
Lalong who presided over the event on behalf of Senator Akpabio as Chairman of the occasion, said the completion of the new testament in Gamai language as well as literary works is a great feat that deserves celebration.
This was contained in a statement by Dr. Makut Simon Macham, Special Adviser on Media to Senator Lalong.
He said the Senate President is very elated about the achievements of the Gamai people as well as their passion for the propagation of the gospel in their mother tongue.
According to him, the Senate President will continue to support the second phase of the project which focuses on the translation of old testament and other literary works that will give the Gamai people the opportunity to preserve their culture, traditions and language which like many others is under threat of extinction.
Lalong recalled that he was part of the initiative many years ago when he was at the House of Assembly, stating that he was very proud and thankful to God to be part of the completion.
Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang represented by Secretary to the Government of the State Architect Jatau congratulated the Gamai nation for the achievement and assured them of support.
He also disclosed that the State government will continue to encourage the sustenance of indigenous languages and the propagation of the gospel which makes the citizens better prepared to support development.
The Aku Uka of Wukari HRH Manu Ishaku Adda Ali said he was proud to be part of the historic event which serves as a catalyst for cultural renaissance and development.
Representative of the Executive Director of the Nigerian Bible Translation Trust (NBTT) Mrs. Patience Markus Thomas gave a background of the project and thanked their local and international partners who sponsored the project and also gave tribute to tbe translators who worked hard to see that the project succeeded.
The event was preceeded by a mass which was celebrated by the Catholic Bishop of Shendam Diocese Most Rev Philip Dung assisted by other clergy from within and outside Gamai land.
Lalong also inspected the ongoing renovation of the Shendam General Hospital which is being carried out as part of his Constituency projects.
He assured the people of the Southern Zone that more projects will be delivered in the coming years as he gets set to be part of a full budget preparation having been sworn in last year when the current budget had been done.