Chief Ephraim Usman Gar (Garkuwan Baghinto) Charges Christians on Harmonious Living at Thanksgiving Service and 35th Wedding Anniversary Celebration of Pastor Philip Haruna

The Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Plateau State, Chief Ephraim Usman Gar (Garkuwan Baghinto), on Sunday, 5 July 2026, joined the family of one of the Ministry’s dedicated staff members, Pastor Philip Haruna, Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, and his wife, Mrs. Catherine Haruna, to celebrate their 35th wedding anniversary.

The thanksgiving service and anniversary celebration took place at the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN), LCC Tingpol, Pankshin GRA, Pankshin Local Government Area of Plateau State.In his remarks, the Honourable Commissioner described Pastor Philip Haruna as a dedicated, hardworking, and cheerful member of the Ministry’s management team who relates warmly with staff across all cadres and grade levels. He commended the celebrant for his exemplary service and urged public servants and leaders at all levels to strive to leave positive and lasting legacies wherever they are entrusted with responsibility, emphasizing that true leadership is measured by the positive impact it has on the lives of others.

Chief Gar also expressed profound appreciation to members of the clergy for their steadfast prayers, sacrifices, and unwavering support, despite the numerous challenges they encounter in the course of their ministry. He observed that clergymen often bear the burden of complaints, criticisms, and frustrations directed at political leaders, and therefore called on Christians to continually uphold God’s servants in prayer, asking God to strengthen, protect, and prosper them as they faithfully serve humanity.

He further charged the congregation to embrace peaceful and harmonious living both within their families and in their places of work, stressing that love, unity, and peace remain fundamental Christian virtues exemplified by the life and teachings of the Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. The Commissioner congratulated Pastor Philip Haruna and his wife, Catherine, on attaining the remarkable milestone of 35 years of marriage, describing their union as a testimony of God’s faithfulness, enduring love, and commitment. He prayed that God would continue to bless them with many more years of peace, good health, joy, and abundant grace.

As a demonstration of his goodwill and support, the Honourable Commissioner made a generous financial donation towards the success of the celebration. He also formally presented a brand-new, registered motorcycle to support the church’s pastorate on behalf of the celebrants. The gesture was warmly received and widely appreciated by the church leadership and the congregation.The event attracted several dignitaries, including the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr. Yakubu Mallo, members of the Ministry’s management and staff, senior local government officials, family members, friends, and other well-wishers, who gathered to celebrate the couple’s enduring marriage and give thanks to God for His faithfulness over the past three and a half decades.