By Nahum Sule, Jalingo
In a profound demonstration of leadership that transcends the political arena, Taraba State Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas, stepped into the role of a minister this week, delivering a compelling sermon at the 2026 Annual Convention of the Global Baptist Mission. Addressing congregants in the highlands of Sardauna Local Government Area, the Governor urged Christians to place their unwavering trust in God amidst the multifaceted crises gripping the globe.
Speaking at the Unity Global Baptist Mission Church in Kusuku, which also marked the Mission’s 10th Anniversary, Governor Kefas delivered a message that was both timely and timeless. With the world beset by the spectres of war, terrorism, economic hardship, and social decay, he anchored his discourse on the enduring promise of Scripture, drawing from Psalms 62:5–8 under the theme “Almighty God Is Our Rock in Times of Trouble.”
The Governor acknowledged the palpable sense of uncertainty that has crept into the hearts of many, noting that contemporary challenges often test the limits of human endurance and faith. “It is easy to profess belief when the seas are calm,” he told the attentive congregation. “But it is when the storms of life—be they economic difficulties or global conflicts—rage around us that our faith is truly tested. It is in those moments we must declare that God is our rock and our salvation.”
Dr. Kefas challenged the narrative of despair, insisting that a reliance on God is not a passive resignation but an active source of strength and direction. He posited that a community or nation that places God as its foundation is guaranteed a level of protection and guidance that surpasses human understanding. By invoking the example of David, whose reliance on God turned the tide of his battles, the Governor encouraged Christians to adopt a similar posture of total dependence on the divine.
Development Agenda Receives Ecclesiastical Blessing
The convention was not solely focused on spiritual matters; it also served as a significant interface between the church and the state. The President of the Global Baptist Mission, James Fongong, used the platform to commend Governor Kefas for his administration’s developmental strides, particularly on the Mambilla Plateau.
Pastor Fongong lauded the establishment of the Taraba State University of Tropical Agriculture, Science, Technology and Climate Action in Gembu, describing it as a strategic intervention that would revolutionise agriculture and education in the region. He also expressed appreciation for the Governor’s flagship free education policy, which he noted was alleviating the burden on families and expanding opportunities for Taraba’s youth. Furthermore, he acknowledged the government’s relentless pursuit of peace and security, which is gradually restoring confidence among residents and investors alike.
However, reflecting the church’s role as the conscience of society, the Mission President also tabled critical appeals. He called for an accelerated timeline for the construction of the Gembu road, a project of immense economic importance that has been eagerly anticipated by the community. Additionally, he highlighted the urgent need for enhanced healthcare services to cater to the population of the plateau, appealing to the Governor’s compassionate leadership to address these challenges.
Echoing these sentiments, the Councillor representing Nguroje Constituency, Nelson Len, praised the Governor’s dedication. He noted that Dr. Kefas’s long journey to attend the convention and personally minister to the people underscored a leadership style defined by accessibility and shared faith.
A Prophetic Atmosphere
The atmosphere at the Unity Global Baptist Mission Church was charged with spiritual fervour as the service progressed. Beyond the sermon, the gathering was marked by intense moments of prayer, including prophetic declarations over the state, prayers of adoration, and collective supplication for divine intervention in the affairs of Taraba and Nigeria.
Governor Kefas’s participation in the convention solidifies his image as a leader who seeks to blend administrative acumen with spiritual depth. As the Global Baptist Mission celebrated a decade of existence, the Governor’s message served as a powerful reminder that in times of trouble, the intersection of prayer and principled leadership offers the surest path to a hopeful and stable future.
