Family, friends and well-wishers of Senator I. D. Gyang all converged in their numbers yesterday at COCIN Church Bethel Rawura in Fan District of Barkin Ladi LGA, to join him in thanking God for his mercies, favour, providence and sustenance, having lived 60 fruitful years on earth.

Recalling important events over the past 60 years of his life during his testimony at the service, Senator Gyang first showered praises on his mother and late father for his birth and upbringing. He also attributed gratitude to his beloved wife Ngo Rahila Gyang who has stood by him as a worthy and loving destiny partner.

He said, “The day I was born was the day my immediate elder sister died. People were crying while they took her for burial but before they returned, my mother had given birth to me and the weeping changed into gratitude to God.

In those days there were killer child diseases, one of them that attacked me was smallpox. In my body today you will still see signs of smallpox but I survived it.

As a little baby, I gave so much trouble to my mother and because of my weeping, she will also start weeping. Some of my aunts had to step in and help my mother with her crying, baby. If not because they were Christians they probably would have taken me to Riverside like it was done with any “problem child” in those days.

In primary School, I was the only child whose father bought shoes for me. Whenever we were in school people would gather to admire or touch my shoes. I was the first to use a bicycle to school from my village.

My father had a passion for education, he was the one that brought the first school to this village. He trained many children too. Back then people gave their children out to become shepherds, but whenever he identifies a bright child, they will register the child in school against the wish of the parents.

I took advantage of his good upbringing and early education by my parents which saw me emerging as the overall best student in GSS Riyom back then in 1981 and proceeded to complete my first University Degree in 1986.

On completion of his NYSC in 1987. I stayed without a job for 2 years and was engaged in productive farming to make a living. I also volunteered as a teacher for those 2 years from 1988 to 1990 at BECO School Kwi before God blessed me with a job in the Plateau State Civil Service.”

He appreciated men and women that God had used right from childhood till date, to shape and build him into the man he has become, including Former Governors Joshua Dariye and Da Jonah David Jang.

He tagged the testimony of his life as the “Triumph of Grace” by ascribing every attainment of his life to God’s grace which is the very essence of Thanksgiving.

COCIN President, Rev. Dr Amos Mohzo, who delivered the sermon at the service threw more light on the need for God’s children to give thanks. He reiterated that genuine gratitude helps us to depend on God and acknowledge his capability to provide for our needs in all aspects of life.

Rev Mohzo also dedicated a book written by Senator Gyang- his autobiography which contained further details of his life’s story that promises to positively impact everyone who reads it.

Da Jonah David Jang in his remarks eulogized the Senator and encouraged him to keep his focus on God, bearing in mind that every setback is a setup for something higher in the future.

In his speech, the Gbong Gwom Jos, Da Gyang Buba commended Senator Gyang for his quality retention at the National Assembly and his developmental strides. He described him as an asset that Plateau and the nation are proud of and encouraged him to keep his head up high for the brighter future ahead of him.

At the reception, Prof Suleiman Bogoro who was unavoidably absent and ably represented by Prof. Nanven Gambo described Senator Gyang as a passionate advocate for justice, equity and fairness who is doing the nation proud. He expressed his optimism about the greater glory ahead for Senator Gyang.

Speaking also at the event, BECO president, Da Gyang Dudu said he is highly impressed with the initiative of Senator Gyang for rebuilding homes for IDPs in Fan even before becoming Senator. This is apart from the recently commissioned 38 houses for IDPs at Jong, built in conjunction with the Berom Youth Moulders association and goodwill.

“Sir, you have been doing a lot of work and little is known of it. But God knows and he will reward you”, he concluded.

The event was attended by people from all walks of life including Gen. J. T. Useini, the Long Geomai of Shendam – HRH Miskoom Martins Shaldas, the Attah Aten of Ganawuri – HRH Yakubu Chaimang, Begwom Rwei and Begwom in Berom land.

Clergymen included Apostle Chris Bature of Berom Outreach Ministry, Apostle Danjuma Musa of Global Flame, Pastor Akin of Throne Room Ministries, et al.

Goodwill messages also came from distinguished personalities, including Barr. Caleb Mwutfwang, ably represented by Ngo Josephine Piyo, Dr Patrick Dakum, Nentawe Yilwada represented by Hon Pam Bot, Amb. Chris Giwa, Hon. Simon Mwadkwon, Barr. Gyang Zi, Hon. Solomon Maren, Hon. Dachung Bagos, Hon Johnbull Shekarau, Hon. Gyendyeng Ibrahim, Hon. Timothy Dantong, Hon Esther Simi Dusu, etc

Also present were; former Minister Ngo Sarah Ochekpe, Da Francis Bot, Prof Shedrach Best, Rt Hon. Istifanus Mwansat, Rt Hon Geroge Daika, Gregory Yenlong, Commandant of the NSCDC, Correctional Service, FRSC, STF Sector 7 Commander, etc.

Precious K. Nyako
Special Assistant on Media to,
Senator ID Gyang, Esq.

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Sen. ID Gyang holds his 60th birthday and dedicates his autobiography