Plateau State, on Friday, honoured the late Hannatu Joseph Gomwalk, former First Lady of the defunct Benue/Plateau State, with glowing tributes during her funeral service held at St. Piran’s Anglican Communion, Jos.
Governor Caleb Mutfwang, represented by Josephine Piyo, his deputy, described the late matriarch as a woman who lived her life faithfully in service to God and humanity.
The governor said Mama lived with deep devotion to God, raising a family that continues to reflect her values. He noted that her children—one a pastor and CAN chairman of Plateau state, another a police commissioner—stand as proof of the strong spiritual and moral foundations she built over the years. “Mama lived well, served sincerely, and touched many lives,” he said.
He recalled that Hannatu spent more than four decades raising her children alone after the death of her husband, the late Joseph Dechi Gomwalk, the first military administrator of the defunct Benue/Plateau State. Despite the responsibility, she succeeded through what the governor described as “the grace of Christ and unwavering courage.”
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Mutfwang stressed that her death was not only a loss to the Gomwalk family but also to the people and government of Plateau State. He said Mama and her husband helped lay the foundations of the state, adding that the government house itself has historical ties to their efforts. He urged the audience to reflect on the legacy they will one day leave behind.
Benjamin Kwashi, a former bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Jos who delivered the sermon, emphasised the transforming power of the Gospel.
He shared a personal testimony of discovering God’s love, noting that forgiveness leads believers to become “enemies of sin.” He said deeper sins such as envy, hatred, and falsehood often hide in the heart and must be confronted.
Kwashi noted that the gospel has the power to change lives and communities. He stressed that salvation is open to all people, regardless of tribe, colour, or nationality. He added that the resurrection of Jesus Christ “demystified death,” giving believers confidence in eternal life.
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The bishop also lamented how many young people fall into destructive paths, referencing the vulnerability of youths drawn into extremist groups. He said such tragedies show what happens when individuals are not exposed to the truth and the transforming power of the gospel.
Nenfort Gomwalk, a professor, while speaking on behalf of the family, appreciated all clergy, dignitaries, and sympathisers who travelled from within and outside the state to honour the late matriarch.
Gomwalk described Hannatu as “a woman of noble character” and a steadfast prayer warrior. He noted that she kept a written list of every member of the Gomwalk and Shalangwa families and prayed for each person by name. “Today, we are only laying her body to rest—her spirit is already home,” he said.
Following the church service in Jos, the body of the 86-year-old matriarch who died was taken to the Gomwalk family compound in Kanke Local Government Area of the state for burial.
