John Gamasaura Katura, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer JOKATU Property Development Limited Abuja 

 *A SPEECH DELIVERED AT THE 2025 ANAGUTA NEW YEAR DAY CELEBRATION BY THE DISTINGUISHED CHAIRMAN OF THE OCCASION, MR JOHN GAMASAURA KATURA MD/CEO JOKATU PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT LIMITED, ABUJA ON WEDNESDAY 1ST JANUARY, 2025 AT THE PROF. LUKA BENTU INDOOR THEATRE JOS, PLATEAU STATE* 

 *PROTOCOL* 

1. The special guest of honour, Your Excellency the Executive Governor of Plateau State Barr Caleb Mutfwang, the Executive Chairman Jos North LGA Barr J.K. Chris, our royal father His Royal Majesty the Ujah Anaguta and President Jos North Traditional Council Pozoh Johnson Jauro Magaji II and other royal highnesses present, members of the state executive council, present and former elected and appointed officials here present, distinguished invited guests, friends of Anaguta, members of the Anaguta community, members of the press, ladies and gentlemen.

 *THE MESSAGE* 

2. As we gather here today to celebrate yet another new year, let us begin by appreciating the grace of God that has brought us together. We are here in the spirit of unity and love, and we must never take this moment for granted. We thank God for the gift of life, for the strength to witness another year, and for the bonds that tie us as one, indivisible Anaguta nation.

3. Permit me to express our appreciation to the Plateau State government, led by the visionary leader of the "Time is Now", Barr. Caleb Mutfwang. Your leadership style embodies hope and progress, and we are grateful for your commitment to the development of our state. We also thank you for providing a level playing ground for a fair, free and peaceful local government election that brought some of our sons and daughters on board—the most peaceful in the state. Additionally, I would like to acknowledge the efforts of the Executive Chairman of Jos North Local Government Area, Barr. J.K. Chris for your relentless efforts to restore Jos North LGA lost glory. We are indeed very proud of you. To our invited guests and all friends of Anaguta who stand with us today, your support reinforces the strength of our community and the ties that bind us together.

4. Also, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Ujah Anaguta and President Jos North Local Government Traditional Council, Pozoh Johnson Jauro Magaji II and his council members, the Anaguta Development Association (ADA), the Anaguta Youth Movement (AYM), the Anaguta Women Development Association (AWDA), and all other notable associations that have worked tirelessly to organize this celebration. Your dedication and thoughtfulness in uniting the Anaguta nation are commendable. It is through such collective efforts that we can foster a sense of belonging and pride in our heritage. We must sustain this gesture to further showcase our unity and cultural identity to the world.

5. As we look forward to the future, let me use this opportunity to remind my fellow youths that we are the backbone of our community, and our potential is limitless. I kindly urge you to be industrious and strive for independence. And as preparations for the 2027 general elections are beginning to gather momentum, do not only be a card-carrying member of a political party or a mere spectator, but participate actively in every decision-making. Make your voices heard. However, do not allow yourselves to be used as political pawns or thugs; instead, focus on building a better future for yourselves and your families.

6. Additionally, as youths, it is crucial to make responsible choices, including not bringing children into the world that you cannot care for. Good parenting is not a gift from God but a process to better humanity and please God. Raising a responsible family is your sole responsibility and not your elected representative's duty or anyone else. Acquiring education and learning a trade (skills acquisition) are keys to survival and your greatest allies; pursue them with vigour and tenacity. They earn you respect and self-reliance. Remember, no society whose youths are illiterate or jobless will grow. The time of looking for personal favours from politicians or influential individuals has passed. You must work diligently to earn a living and respect for yourselves.

7. To our elected officials and appointees, I call on you to fulfill your campaign promises. You have a duty to serve the people, not just a select few. The trust that the communities have placed in you should be honoured through transparent and accountable governance. You must work together to uplift our communities by providing the basic necessities of life, ensuring that every voice is heard and every need is met. Work by your oath of office.

8. Furthermore, I encourage our communities to actively pursue developmental projects from our leaders. We must prioritize initiatives that benefit the collective rather than seek self-gratifying assistance. Our leaders are here to serve us, and we must hold them accountable to ensure that our communities thrive. We should have a collective demand list such as good schools, good health centres, access roads for our local farmers to transport their goods and so on. Government resources are limited; we should therefore demand projects that are more beneficial to all rather than individual needs.

9. Moreso, I appeal to the government to ensure a fair and equitable distribution of positions, employment opportunities, and meaningful projects to all citizens, irrespective of zone, tribe, or religion. Unity is our strength, and we must work together to foster an inclusive atmosphere where every individual feels valued and respected.

10. Let me, at this juncture, re-emphasize that injustice breeds disunity and mistrust, which are detrimental to our progress and unity as a people. Let us fight against it with a sense of responsibility and integrity, standing firm for what is right. No one should feel marginalized. When we collectively uphold justice, we pave the way for a brighter future for all Anaguta people, and by extension, our state. If we must remain united, we must confront injustice in all its forms because no society can experience peace, progress, and unity without justice.

11. As we stand on the threshold of 2025, I call upon the Anaguta nation to unite. Together, we can achieve greatness. Our strength lies in our unity, and it is only by coming together that we can overcome the challenges we face. Let us set aside our differences and celebrate our shared goals, working hand in hand to create a prosperous future for generations to come.

12. In conclusion, I urge you all to carry the spirit of this celebration into the months ahead. Let us continue to appreciate one another, support one another, and strive for excellence in all that we do. Together, we can build an Anaguta nation that we are all proud of—a nation that embodies the values of hard work, integrity, and unity.

Long live the Anaguta nation!  
Long live Jos North LGA!  
Long live Plateau State!  
Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria!

Thank you and God bless you all.