On October 15, 2024, the Plateau State leadership joined the global community in celebrating the 65th birthday of a distinguished global mission leader, social justice and peace advocate, The Revd. Dr. Gideon Para-Mallam. The Governor of Plateau State, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, along with Distinguished Senator Simon Bako Lalong, former Governor of Plateau State a serving Senator, representing Plateau South Senatorial District; and word from the Deputy Governor Ngo Josephine Piyo, who also honored Dr. Para-Mallam on this special occasion.
“I am thankful to Him for His tremendous love, mercy, and grace upon my life, family, and ministry,” he said. Yet, he shared that the celebration brings mixed emotions: joy for his personal blessings, but sorrow for the many who remain in captivity, particularly young girls like Leah Sharibu (7 years, ) Alice Ngaddah (7 years), Lilian Gyang Daniel (4 years), Praise Austine (3 years), Patience (4 years) , Joy (4 years) and several others in Boko Haram’s captivity
“For years, I’ve observed quiet birthdays as a way of identifying with these women and girls who are enduring forced captivity, stripped of their fundamental right to freedom of religion and belief. The reality is that while we are free to celebrate, they are trapped, longing for liberation. This contrast is heartbreaking, and my thoughts are constantly with them,” he shared.
Revd. Para-Mallam’s birthday was spent with survivors from Borno, Adamawa, Gombe, and Plateau states, a poignant reminder of his mission and calling. “I am a missionary at heart, dedicated to social justice and peace,” he said, emphasizing that his passion lies in working toward sustainable peace in Nigeria—a peace that rejects discrimination based on gender, religion, or any form of corruption.
