Hon. Nshe Renovates Parish Office as Archbishop of Jos Calls for Unity

The Archbishop of Jos, Most Rev. Dr. Matthew Ishaya Audu, has called on Catholics to remain united in faith, emphasizing that collective efforts strengthen both the Church and the community.

He made this appeal on Friday while commissioning the renovated parish office at St. Finbarr’s Catholic Church, Rayfield, a project undertaken by the Executive Chairman of Shendam Local Government Area, Hon. Nicholas Kemi Nshe.

“Our resources may not be the same, but when we support each other, we embody the love that binds us as God’s children,” the Archbishop said. “This is what it means to be a family—lifting one another up and ensuring that God’s house reflects dignity and beauty.”

Commending the parishioners for their dedication, he remarked, “I have attended more functions here than in any other parish. As I approach my fifth year, I realize that some parishes have yet to fully embrace this vision.

“But here, I have seen continuous progress—from the gallery renovation to the new benches and pews, and now this. It shows a deep commitment to growth and service.”

Hon. Nshe, who also marked his birthday on the same day, described the project as an expression of gratitude to God and a way of giving back to the Church that shaped his values.

“The Church has always been a guiding force in my life,” he said. “Growing up near the cathedral in Shendam, I witnessed the dedication of Irish and Canadian priests who shaped our spiritual and moral growth. That foundation has inspired my commitment to serve and contribute.”

Initially intended as a pew replacement project, the initiative expanded to include structural renovations and new furnishings for the parish office.

“When the Church Council asked me to chair the Pews Committee, I saw it as a divine calling,” he said. “Alongside a dedicated team, we ensured that the pews and the entire renovation reflected the dignity of God’s house.”

To encourage sustained development, he proposed a Lenten contribution plan, suggesting that each household donate at least one bag of cement during the 40-day period, with a designated account set up for transparency.

Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Gabriel Dewan, commended Hon. Nshe’s gesture, describing it as a model for leadership.

“Instead of extravagant celebrations, he has chosen to invest in the Church. This is a challenge to all of us to prioritize our responsibility to God’s house,” he said.

Similarly, Hon. Musa Ibrahim Achoms, Commissioner of Youth and Sports Development, lauded the initiative, stressing that leaders must support places of worship as part of their service to society.

The event drew attendance from government officials, religious leaders, and members of the Catholic community, underscoring its significance.