The remains of Da Patrick Nyam Sila, father of Jos South Local Government Chairman Hon. Silas Patrick Dung, were committed to the earth on Tuesday following a funeral mass at St. Finbarr’s Catholic Church, Rayfield. The ceremony drew a sea of dignitaries from across Plateau State, all converging to pay their final respects to the late patriarch.
His Excellency, Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, represented by the Commissioner for Transport, Hon. Davou Jatau, extended the heartfelt condolences of the state government to the Lo Chang family. The governor commended the executive chairman for his immense contributions to the development of Plateau State, attributing his success to the solid upbringing provided by his late father.
Former Governor of Plateau State, Da Jonah David Jang, spoke fondly of the deceased, acknowledging the difficulty of the moment while urging the family to give thanks to Christ for the life lived. He expressed gratitude for the children Da Patrick left behind and offered prayers for divine preservation over them.
The Gbong Gwom Jos was represented by the Gwom Rwei of Kabong and Acting Gwom Rwei Du, while a close friend of the deceased, Hon. Damishi Sango, also paid an emotional tribute. Their presence underscored the late patriarch’s standing in the community.
In his vote of thanks, the Executive Chairman of Jos South expressed deep gratitude to the church and His Excellency the Governor for honouring the family. He extended special appreciation to former Governor Jonah Jang and Ngo Talalatu for their unwavering support as uncles and pillars throughout the period of his father’s illness. He thanked the Deputy Governor, Ngo Josephine Piyo, friends, ALGON, government officials, heads of security agencies, and community members, reflecting on the ideals his father stood for.
Following the mass, the final internment took place at the Lo Chang family burial ground in Topp, Rayfield.
The funeral was graced by a broad cross section of political, traditional, and bureaucratic leadership, including: Hon. Yakubu Jang, Senior Special Assistant to the President; Mr. Agom Atang Azi, representing the APC State Chairman; Hon. Reymond Dabo, PDP State Chairman; Mr. Stephen Pam Gadong, Head of Civil Service; Commissioner for Environment, Peter Gwom; Commissioner for Finance, Mrs. Grace Dungkum; Hon. Anani, ALGON Boss and Chairman of Wase LGA; and Local Government Council Chairmen of Jos North, Mikang, B/Ladi, Ryom, Kanke, Bassa, Bokkos, Kanam, Langtang North, Pankshin, and Jos East.
Also present were Heads of Agencies and Parastatals: Mr. Jim Pam Wayas, Executive Chairman, Plateau State Internal Revenue Service; Mr. Samuel Dapiya, Director General, PEPSA; Pharm. Kim Jerry Bot, Director General, Plateau State Drugs and Medical Commodities Management Agency; Kacholom Rita Pam, General Manager, PRTV; Arc. Hart Bankat – General Manager, JMDB; Dr. Gyang Bere, Director of Press; and Engr. Danladi Mwantok, LO Abuja.
Other prominent personalities included Senator Mwadkon, Hon. Damishi Sango, former Minister and close friend of the deceased, Hon. Sarah Reng Ochepe, former Minister, Deputy Chairman of Jos South, Ngo Lucy Kacholom Michael, leaders of legislative councils and Councillors, supervisory councillors, technocrats, and appointees of the Chairman.
The burial drew to a close with prayers at the family grave site, as the Lo Chang family and the people of Jos South bid a final farewell to a man whose legacy of integrity and community service will be remembered for generations.
Christie Pam Makut
Press Secretary to the Executive Chairman, Jos South Local Government Council.
