Death Begins Another Unending Journey, Fr. Kodah Tells Mourners at Jatau’s Funeral

By Nformi Desmond 

The Christian have been urged to remain prepared for death and eternity, as no one knows the hour or time when the final call will come.

Rev. Fr. Peter Emmanuel Kodah gave the admonition during the funeral Mass for the late Baba Ferdinand Datuza Jatau, popularly known as “Masquerade,” at St. Monica Parish, Yakoko, in Zing Local Government Area of Taraba State.

Fr. Kodah, who titled his homily “The Beginning of Another Unending Journey,” said the death of a person should remind the living of the reality of the life beyond the grave and the need to prepare for it.

Drawing from the Gospel of John 11:17–27, the priest urged the faithful to strengthen their faith and live responsibly, stressing that nobody has control over the time of death.

He said the earthly journey, though important, is not the final destination, and encouraged Christians to live in a manner that reflects their faith and hope in eternal life.

Fr. Kodah also used the occasion to appeal to the family of the deceased, particularly his cousins, to remain united and supportive of one another.

According to him, unity and togetherness are among the greatest legacies their father left behind, and the family must preserve the bond despite the loss.

The funeral Mass was attended by family members, relatives, friends, parishioners and well-wishers who gathered to mourn the deceased and offer prayers for the repose of his soul.

Baba Ferdinand Datuza Jatau was a native of Yakoko, Zing Local Government Area of Taraba State. Born in 1947, he died on August 18, 2026, aged 79.

The funeral rites provided an opportunity for the family and community to celebrate his life and reflect on the values he left behind.

For the bereaved family, the occasion was a moment of grief and remembrance. For the Church, it was also an opportunity to remind the living of the certainty of death and the Christian hope of eternal life.

As the family and community bid farewell to Baba Jatau, Fr. Kodah’s message remained a call to the living to cherish one another, preserve family unity and remain prepared for the journey beyond earthly life.

May his soul rest in peace.

Fr. Muke Urges Christians to Remain Steadfast in Times of Trouble

The Special Adviser to the Taraba State Governor on Christian Religion Matters, Very Rev. Fr. Sunday Patrick Muke, has urged Christians to remain steadfast in their faith and trust in God, especially during difficult times.

Fr. Muke, in his Sunday message reflecting on the Gospel of Matthew 14:22–33, said Christians should not allow fear and life’s challenges to weaken their faith in Christ.

He noted that, just as Jesus remained with His disciples during the storm, God’s presence remains constant even in the most difficult circumstances.

The cleric encouraged Christians to keep their focus on Christ, saying faith and confidence in God can help them overcome challenges that may appear impossible.

As Christians begin a new week, Fr. Muke called on them to renew their faith, reject fear and remain confident in God’s unfailing presence.

He wished Christians across Taraba State and beyond a blessed and fruitful Sunday.