Western Equatoria State Governor Barrister James Al Taib Jazz Berapai made his first official trip outside the state capital since assuming office, addressing a large congregation at Namaku Catholic Parish in Nzara County on Sunday.
The Governor used the occasion to emphasize peace, unity, and security as the cornerstone of his leadership, while also donating vital items to support the church and community.
Standing before the faithful for the first time as Governor, he expressed gratitude to the President for what he described as a “wise decision” to entrust him with the leadership of the state.
“Today is a wonderful day for me to stand before you as Governor of Western Equatoria State. We should give thanks to the President for his wise decision to appoint me. I assure you all, I am here to protect you and your properties, and to make sure that you live in peace and unity,” the Governor declared.
He pledged to lead with transparency and inclusivity, grounding his administration on local values and culture.
“I am not coming to be a bad leader. My leadership will be built on what we agree upon as a people, and together we will uphold law and order, public health, and the dignity of citizenship,” he said.
In a call for collective responsibility, the Governor explained that following his swearing-in, the President tasked both him and his deputy with the responsibility of restoring security and fostering social harmony across Western Equatoria. He, however, reminded citizens that success in these areas requires collective effort.
“I cannot do this alone. It needs all of us to walk hand in hand for the good of our beloved state,” he stressed.
He further urged the people of Western Equatoria to continue praying for wisdom and guidance for national leaders, noting that the stability of the state depends on both divine providence and human cooperation.
During the visit, the Governor donated four bicycles to church workers, a brand-new motorbike to the parish priest of Namaku Parish, and a generator to support parish activities.
The donations were received with applause from the faithful, who welcomed the gesture as a sign of partnership between the government and the church.
Meanwhile, Bishop Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala of the Catholic Diocese of Tombura-Yambio delivered a spiritual reminder to the faithful, underlining the importance of faith in leadership and community life.
“Keep God in your life, and if you put Him first, the rewards will be massive. Nzara is not a simple place in the history of South Sudan – civilization began here many years ago,” Bishop Hiiboro reflected.
However, the Parish Priest of Namaku Fr. Victor Babiepraised the prevailing harmony in Nzara County and urged the community to remain steadfast in safeguarding unity.
“We are living in peace and unity here in Nzara. Our people are working together in solidarity. Let peace spoilers not come here; but if they come, let them come to learn peace and unity from us,” Fr. Victor said.
He acknowledged circulating rumors of criminal activity in parts of the county but emphasized that such claims had not been witnessed firsthand in his parish.
Hon. John Nambazia, the representative of NzaraCounty at the State Legislative Assembly, described the Governor’s visit as “a historical moment” for the community.
“This is the first time in the history of Namaku that a leader of such caliber has visited our area, but we appeal to the Governor to upgrade Namaku from a Boma to a Payam, as the population here has already outgrown the level of a Boma,” Hon. Nambazearemarked.
His statement drew cheers from residents who viewed the administrative upgrade as recognition of their growing community and a sign of government commitment to their development.
Local residents who gathered at the parish welcomed the Governor warmly. One of them, Mary Kumbabeyo, a mother of five and a long-time resident of Namaku, said the Governor’s visit gave her new hope for development and recognition.
“For many years, we felt forgotten in this place. Today, seeing the Governor stand with us makes me believe that our children’s future will be brighter. But we still call on the governor to Upgrade Namaku to a Payam, through this services might finally reach us,” she said with a smile.
Her words echoed the mood of the day, where faith, unity, and optimism came together to mark a turning point for the community.
The Namaku Parish event marked the Governor’s first outreach outside the state capital since his appointment.
The visit was seen as a symbolic gesture of commitment to reconnect with grassroots communities, strengthen state-church relations, and reassure citizens of the government’s dedication to peace and development.
As the crowd dispersed, the message from NamakuParish was clear: the new leadership in Western Equatoria is setting its focus on unity, security, and faith as pillars of governance and social life.
