Today, Sunday 19th April, 2026, was a service of thanksgiving and appreciation to God at the ECWA Gospel Church, Off Ashaka Road, Gombe, in honour of Justice Hamma Akawu Barka, who successfully retired from public service as a Justice of the Court of Appeal, having attained the constitutional retirement age and clocked seventy years.
The thanksgiving service, which coincided with the climax of activities marking the Gombe DCC Widows’ Week of Prayer in the church, saw attendees from far and near.
Delivering his speech, the Governor of Gombe State, Alhaji Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, represented by his deputy, Manassah Daniel Jatau, Ph.D., conveyed the heartfelt congratulations of the government and people of the state to Justice Hamma Barka on his successful retirement from service.
He described Justice Hamma Akawu Barka as a man of integrity, humility, and exemplary service to humanity.
Dr. Manassah Jatau expressed gratitude to God for what he described as a significant milestone in the life of the distinguished jurist, acknowledging his remarkable contributions to the judiciary and society as a whole.
According to him, Justice Barka’s life and career have been defined by core values such as humility, hard work, service delivery, mentorship, and assistance to humanity, as well as his consistent ability to ease tension in difficult situations and maintain respectful and cordial relationships with people from all walks of life.
The Deputy Governor further highlighted that Justice Barka’s career, from his early days as a Magistrate to his elevation as a Justice of the Court of Appeal, was marked by integrity, honesty, justice, and fairness, attributing these same qualities to the several landmark judgments that earned him recognition both nationally and internationally.
The government also praised Justice Barka for his role in mentoring younger professionals and promoting unity, irrespective of differences in status, religion, or cultural background.
While urging serving and retired public officials to emulate such virtues, the Deputy Governor noted that retirement marks the beginning of another phase in life and encouraged Justice Barka to remain active and continue contributing to society.
He applauded Justice Barka for deeming it fit to come back to offer thanks before God and witnesses in recognition of His faithfulness throughout his years of service.
He explained that thanksgiving is both Biblical and essential in the life of believers, noting that it is mentioned numerous times in Scripture, adding that Justice Barka has every reason to celebrate his 70th birthday, citing Psalm 90:10, which describes seventy years as the typical benchmark of human lifespan.
While speaking, the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monicah Dongban-Mensem, represented by the Presiding Judge of the Abuja Division, Justice Mohammed Ambiusi Danjuma, who was accompanied by other high-powered justices to grace the occasion, described Justice Hamma Akawu Barka as patient, dedicated, knowledgeable, and possessing a deep understanding of the law. He said that a person with such distinguished qualities reflects the true essence of justice, and therefore commended Gombe State for nurturing a person who can be described as a national asset and a special gift to the appellate court.
Justice Ambiusi added that although Justice Hamma Barka is retired, his wealth of experience is still needed and he will always be called upon when the need arises.
In her goodwill message, the Gombe State Chief Judge, Justice Halima Shamaki Mohammed, extended her congratulations to the celebrant and commended him for mentoring numerous legal professionals both within the state and across the nation.
She also took the opportunity to encourage young professionals in the field to serve with dignity and dedication, emphasising that the practice of law demands integrity and commitment.
Justice Halima called on them to recognise their responsibility in society as legal practitioners, highlighting the crucial role they play in upholding justice and fostering societal progress.
In their separate remarks, the former Chief Judge of Gombe State, Justice Hakila Heman, and a close friend of the celebrant, and former deputy governor of Gombe state, Senator Joshua Lidani, who traced their long-standing relationship back to their school days, commended the resilience and steadfastness of the retired jurist, from his time on the High Court bench to his service at the Court of Appeal.
They described him as an impartial judge who never compromises, and a shining example of what a good jurist should be, noting that his distinguished disposition has brought pride to both Gombe State and the nation.
The Bala Waja, Alhaji Mohammad Danjuma Muhammad, described the celebrant as an illustrious son of the emirate and a major contributor to its development. The royal father said his vast knowledge will still be useful to the Waja Traditional Council and the entire community. He congratulated Justice Hamma Barka on his retirement and wished him success in his future endeavours.
In his short remarks, the Gombe State Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association, Barrister Alhassan Mu’azu, congratulated Justice Hamma Akawu Barka on his meritorious service to the nation and assured that they would emulate his footsteps.
Delivering a sermon, the clergyman in charge of ECWA Gospel Church, Reverend Dr. Gideon Danbauchi, took his text from Psalm 107:21–22 and spoke on the topic, “Remember to Give Thanks to God.”
He explained that true greatness before the Lord lies in consistently giving thanks to Him. As such, he outlined some key points that believers should take note of on why it is mandatory to offer thanksgiving to God.
Among them are rendering service, honour, and sacrifice to God; responding to God’s goodness beyond our recognition of His abundant blessings; that it is a command and mandate that makes one examine and renew past mistakes; that thanksgiving culminates in knowing who God is for a sustainable relationship; and finally, he described thanksgiving as a process of fear and reverence to God, as well as perseverance that results in the attraction of multiple blessings and favour from God.
The cleric emphasised that God remains the Creator and Sustainer of all, making thanksgiving neither optional nor occasional, regardless of one’s status. He reminded the congregation that it is God who elevates individuals to positions of authority, adding that thanksgiving honours God, reflects gratitude for His goodness, protection, provision, and kindness, and deepens the relationship between believers and their Creator.
In his speech, the celebrant, Justice Hamma Akawu Barka, described his years of service as challenging but expressed gratitude to God for guiding him through every step until his retirement.
He acknowledged the support of his friends and mentors, particularly Mr. James Pisagih and Justice Hakila Heman, as well as fellow members of the legal profession for their encouragement throughout his career.
Justice Barka also extended his appreciation to the church and his family for their continuous prayers, calling for even more prayers to help him serve God and humanity with greater commitment and dedication.
The retirement thanksgiving service was later climaxed with a reception at the International Conference Centre, Gombe, where guests were treated to sumptuous meals.
Jack A. Tasha,
Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Media and Publicity,
(Deputy Governor’s Office)
