As Christians across Nigeria celebrate Christmas, governors, lawmakers and prominent groups have called on citizens to reflect on and practise the virtues of Jesus Christ, urging peace, love, unity, tolerance and selfless giving as guiding principles for national cohesion.
The messages were contained in separate goodwill statements issued to mark the season by Governors Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers), Abdullahi Sule (Nasarawa), Mohammed Bago (Niger) and Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau).
Also sending Christmas greetings were Senators Tokunbo Abiru (Lagos East), Solomon Adeola (Ogun West), Sunday Katung (Kaduna South), Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (Kogi Central) and Sani Musa (Niger East), as well as the Northern Elders Forum (NEF), Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, former Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi, and the Diocesan Bishop of Lagos (Anglican Communion), Rt. Revd. Ifedola Gabriel Okupevi.
In Ondo State, Governor Aiyedatiwa congratulated Christians for witnessing another Christmas, praying that the season would usher in peace, joy and renewed hope. He urged residents to embrace love, tolerance and peaceful coexistence, noting that unity and collective responsibility are key to sustained development.
Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara called for dialogue over discord, stressing that unity and stability are essential for development. He urged residents to remain security-conscious and to uphold religious tolerance, saying peace is central to his administration’s “Rivers First” agenda.
Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori encouraged Christians to live Christ-like lives rooted in love, sacrifice and compassion, describing Christmas as a reminder of hope and the triumph of light over darkness. He commended residents for their resilience and support and prayed for a peaceful and prosperous New Year.
Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang described Christmas as a season of reflection, thanksgiving and renewed hope. He called on Christians to pray for enduring peace in the country and for leaders at all levels, specifically urging prayers for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for wisdom, good health and divine guidance.
Collectively, the leaders emphasised that the Christmas season should inspire Nigerians to strengthen unity across ethnic and religious lines, show compassion to one another and work together for peace and national progress.
Post comments (0)