AS Nigerians celebrate Christmas Day, President Bola Tinubu, the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio; governors and other notable personalities, yesterday, told citizens not to lose hope, saying the country was on a promising path of restoration and progress, with every indication pointing toward a bright future.
President Tinubu in his Christmas message, said Christmas embodied the fulfilment of divine prophecy and symbolised the triumph of love, peace, and unity.He urged Nigerians in the spirit of the season, to renew their hope and belief in a prosperous country.
On his part, President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, admonished Nigerians to use the occasion of Christmas as an avenue to exude peace, love and unity.
Akpabio, in a Christmas message by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Eseme Eyiboh, said: “In the spirit of the season, I encourage you all to spread love, kindness, and generosity. Let us remember those in need and offer a helping hand as much as possible.“As we gather with family and friends, let us also remember the true essence of Christmas: peace, love, and unity. May these values guide us as we strive to build a better Nigeria for all.”
In his goodwill message, the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, urged citizens to intensify prayers for the country’s peace, unity and progress.
Barau, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ismail Mudashir, said: “I rejoice with the Christian faithful and all Nigerians on this year’s Christmas. This year has presented us with challenges, but it has also shown our resilience, courage and determination as a people.“Let us remain hopeful and steadfast in our collective pursuit for a brighter and more prosperous Nigeria.”
Similarly, Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State urged Nigerians to use the Christmas period to deepen love and harmonious relationship among themselves in order to have a better society.
The governor, in a Christmas message by his Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode, said: “As we rejoice at this momentous occasion, the true essence of the season must not be lost on us.
‘’We should reflect on the birth of Jesus Christ and its significance to mankind. This offers an opportunity to deepen love for ourselves and strengthen our harmonious relationships.“Let us be our brothers’ keepers by showing love and compassion to one another as exemplified our Lord Jesus Christ whose birth we are celebrating this season.”
Also, the Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has urged the people of the state to spread the virtues of love, kindness, and generosity at Christmas.
Governor Aiyedatiwa in a message to the people of the State congratulated them on witnessing another Christmas celebrations, urging them to embrace modesty during the Yuletide season.
“Christmas is not just a day; it is a frame of mind. A good conscience is a continual Christmas. Our celebration must embody the virtues and principles of Christ, for Jesus Christ is the reason for this season.
“This season is a testament to divine goodwill towards mankind, unfolding the great plan of redemption, worship, and praise to the Almighty God for His benevolence,” he said.
Governor Aiyedatiwa expressed gratitude for the blessings God has poured over Ondo State to overcome many challenges. On a reflection on the past year, the Governor thanked the people of the State for their support for his administration which clocks one year this week.Wishing residents a joyous Christmas, the Governor urged them to display the values of kindness, generosity, and compassion during the festive season.
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State, in his message of hope, unity, and goodwill, urged Nigerians to set aside primordial divisions and focus on the collective progress of the country.
Oborevwori in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, said: “Christmas is not just a time for merriment; it is a season of reflection and renewal.“It reminds us of the boundless love and selflessness that Jesus Christ demonstrated during his time on earth.“As we celebrate this season, I urge all Deltans to embody these virtues in their lives by fostering unity, peace, and understanding across our state and the nation.
“Our nation is at a critical juncture. But with collective prayers, determination, and hard work, we can overcome the challenges we face and emerge stronger.”
The governor also reassured the people of Delta State of his administration’s unwavering commitment to actively sustain their welfare.
He said: “My administration is dedicated to pursuing people-oriented policies and programmes that will improve the standard of living for all Deltans.
“As we approach 2025, I assure you of better days ahead. Our focus remains on equitable development, job creation, and fostering an environment where every Deltan can thrive.
“With the collaborative efforts of our government and citizens, we will continue to grow, innovate, and create opportunities for all.”
In his Christmas message, Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State tasked Christians andprivileged individuals to reach out to those who do not have, to enable them celebrate Christmas.
Diri gave the admonition during the state’s 2024 Christmas Carol of Nine Lessons at the DSP Alamieyeseigha Banquet Hall in Yenagoa.
The governor said: “Christians have reason to celebrate the birth of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. I also believe that no matter the hardship and hunger in the country, everyone will have something to eat this season if we learn to share even the little we have.“For those who have, always give to those who do not have. If you are an official of government, please share with those who do not have.
“Everybody cannot reach the governor or the deputy governor. That is why we have over 5,000 appointees and if all of them open their hands, I am sure that 80-90 percent of Bayelsans will have something to eat.”
Similarly, the acting governor of Nasarawa State, Dr Emmanuel Akabe, called on Christians in the state to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ with true peace and love for each other.
Akabe said: “As you are aware, the birth of Jesus Christ symbolizes love, peace and humility for humankind. It is for this reason that Jesus Christ came to this world in the form of man and was born in a manger to salvage us.”
This teaches us to be joyous and share joy amongst Humanity. This period also teaches us to be humble and respect the sanctity of life and respect for one another.”
Mutfwang preaches peace, love at ChristmasAlso in his Christmas message, Governor Caleb Mutfwang in a statement by his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Gyang Bere, urged the people to emulate Christ’s love which brought him to the world to redeem humanity from sin.
He said: “It is with profound joy and gratitude to Almighty God that I extend my warmest greetings and best wishes to you as we celebrate the glorious occasion of Christmas. This sacred season reminds us of God’s boundless love and the hope brought to humanity through the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
“Christmas is a season of love, selflessness, and generosity. It is a time to embrace unity, share with those in need, and renew our commitment to building bridges of understanding and reconciliation. I sincerely pray that this season inspires us to work together for peace, uplift one another, and foster the virtues that strengthen our communities.
“Let us draw inspiration from the spirit of Christmas to remain resilient, hopeful, and united in the pursuit of peace and progress. Together, we can overcome the challenges of today and build a brighter future for Plateau State and Nigeria. Brighter days are indeed ahead.”
Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State, has extended warm Christmas greetings to the people of the state and Nigerians, urging them to embrace peace, unity, and love during the festive season and beyond.
In his Christmas message delivered at Government House, Port Harcourt, yesterday, Fubara congratulated Christians in Rivers State and across the nation as they join the global community in celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ.
He called on citizens to use the occasion for deep reflection, prayer, and commitment to building a more peaceful, united, and progressive society.
The statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, said: “On behalf of my family, the government, and the people of Rivers State, I congratulate all Christians in our state and across the country as they celebrate this year’s Christmas
.“As we commemorate the birth of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, let us reflect on His virtues of love, humility, and selfless service, and apply these values in our lives to foster harmony, mutual respect, and progress.”
Fubara emphasized the importance of peaceful coexistence, particularly in addressing the nation’s current economic and security challenges.
In the same vein, the Minister of Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, urged residents of the nation’s capital, Abuja, to rededicate themselves to the service of God, saying Christian faithful must keep God’s commandments since Jesus Christ whose birth was the reason for Christmas, obeyed them.In a Christmas message signed by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media, Lere Olayinka, the FCT minister said: “Since Jesus Christ whose birth is the reason for the celebration of Christmas obeyed the commandments of God, Christians, too, must keep the commandments, especially by showing love to people around us and teaching others to do the same.“I congratulate all residents of the Federal Capital Territory for the grace of celebrating another Christmas. It is my prayer that the good Lord who made this possible will ensure we all celebrate many more Christmas in good health.“Once again, I also sympathize with families of victims of the recent stampedes in Abuja. I pray that God in His infinite mercies will grant them the fortitude to bear the irreparable losses.“Christians in particular should continue to be obedient to the commandments of God as done by Jesus Christ because He made it very clear that those who follow Him and aspire to His Kingdom have a perpetual obligation to obey and uphold God’s law.”
