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•Jonathan, Akpabio, Kalu, govs, other greet Nigerians
From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja, Femi Folaranmi, Yenagoa, Lukman Olabiyi
As Nigerians join the rest of the world to celebrate Christmas, President Bola Tinubu has declared that with the strength of joint endeavour, Nigerians would emerge into a new dawn of prosperity, peace and irreversible progress.
According to him, Christmas is a time to look out for each other because, amidst the festivities, “this time of year for many will be tinged with sadness: some mourning the loss of loved ones and others grieving the hopes that failed to materialise and the dreams that fell short.”
He called on Nigerians to also let the multiple acts of their kindness serve as light into a happy and prosperous New Year.
“In the spirit of Christmas, reflecting the best of Christ, let us all endeavour to extend the warm embrace of kindness to those around us who need it and let the multiple acts of kindness serve as a light that guides us into a happy and wonderful new year.
“This year has been a time of transformation and relentless change in our country. And I am aware that the necessary reforms we are implementing to achieve a more prosperous, peaceful nation for all have imposed unique sacrifices.
“My administration will continue to implement palliative measures to ease the burden on the most vulnerable, address current hardships and alleviate the suffering of all our nation’s people.’’
He, however, tasked Nigerians to continue to have confidence in the administration’s commitments to govern with vision, dedication and empathy.
“Christmas is a special time of the year for all of us. For Christians, this time of the year marks the birth of Jesus Christ and celebrates the hope and redemption that are the hallmarks of Christ’s life.
“For people of all faiths, this is an opportunity to enjoy the company of family, celebrate life, and delight in the gifts of love and friendship that make life worthwhile.’’
The president did not also leave out a thought for the men and women of the nations’ armed forces fighting to secure the country.
‘’As you celebrate this season, please spare a moment of remembrance and prayer for the men and women of our nation’s armed forces, bearing arms in our names and ensuring our safety.
‘’May God protect them and bring them back to their families.’’
Tinubu also prayed for the repose of the fallen heroes in the service of the fatherland, adding, “May God bless their souls and comfort their families and loved ones.’’
Akpabio: Nigerians’ sacrifice not in vain
Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, admonished Nigerians to remain steadfast and hopeful regardless of the hard times.
He expressed optimism that the pains Nigerians were going through, occasioned by a series of socio-economic upheavals, shall manifest in positive outcomes through the visionary development architecture of the current national leadership.
He urged the Christian faithful to “pray and be hopeful because with the birth of Jesus Christ, who is the symbol of hope, love and redemption, Nigeria will also overcome its current challenges.”
According to Akpabio, Christmas calls for deep reflection on the teachings of Jesus Christ, which are anchored on love for neighbours, peaceful coexistence and loyalty to constituted authorities.
“As you celebrate, I urge you not only to merry but also continue to pray for our dear country, Nigeria, and our leaders.”
He advised Nigerians not to give up on their leaders. “I am confident that with your prayers and support, the current administration will wipe away our tears in no distant time.”
Jonathan preaches love, unity
Former president, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, urged Christians to exhibit love, peace, humility and sacrifice as they celebrate. He noted that the birth of Jesus Christ marks a new beginning and a new destiny for all believers, as it serves as the fulfillment of many prophecies about the coming of the Saviour who will save us from sin and other difficulties.
He enjoined the citizens to “make the most of this season to rebuild our country by showing love to our neighbours and upholding moral principles that will deepen the thread that binds us together as a people.”
According to him, the story of Christmas is an inspiring one and the celebration should reawaken faith in God and in Nigeria as a nation.
“To all citizens, this period should serve as a moment to reawaken our faith in God and our country and live with the assurance that despite our challenges, we can surmount them through our shared acts of love and faith.
“Let us make the most of this season to rebuild our country by showing love to our neighbours and upholding moral principles that will deepen the thread that binds us together as a people.
“Let us utilise this opportunity to provide hope to those in need and take steps that will contribute to advancing our nation’s progress.’’
Look forward to a New Nigeria despite adversity – Obi
Former governor of Anambra State and presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Mr. Peter Obi, has urged Nigerians to use the season of Christmas to appreciate God’s mercy on them as a country.
In a Christmas message on his X-handle platform, Obi noted that the people were going through immense hardship but should not allow it to stop them from using the season to appreciate God for his numerous blessings.
He said: “My Dear compatriots,
I wish you all a Merry Christmas as you join the Christendom to celebrate the anniversary of Jesus Christ. “This season epitomises love, peace, and joy for all mankind. These are values and longings that unify our common humanity in a feast of love.
“This is why I wish to share the spirit of this season with all our compatriots irrespective of station, circumstance, and persuasion.
“I fully appreciate the difficulties of these times in our dear country.
“The hardship in the country and the biting effects of government policies and poor governance have dampened the hopes of most Nigerians.
“The difficulties and challenges of this moment should not, however, hinder us from appreciating the essence of our creation and the importance of seeking God’s mercy at all times.” Obi said the current setbacks should not stop Nigerians as a people from aspiring to overcome present difficulties and realise the full potentials of the blessed country.
The former governor, therefore, enjoined Christians to use the great feast to offer special supplications to God for the country.
He said they could have the opportunity of joining others in the global community to give thanks to God for the abundant gifts he lavished on them as a nation.
Obi said as leaders, they must embrace the spirit of the season which emphasised charity.
“For leaders, charity underlines compassion for the people in their present hardship.
“For us as a people, charity means sharing with our neighbors and the less privileged, our material blessings,” he said.
Kalu harps on nationhood
Former Governor of Abia State and Chairman, Senate Committee on Privatisation, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, urged Nigerians to embrace peace and unity. The former governor in his Christmas and end of year message, called on the political class to work for the growth and progress of the people.
While stressing the imperative of unity as a panacea for development, Kalu noted that Nigeria’s diversity should be explored for nation building, adding that the country is blessed with human capital and natural resources.
“I join other Nigerians in celebrating yet another Christmas and end of year festivities. No doubt, like every other country, it has been a challenging year but there are still many reasons for us to celebrate as a nation.
“The country will wax strong if all and sundry play their respective roles with patriotism.
“Let us support people at the helm of affairs at various levels of government in a bid to build a prosperous nation.
“The holiday period should be used for sober reflection as individuals and as a nation for a brighter tomorrow.
“We should use this special season to offer prayers for leaders at the national, sub- national and local government levels. “Together, we can build the nation of our dreams.”
Kalu wished Nigerians a hitch-free and fulfilling holiday.
Mbah preaches love, pledges to lead by example
Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State urged Nigerians to live in love, peace, and togetherness in order to advance the country.
He also reaffirmed his dedication to create a new Enugu State, stressing that his goals included leading an Enugu State where love, peace, and unity are paramount, in addition to eradicating poverty and growing the state’s economy sevenfold to $30 billion.
He made the call in his goodwill message to the people of the State and Nigerians at Christmas, reminding the Christian faithful and the nation that the true meaning of Christmas is love—the reason God sent His only begotten Son to be born as man for the redemption of humankind.
“Love is the reason for Christmas, as we celebrate the height of love wherein God sent His only begotten son, Jesus Christ, to be born as man for our salvation.
“Thus, as we commemorate His birth, let us likewise imbibe and exemplify the values of love, peace, harmony, selflessness, and being our brother’s keeper, as Christ had shown us by example.
“We can only create the Enugu State of our dreams and advance the country by sincerely pursuing these virtues”, he stated.
To the people of Enugu, Mbah said: “Rest assured of our commitment to not only grow the state’s economy from the present $4.4 billion to $30 billion, eradicate poverty from our state, and indeed make it the premier destination for business, investment, tourism, and living, but also to be governor for all and lead a state where love, peace, and unity are paramount.
“It is not lost on us that the latter are conditions precedent for achieving the much needed transformation and progress. And on these, we will lead by example.”
Sanwo-Olu preaches peace, compassion
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has rejoiced with residents of the state, particularly Christian faithful as they celebrate this year’s Christmas, which marks the birth of Jesus Christ.
Governor Sanwo-Olu in his Christmas message issued on Sunday by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, implored Nigerians, especially Christians to embrace peace, harmony and tolerance in line with the teachings of Jesus Christ.
Sanwo-Olu also urged Lagos residents not to lose hope due to the challenging times in the state and the country at large, charging them to continue to trust in God and have faith in the good intentions of the current administration.
He urged Christians to emulate the life of Jesus Christ by making tolerance, meekness, sacrifice and humility their virtues, in line with the teachings and practice of Jesus Christ during his lifetime.
“As we celebrate Christmas, I am extending my best wishes to every Lagosian and Nigerians, particularly Christians across the State, Nigeria and other parts of the world.
“Christmas marks the birth of Jesus Christ. So, we must not forget the true essence of the season, which is to reflect on the birth of Jesus and its significance to mankind. We should seize the opportunity of the celebration to strengthen our love for one another by being kind and generous to the people around us.
“As we mark this year’s Christmas, I want to urge Lagos residents, particularly Christian faithful, to continue to live in peace and harmony with believers of other faiths. We should emulate virtues of humility, tolerance, perseverance and compassion as exemplified by Jesus Christ, whose birth we are celebrating this season.”
Diri urges Bayelsans to promote peace, brotherliness
Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, implored people of the state to foster peace, joy and brotherliness as they celebrate Christmas.
Governor Diri, who gave the counsel in his Christmas message during the state-organised carol programme Christened “Festival of Nine Lessons” at the Gabriel Okara Cultural Centre, Yenagoa, assured that his government would continue to build on the legacies of peace and love that it has been preaching.
On the outcome of the last governorship election in the state, Diri noted that his overwhelming victory was according to the wishes of the people and again expressed his administration’s appreciation to the electorate in the state.
“Your government of prosperity will continue to spread the message of love, peace, unity, hope and build a brighter future for our dear state that all of us have desired even before its creation.
“I pray and extend my warm wishes for a merry Christmas and a better 2024.
“At all times, we must proclaim the superiority of Jesus Christ. There is no power on earth that can unseat the real governor of Bayelsa, who is Jesus Christ. We surrendered the state to Him and proclaimed that the way we came in, it was because He wanted us to be here. He again showed His superiority on November 11.”
In a sermon, Archbishop Winning Willy Bunting said Christmas represents love, giving and receiving of gifts as well as the return to invaluable values.
Archbishop Bunting admonished people not to get depressed or over-burden themselves during this season because of yet to be achieved goals at the end of the year.
