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From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
Nigerians have been urged to embrace selfless service and rally with an “all hands on deck” spirit to rebuild shattered trust, fortify national unity, and extend a lifeline to those reeling from the country’s economic and social trials.
Prelate of the Methodist Church Nigeria, His Eminence Oliver Aba, said this during the 2025 Service of Nine Lessons and Carols. Themed “Emmanuel: God With Us,” the third annual event hosted by Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, unfolded under a canopy of twinkling Christmas lights, with the mass choir of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) filling the State House with harmonious carols that blended reverence and festivity.
The evening’s meticulously structured order of service began on a majestic note with the opening Hymn: Once in Royal David’s City, setting a tone of royal humility. This flowed into the Bidding Prayer, invoking divine presence, followed by the jubilant Carol: Ding Dong! Merrily on High, its bells-like melody lifting spirits.
Former Head of State and elder statesman, Yakubu Gowon read the First Lesson from Genesis 3:8-12, recounting humanity’s early encounter with divine accountability. The choir responded with the triumphant Hark! The Herald-Angels Sing, proclaiming the angels’ announcement of Christ’s birth.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, —making his first appearance at a state function in the Villa since President Bola Tinubu’s inauguration—read the Second Lesson from Genesis 22:15-18, emphasising God’s covenant of blessing through obedience. The assembly sang Brightest and Best of the Sons of the Morning, a carol celebrating the star of Bethlehem.
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The procession of readings continued with profound national representation. Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, standing in for Senate President Godswill Akpabio, read the Third Lesson from Isaiah 9:6-7, prophesying the Prince of Peace, after which the choir sang The First Nowell the Angel Did Say. Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, followed with the Fourth Lesson from Isaiah 11:1-4, evoking the righteous reign of the Messiah, paired with the serene Still the Night, Holy the Night!.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, read the Fifth Lesson from Luke 1:26-31, narrating the angel Gabriel’s visit to Mary. This was enriched by dual carols: O Come, O Come Emmanuel and Joy to the World; The Lord is Come, stirring anticipation of salvation.
President of the Court of Appeal, Bolna’an Dongban-Mensem, read the Sixth Lesson from Luke 2:4-7, detailing the humble birth in Bethlehem, as the choir intoned While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks by Night Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (retd), conveyed the Seventh Lesson from Luke 2:10-14, the angels’ joyous proclamation to the shepherds, followed by the tender Cradled in a Manger, Meanly.
Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun presented the Eighth Lesson from Matthew 2:9-12, on the wise men’s guided journey and worship, with the choir’s vibrant Christians, Awake, Salute the Happy Morn, urging awakening to the Savior’s light.
The host of the carol, Oluremi Tinubu, read the Ninth Lesson from John 1:1-14, affirming the Word made flesh dwelling among us. The congregation rose for the resounding Hymn: O Come, All Ye Faithful.
