By IKECHUKWU NNADI
As Christians all over the world celebrate Christmas today, Wednesday, December 25, Governors, political leaders and parties, have called on Nigerians to embrace peace, love and submission to the divine will, in emulation of Jesus Christ’s life and mission on earth.
According to them, it is only in an atmosphere of love, peace and submission to the divine will that Nigerians can live and work together in order to bring about the development and progress that the country needs and everyone desires.
ONDO
In his message, Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa urged residents to spread love, kindness, and generosity at Christmas.
In a statement issued yesterday – Tuesday, December 24 – by his Chief Press Secretary, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, the Governor congratulated the people for witnessing another Christmas celebration and urged them to embrace modesty during the yuletide.
“Christmas is not just a day, but 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 God for His benevolence,” he said.
Expressing gratitude to God for His blessings on Ondo State, which have helped the State to overcome many challenges, the Governor also thanked the people for their support for his one-year administration, urging them to show kindness, generosity and compassion to one another during the festive season.
ENUGU
Similarly, Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has urged Christians to embrace love, peace and unity as they commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ.
The Governor, in a statement released early this morning – Wednesday, December 25 – noted that love, peace and unity are the real essences of Christmas, emphasizing the importance of peaceful coexistence in nation-building.
Mbah noted the economic challenges faced by the country and encouraged Nigerians to extend a hand of love and kindness to one another, especially to those in need.
According to him, his government’s policies will eventually deliver the much-needed succour and economic restoration.
“The message of Christmas speaks to the exigencies of every moment. It enjoins us to show love and empathy to all.
“As Christians across the world celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, may the message of joy inherent in Christmas radiate in our lives and in our dear nation.
“When we imbibe the true message of Christmas – love, peace, and unity – we will see no divisions, but a common thread of humanity,” Mbah said.
The governor added that being an end-of-year festivity, Christmas is often an auspicious time to re-dedicate oneself to peace, patriotism and love.
“I pray that the joy of Christmas be a source of comfort for those who grieve and an eternal flame that lights our path as a nation,” he stated.
EBONYI
For his part, the Governor of Ebonyi State, Francis Nwifuru, urged public officeholders to use the yuletide celebration to extend love and kindness to the less privileged, especially those around them.
In his Christmas message issued yesterday – Tuesday, December 24 – by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS). Mr Monday Uzor, the Governor said the season should characterise love, kindness and generosity.
“This is a season of joy, reflection and gratitude, a time to come together as families, friends, and communities to celebrate the hope and love that this special time of the year represents
“By doing this, we can embody the true spirit of the season by lifting one another and spreading goodwill throughout our dear state.
“Commemorating the birth of Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ reminds us of the power of giving, compassion, and unity,” Nwifuru stressed.
The Ebonyi Governor commended residents on the journey so far, especially their steadfastness in joining him to move Ebonyi forward.
“As we look back on the year, I am filled with pride and gratitude for the resilience and strength of our people.
“Despite the challenges we may face, your dedication, hard work, and unwavering spirit make our state a better place for everyone,” he assured, adding: “It is my fervent wish and prayers that this Christmas will bring peace, happiness, and hope to you and your loved ones.”
ADAMAWA
In his Christmas message, Gov. Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa congratulated Christians on the celebration of this year’s Christmas.
In the message issued yesterday – Tuesday, December 24 – in Yola, the State capital by Humwashi Wonosikou, his Chief Press Secretary Fintiri reminded Christians that Christmas, the birth of Jesus Christ, signified hope and salvation brought to the world in need of redemption.
He said that the world would be a better place if the values and virtues reflected by the birth of Christ, especially the love for one another, were imbibed and practiced faithfully.
“It is with great joy that I send you this message of goodwill and warm greetings during this Christmas season.
“Christmas is a time of rejoicing as Christians all over the world celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. It is an important season in the Christian faith.
“It is also a time to celebrate the most profound messages of Jesus — Love your neighbor as you love yourself. Do unto others as you’d have them do to you,” the Governor said.
Fintiri further urged Christians to reflect on the reason for the season, noting that Christmas is also a time for reflection and renewal of conviction.
“Therefore, during this season, we should re-examine our commitment to the Christian faith and re-dedicate ourselves to a new and fresh relationship with God.
“In our jubilation during the festivities, let us remember that the true spirit of Christmas is peace, love and goodwill to all,” he stated.
Fintiri also called for support from the people, especially in times of economic challenges.
Assuring the people that “the best is yet to come”, he noted that his administration’s commitment to ongoing improvement and progress would be sustained.
“My vision for Adamawa State is centered around repositioning the state and taking it to greater heights,” he said.
KWARA
In his own message, Gov. Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq of Kwara congratulated the Christian community on the celebration of the Christmas festive season.
In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Malam Rafiu Ajakaye, Abdulrazaq said: “The Governor season is a celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, a key event in human history through which a bright light of God was shone to the world.”
He urged the people of Kwara and Nigerians in general to reflect upon the epoch and let the lessons of it guide their lives and interactions with fellow human beings, praying that “everyone has a blessed festive season.”
WIKE
Congratulating Christians on the 2024 Christmas celebrations, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, urged the FCT residents of the territory to submit to the will of God.
Wike, in a statement in Abuja on Tuesday, congratulated residents of the FCT and Nigerians generally for the grace to celebrate another Christmas and called for total rededication to the service of God and submission to His laws and commandments.
The minister, who stressed the need to show love to one another, prayed to God for many more Christmas celebrations in good health.
“Therefore, we should use the occasion of the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ to rededicate ourselves to the service of God and humanity.
“We should also ensure total obedience to the commandments of God.
“Christians in particular should continue to be obedient to the commandments of God as exemplified by Jesus Christ,” Wike said.
According to him, those who follow Jesus and aspire to his kingdom have a perpetual obligation to obey and uphold God’s laws.
APC
The All Progressives Congress (APC), has also extended Christmas greetings to Nigerians, urging them to keep hope alive as the year 2025 promises brighter days.
Mr. Durosinmi Meseko, the Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the APC made the call in a Christmas message he issued on Tuesday in Lokoja.
“This Christmas, let us celebrate the spirit of hope and renewal,” Meseko said. “Let us remain steadfast in our belief that brighter days are ahead.”
“The APC Government has promised to address the challenges confronting the country through its economic reforms, and a tangible impact on the lives of ordinary citizens will manifest in 2025,” he said.
