The Vice President, Kashim Shettima, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Ogun Governor, Dapo Abiodun, Borno Governor, Babagana Zulum and Labour Party President Candidate, Peter Obi have warmly messaged Nigerians especially Christian faithful on the occasion of this year’s Chrtistmas celebrations.
Christmas is a special time of the year for all, especially Christians, it is a time of the year which 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.
This is also 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.
The Vice President in his message congratulated fellow Nigerians especially Christian faithful on the occasion of this year’s Chrtistmas celebrations, saying that beyond its religious significance, Christmas has evolved into a cultural and global celebration, fostering joy, gift-giving, and festive traditions.
Shettima urged all Nigerians to close ranks in the spirit of the season and join efforts in the development of this dear country. “Indeed, our country shall be great again. Let’s remain hopeful and support leaders at all levels to help transform our great country”.
Lagos State Governor, Sanwo-Olu extended his warmest wishes to every Lagosian and Nigerian, especially Christians, telling them to remember the true essence of this season which is reflecting on the birth of Jesus and spreading kindness and generosity.
He appealed to everyone to live in harmony and peace with believers of all faiths this Christmas while urging them to embody the virtues of humility, tolerance, compassion, just as Jesus Christ taught his people.
According to him, “In these challenging times, I emphasize the importance of hope and faith. Trust in God and have faith in the intentions of our administration.
He assured Lagos residents of a safe and joyful celebration. “Go about your activities without fear; our administration has taken proactive security measures for a peaceful Christmas. Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas filled with love and unity”.
Ogun State Governor, while on behalf of his family, wished each and every one a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year in advance said in the State, his committed Government is diligently working to enhance the quality of life for his wonderful citizens.
He said, “As we approach the upcoming year, our dedication to this cause remains resolute. We are eagerly determined to continue our efforts, striving for progress and development within our beloved state.
Abiodun noted that during this festive season, it is important to celebrate in a spirit of moderation and uphold the laws that govern the citizens, also called to join hands together in ensuring that joy, merriment are accompanied by responsible behavior and a deep respect for one another.
In his message, Zulum, the Borno Governor felicitated with Christian brothers and sisters in the State at the Christmas celebration while called to also remember the history and how the State have been tested by the challenges that confronted it, especially since 2009.
He said, “The security challenges we faced affected us as citizens, regardless of our faith. Boko Haram attacked mosques and churches as well as communities, killing Muslims and Christians at various times, rendered many homeless across the north, south and central parts of the State.
Zulum noted that as Governor, he has on numerous occasions paid humanitarian and reconstruction visits to diverse communities of all faiths in the south, north and central parts of the state because the attacks by insurgents mostly did not take religion into account.
“Everyone who did not share the Boko Haram ideology was a target, regardless of whether the victim was a Muslim or Christian. We’ve worked hard to rebuild, resettle communities with the consideration of fairness to the most affected portions of our 27 local government areas.
He pointed out that some people who in recent times are trying to undermine the core values and the religious tolerance that exist across the State. “These few persons appear to ignore the truth that in Borno State, there are families with mixture of Muslim, Christian members, sometimes from same parents, yet living together in harmony.
Zulum appealed to the citizens to resist any attempt to divide them along religious lines, especially now that Borno is on the part of economic recovery and growth, pledged not to be distracted and to remain fair with the guiding principle of considering the urgency of humanitarian needs across the State.
Also, the former Governor of Anambra State and the 2023 Labour Party Presidential Candidate, Peter Obi who acknowledged the difficulties of these times in the country, said hardship, the biting effects of the bad govt policies and poor governance dampened hopes of most Nigerians.
He added that the difficulties and challenges of this moment should not however hinder Nigerians from appreciating the essence of their creation and the importance of seeking God’s mercy at all times. “Current setbacks must not stop us from aspiring to overcome present difficulties and realize full potential of our blessed country”, he said.
Obi therefore enjoined Nigerians to use this great feast to offer special supplications to God for the country so as to have the opportunity of joining others in the global community to give thanks to God for the abundant gifts he lavished on the country.
“As leaders, we must embrace the spirit of this season which emphasizes charity. For leaders, charity underlines compassion for the people in their present hardship. For us as a people, charity means sharing with our neighbours and the less privileged our material blessings”, he said.