Christmas: Tinubu, Akpabio, govs, others preach message of peace, hope

As Nigerians celebrate Christmas, President Bola Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, governors, and other prominent figures have called on citizens to remain hopeful, emphasizing that the nation is on a path to restoration and progress.

In his Christmas message, President Tinubu highlighted that the season represents the fulfillment of divine prophecy and the triumph of love, peace, and unity.

He encouraged Nigerians to embrace the spirit of the season by renewing their hope and faith in a prosperous future for the country.

The message read: “On this joyous Christmas Day, I extend my heartfelt greetings to Christians across Nigeria and worldwide as we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, as narrated in the Holy scriptures.

‘’Christmas embodies the fulfilment of divine prophecy and symbolises the triumph of love, peace, and unity. It is a poignant reminder that light can emerge even in the darkest times, bringing solace and hope. This belief resonates with people of all faiths. Indeed, God is with us.

“Recent tragic events in Ibadan, Okija, and Abuja deeply sadden us, and our thoughts are with those who continue to suffer from these heartbreaking incidents. We earnestly pray that such misfortunes do not revisit our families and communities and that the lives of innocents are never again cut short.

“I offer my deepest sympathies to the families enduring pain and loss this year, whether from floods, fire, or accidents. May we all find comfort and solace in our faith, the support of loved ones, and the abiding presence of Jesus Christ. Our compassionate and merciful God stands with the weak, the brokenhearted, and the sick.

“As we celebrate this blessed season, let us be mindful of those facing difficulties. They are not far from us—our neighbours, family members, and the people we encounter daily, whether in places of worship, markets, offices, or boardrooms.

“Kindness transcends financial status. Those with modest means and those with abundance need a smile or a word of encouragement.

“With your backing, we can serve our country diligently and strive for prosperity.

“Nigeria is on a promising path of restoration and progress, with every indication pointing toward a bright future. In the spirit of this season, let us renew our hope and belief in a prosperous Nigeria.

“For those travelling during this festive period, I wish you safe journeys. Rest assured, the government is taking all necessary steps to ensure our transportation routes are secure and convenient. We also provide free train services and subsidized road transport costs on 144 routes nationwide to ease your travels.”

Akpabio, Barau urge Nigerians to show love, unity

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.”

Use Christmas to deepen love, harmonious relationship —Oyebanji
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.”

Better days are ahead — Delta gov

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.”

Let’s help the needy, Diri urges Christians
In his Christmas message, Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State tasked Christians and privileged 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.”

Nasarawa acting governor preaches love, peace

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 Christmas

Also 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.”

Fubara preaches peace, unity, development at Christmas

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.

Nigeria ‘ll overcome her challenges, says Bishop Odetoyinbo

The Bishop, Catholic Diocese of Abeokuta, Most Rev. Dr. Peter Olukayode Odetoyinbo, tasked Nigerians to put their hope and trust in God who alone could help out of the present socio-political, economic and religious crisis in the country.

Bishop Odetoyinbo, who gave the admonition in his 2024 Christmas Message to Nigerians, said: “We must identify the vulnerable groups among us who require urgent assistance. Youth employment and empowerment should be top on government agenda so as to give hope to our young people that there is a bright future for them in their fatherland.

“Our message at this Christmas is that God is with us in Nigeria and we should never lose hope in our common pursuit to build a nation where peace and justice shall reign. Nigeria will rise again and it will happen in our time.”

Keep His Commandments, Wike urges faithful

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.”