As Christmas bells rang across Nigeria, leaders and institutions seized the moment to spread messages of hope, unity, and love, emphasizing the season’s deeper meaning beyond festivities. From governors to private organizations, the yuletide brought calls for reflection, acts of kindness, and faith in the country’s collective progress.
Wike: A Call for Devotion to God’s Laws
In Abuja, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike urged residents to rededicate themselves to the service of God and adherence to His laws. Reflecting on the birth of Christ, Wike, through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media, Lere Olayinka, stated, “Since Jesus Christ, whose birth is the reason for Christmas, obeyed the commandments of God, Christians must also keep these commandments by showing love to people around us and teaching others to do the same.”
Wike expressed optimism that Nigeria’s situation would improve under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which he believes will usher in better opportunities and prosperity.
Obaseki: Unity, Love, and Reflection
Former Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki extended his Christmas greetings, calling it a time to reflect on the teachings of Jesus Christ. “As we all celebrate, let’s continue to spread the message of unity, love, and peaceful co-existence as demonstrated by Jesus Christ. I wish you all a Merry Christmas,” Obaseki said.
He encouraged Nigerians to embrace the season’s spirit by fostering harmony among diverse groups in the country.
Bauchi State: Inclusivity Through Generosity
In Bauchi, the state government distributed food items worth millions of naira to Christian communities to support their celebrations. Abdon Dalla Gin, Chairman of the Standing Committee for Distribution, said the gesture underscores Governor Bala Mohammed’s commitment to fostering inclusivity.
“The items include 77 bulls, 139 rams, over 1,500 bags of rice, and 178 jerry cans of vegetable oil,” Gin revealed while addressing journalists. He also called on beneficiaries to reciprocate the government’s goodwill by supporting its policies and programs.
Governor Bago: Prayers for Peace
Niger State Governor Mohammed Bago urged citizens to pray for peace across Nigeria during the festive season. “Through prayers and love for one another, Niger State and Nigeria will achieve their full potential,” Bago said in a statement delivered by his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim.
The governor also emphasized the need for kindness and neighborly love, reflecting the teachings of Jesus Christ.
Otu: Gratitude Amid Challenges
Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu expressed gratitude to citizens for their support despite Nigeria’s economic challenges. In his Christmas message, Otu acknowledged that hardships were not unique to his state but affected families nationwide.
He reaffirmed his administration’s alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda, promising to continue efforts to improve lives.
Delta State’s Sheriff Oborevwori: A Season of Renewal
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State called for deeper reflection on Christmas’s significance. “Christmas is not just a time for merriment; it is a season of reflection and renewal,” he said in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon.
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Oborevwori urged Nigerians to set aside divisions and embrace love, peace, and harmony for the collective progress of the country.
Omo-Agege: Signs of Economic Recovery
Despite economic difficulties, former Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege remained optimistic about Nigeria’s recovery. “The recent reforms may have caused hardship, but we are already witnessing positive gains, including improved growth rates,” Omo-Agege noted in his Christmas message.
He encouraged Nigerians to hold on to hope and continue supporting government efforts toward economic prosperity.
Fubara: Extending Generosity to Civil Servants
Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara urged citizens to embrace peace and unity while approving a N100,000 Christmas bonus for civil servants and pensioners. “This token is to ensure that everyone has a fulfilled Christmas celebration,” Fubara announced in his message from Port Harcourt.
Northern Senators Forum: Promoting Harmony
The Northern Senators Forum, led by Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar’adua, highlighted the importance of love and unity in building a prosperous Nigeria. “By embracing these virtues, we can promote understanding among Nigerians, irrespective of their ethnic or religious backgrounds,” Yar’adua stated.
The forum also encouraged acts of kindness, urging citizens to help the less fortunate during the festive season.
EFCC’s Olukoyede: Fighting Corruption with Christ’s Virtues
Ola Olukoyede, Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), linked the teachings of Christ to the fight against corruption. “The light, joy, and hope Christ brought to the world inspire us toward zero tolerance for corruption,” he stated in Abuja.
The EFCC boss called on Nigerians to embrace integrity as a path to a greater and better nation.
