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Governors, ministers, and lawmakers extended Christmas greetings to Nigerians on Wednesday as they preached peace, unity, and peaceful coexistence.
Taraba State Governor, Dr Agbu Kefas, urged the people to embrace unity, love, and compassion during the festive season.
In a message shared on X (formerly Twitter), the governor reflected on the moral and spiritual significance of Christmas, emphasising the birth and life of Jesus Christ as a demonstration of God’s unconditional love for humanity.
“As we celebrate this special time of year, let us come together in unity – to spread love, kindness, and compassion to those around us,” he said.
The governor expressed optimism for continued progress in the state and urged residents to be a blessing to others and the state as a whole.
Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo, called for peace, love and compassion for the underprivileged during the festivities.
In his message to the people of the state, Ododo described Christmas as a joyous occasion to celebrate boundless love and compassion reminiscent of the life of Jesus Christ.
“This festive season is a time to celebrate love and unity and to reflect on the eternal values of peace, hope, and selfless service that define the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.
“It is a time to reach out to those in need, share the warmth of our hearts, and strengthen the bonds that unite us as a people,” he said.
He commended the people for living together in peace, and for the unwavering spirit of resilience, urging them to strengthen the bonds of love and friendship within families and neighbourhoods.
Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Festus Ahon, reflected on the significance of the season, stressing its deeper meaning beyond the celebrations.
He highlighted Christmas as a time to embrace love, peace, and harmony, and called on everyone to set aside primordial divisions and focus on the collective progress of the country.
“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 daily lives by fostering unity, peace, and understanding across our state and the nation.” the statement read.
Oborevwori urged Christians to pray fervently for a more peaceful and united Delta State and Nigeria.
“With collective prayers, determination, and hard work, we can overcome the challenges we face and emerge stronger,” he said.
Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, in a statement by his spokesperson, Sanusi Dawakin-Tofa, asked Christians in the state to embrace the spirit of mutual respect and peaceful coexistence as they celebrate the festivities.
The governor stressed the need to strengthen the spirit of brotherhood, foster unity, and stimulate love despite diversities, to drive progress in the country.
He reminded residents to reflect on the enduring spirit of humanity, love, honesty, kindness, and forgiveness that Jesus Christ preached and inculcated.
The governor urged residents to continue to support the New Nigerian Peoples Party administration in Kano and dissuade them from any activities that could provoke unrest or security threats in the state.
Governor Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto State called on Christians in the state to use the season to promote the peaceful coexistence the state is renowned for.
In his message to the Christians on the celebration of Christmas, Aliyu said, “Sokoto is known to be peaceful for a very long time and we need to maintain that hard-earned reputation.
“The best way we can achieve that is by contributing our quota individually and collectively, so we all have that responsibility.”
He enjoined Christians in the state to continue to live in peace with their host communities in the overall development of the state.
The Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, has urged residents and Nigerians in general to use the occasion of the Christmas season to reflect on values of love, peace, and unity.
Mahmoud also urged Nigerians to commit to working together to achieve greater progress and opportunities.
In a statement signed by her Special Adviser on Media, Austin Elemue, the minister prayed that the festive season brings Nigerians renewed hope, happiness, and countless blessings.
“This season is a time to reflect on the values of love, peace, and unity that bind us as a community and as a nation.
“Let us use this occasion to show kindness to one another, especially to the less privileged among us, and to strengthen the bond that makes the FCT and our nation a beacon of hope and harmony,” the statement read.
The senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District of Kogi State, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, in a statement, highlighted Christmas as a time for reflection and a reminder of God’s boundless compassion through the gift of His Son.
She said, “Christmas is a time for reflection, hope, and love — a season that reminds us of the boundless compassion of God, who sent His only Son for the salvation of humanity.
“It is an opportunity to strengthen the bonds of unity, peace, and harmony within our homes, communities, and throughout Nigeria.”
She stressed the importance of caring for the underprivileged, displaced, and those facing hardships, as she called on Nigerians to share joy and kindness during the season.
She also prayed for peace, hope, and prosperity for all Nigerians in the coming year.
Also, the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi, in a goodwill message on Wednesday, called on Christian residents in the Kano State to embrace peaceful coexistence for the development of the state and the country at large.
“We want to use this opportunity to congratulate Christian residents in the state on the occasion of the 2024
Christmas and once again call on them and other residents in the state to embrace peaceful coexistence.
“The Holy Quran taught us that religious differences should not be used to cause misunderstanding or crisis.
“Everyone should be allowed to practice his religion, provided he is living peacefully with adherents of other religions.
“So, the religion of Islam preaches peace, so both Christians and Muslims should learn to live peacefully with one another for the sustenance of peace and development of the state,” Sanusi said.
