Abiodun, Olawepo-Hashim preach hope, love, tolerance

Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, and a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, have sent messages of hope, love and tolerance to Nigerians at Christmas, urging Christians and others not to allow the current economic challenges to dampen their spirit, saying there is hope of economic turnaround.

Abiodun, in his Christmas message, yesterday, also urged Nigerians to imbibe the spirits of love, peace, and goodwill.

The governor in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Lekan Adeniran, said the current hardship in the country occasioned by double digit inflation would soon give way as governments at the federal and state levels fashion out ways to ensure economic recovery and improved living conditions for Nigerians.

Abiodun praised the perseverance and the never-say-die spirit of Nigerians, even as he called for more support for the new governments, which were sworn-in on May 29, this year.

He said: “On this joyous occasion of Christmas, I extend my warmest greetings and heartfelt wishes to each and everyone of you. It is a time when we come together to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ and reflect on the values of love, peace, and goodwill.”

Olawepo Hashim, in a statement by his Media Office in Abuja, urged Christians and Nigerians, in the spirit of the season, to uphold the principles of love, tolerance and sacrifice to sustain harmony, progress and advance the cause of humanity.

The politician added that the Christmas season represents joy, peace, hope, love, goodwill, which are very much needed in the country at this time when the nation is confronted with diverse challenges of development.

He said: “I celebrate with the Christian fold and enjoin all of us to remember the essence of Christmas. In the true spirit of the season, let’s show love to our neighbours, kindness to the less-privileged and vulnerable, and tolerance to one another across the lines of faith, politics and ethnicity; in the spirit of the unique sacrifice and teachings of our Lord, Jesus Christ.

“I urge fellow Nigerians to appropriate the hope that comes with Christmas and reinvest trust in God’s ability to restore the lost glory of Nigeria”

He equally admonished Nigerians to reflect on the lessons of the period and emulate Christ by fostering peace and unity in our nation, while also tasking Nigerians on religious tolerance “since it is one way we as citizens can live in peace, harmony and love as taught by Jesus Christ, who is the reason for the season.”