Ambode preaches goodwill, love at Christmas

• Imbibe tolerance, sacrifice, Speaker tells Nigerians

Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, yesterday urged Nigerians to use the Christmas season to extend love and kindness to all mankind, especially the less privileged in society.

Ambode said the love, care, selflessness and compassion, especially for the weak, vulnerable and less privileged that Jesus Christ represents was the real essence of the season, adding that his message to everyone is to put smiles on the faces of people who could not afford to return favours.

His words: “Christmas is a season that explains the depth of God’s love for mankind and exemplary sacrifice that we should emulate in our relationship with our neighbours, irrespective of status and creed. This season is another opportunity to increase our acts of kindness and touch the less privileged.“Therefore, this Christmas means so much more than just mere merriment. It is an avenue to extend love to the less privileged in several ways.

“In this special season, therefore, I urge you all to spread love and be your brother’s keeper. Let us reach out to those who struggle to provide for their families. Let us put smiles on the faces of the weak and vulnerable. This is the real essence of Christmas.”

While commending Lagos residents for the peaceful atmosphere in the state over the years, he urged them to emulate Jesus Christ and continue to pray for continued peace and harmony in the state.

Meanwhile, Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa has urged Nigerians, particularly Christians, to imbibe the spirit of love, tolerance, and sacrifice which made the life of Jesus Christ worthy of emulation.

Obasa, who is also Chairman, Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria, in his Christmas message issued yesterday by his Chief Press Secretary, Musbau Rasak, stated that these qualities were essential for the country’s growth and development.“Jesus Christ was an embodiment of peace, love, tolerance and sacrifice in his lifetime, hence he is revered and adored throughout the world. For us to be great as a nation, we must not only imbibe these qualities, but we must also put them into practice,” the statement added.