Amid challenges, Tinubu, govs, others urge unity, resilience at Christmas

• Sympathise with bereaved families, commit to safer roads for travellers
• Akpabio, Barau upbeat on 2025, ask Nigerians to promote peace
• Oyebanji, Abiodun, Makinde preach tolerance, love, vigilance
• Bago, Ododo call for love, forgiveness, tranquility
• Oborevwori, Fayemi optimistic on progress, urge prayers

Nigeria’s leaders have reiterated calls to the citizenry to embrace hope, unity, and peace as Christians across the country join their counterparts globally in celebrating Christmas today.

From President Bola Tinubu to state governors, they urged a reflection on the true essence of the season, advocating love, kindness, and solidarity. Despite the country’s challenges, they emphasised the importance of maintaining hope, fostering unity, and extending compassion to those in need.

The leaders also expressed sympathy for the families affected by recent tragedies and asked for prayers for the nation’s progress and prosperity in the year ahead.

President Bola Tinubu pleaded with Nigerians not to lose hope, stating that the country is on a promising path of restoration and progress, with every indication pointing toward a bright future.

The President also expressed his sympathy for the families of those who lost their loved ones during the palliative distribution stampedes in some cities across the country.

In his Christmas message, President Tinubu said the season embodies the fulfilment of divine prophecy and symbolises the triumph of love, peace, and unity.
He urged Nigerians, in the spirit of the season, to renew their hope and belief in a prosperous country.

The message partly 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, fires, 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.” The President urged Nigerians to use the occasion to honour the troops who risk their lives to safeguard the country, adding, “They deserve our prayers and steadfast support.”

He further called for support and prayers for the nation’s leaders, saying, “With your backing, we can serve our country diligently and strive for prosperity.”

Continuing, the President said: “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 subsidised road transport costs on 144 routes nationwide to ease your travels.

“Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a joyous and prosperous New Year.” Senate President Godswill Akpabio called on Nigerians to use the season to foster peace, love, and unity across the nation.

In a message signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Eseme Eyiboh, Akpabio described the festive period as a time for celebration and an opportunity for reflection and gratitude. He urged Nigerians to embrace the spirit of the season by spreading love, kindness, and generosity while extending support to those in need.

“Let us remember those in need and offer a helping hand as much as possible,” Akpabio said, highlighting the essence of Christmas as a celebration of peace, love, and unity.

The Senate President noted that the birth of Jesus Christ symbolises peace, love, and generosity, adding that the occasion should inspire joy and gratitude.

“This special time of the year is a moment for reflection, gratitude, and celebration,” he remarked. Akpabio extended warm wishes to Nigerians, assuring them of his prayers for God’s blessings in the coming year .

“On behalf of my family, constituents, the Senate, and indeed the National Assembly, I wish you all a joyous and merry Christmas,” he said. He concluded with a prayer for peace, prosperity, and abundant blessings in the new year.

Deputy Senate President Barau Inuwa Jibrin called on Nigerians to intensify prayers for peace, unity, and economic growth as the nation prepares for 2025.

In a goodwill message signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ismail Mudashir, Barau congratulated Christians on the festive season and urged them to reflect on the teachings of Jesus Christ. He emphasised the importance of fostering love, unity, and hope for a better Nigeria.

The senator, who also serves as the First Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, expressed optimism about the 2025 budget recently presented to the National Assembly by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He described the budget as a potential game-changer for the nation’s economic growth and development, provided it is effectively implemented.

Barau assured Nigerians that the National Assembly is committed to proper oversight of ministries, departments, and agencies to ensure the budget’s successful execution.

“This year has presented us with challenges, but it has also demonstrated our resilience, courage, and determination as a people,” Barau said. He called on citizens to remain hopeful and steadfast in the pursuit of a brighter and more prosperous Nigeria, adding that leaders are dedicated to delivering democratic dividends and fostering peace, security, and development.

Barau also encouraged Christians to embody the teachings of Christ during the season, highlighting the values of humility, compassion, and service to others.

For his part, Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji called on the people of the state and Nigerians to use the Christmas season to foster love and harmonious relationships and build a better society.

In a message issued by his Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode, Oyebanji congratulated residents of Ekiti State for witnessing another Christmas and emphasised the importance of the season as a time for sober reflection and prayers for sustained peace and development in the state and the country.

The governor described the birth of Jesus Christ as a moment of divine favour, symbolising God’s gift of the Prince of Peace to the world. He urged the people to embrace love, sacrifice, tolerance, humility, compassion, and care for the distressed, which are central to Christ’s teachings.

He noted that Christmas should not be limited to eating, drinking, and merriment. It should also serve as a time for individuals to reassess their relationship with God and extend kindness and support to others.

“As we rejoice at this momentous occasion, the true essence of the season must not be lost on us,” Oyebanji said. “This is a time to reflect on the birth of Jesus Christ and its significance, deepening love among ourselves and strengthening harmonious relationships.”

The governor urged Christians to embody the teachings of Christ by living in peace with adherents of other faiths and exemplifying virtues such as humility, tolerance, perseverance, and compassion.

He also called on the Christian community and all residents of Ekiti State to continue praying for his administration’s success in realising its vision of Shared Prosperity for the overall benefit of the people.

Oyebanji’s Ogun State counterpart, Governor Dapo Abiodun extended his greetings to Christians, urging Nigerians to remain optimistic about the future despite the current economic challenges.

In a Christmas message to the people of the state, Abiodun expressed confidence that there is light at the end of the tunnel for all Nigerians. He called on residents to foster tolerance and understanding, irrespective of religious differences, to promote harmony and sustainable peace.

The governor emphasised the importance of rededicating efforts towards the growth and development of Nigeria, urging all citizens to embrace patriotism and contribute to the nation’s progress.

Abiodun also highlighted the positive impact of the initiatives introduced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, noting that these measures have begun to yield favourable outcomes, with signs of recovery in the economy.

He further outlined the proactive steps his administration has taken to address rising inflation, including the distribution of palliatives, the conversion to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), the introduction of electric-powered bicycles, and various forms of support for farmers in Ogun State.

Reaffirming his commitment to prioritising projects that benefit the people, the governor assured that the living standards of Ogun residents would remain elevated.

“As we celebrate this special season in moderation, let us remember that the current economic challenges are temporary and that a brighter future lies ahead,” Abiodun said. “We must support all the reforms undertaken by President Tinubu to revitalise our economy and ensure prosperity. The positive impacts of these reforms are already visible across all sectors.”

In Oyo State, Governor Seyi Makinde extended his Christmas greetings to Christians in the state, urging them to use the festive season to pray for the state and Nigeria and spread love among the people.

In his Christmas message to residents, Makinde expressed sympathy for those mourning, particularly the families affected by the recent stampede, and prayed for God’s comfort and strength.

The governor encouraged residents to celebrate responsibly, emphasising the importance of crowd control measures and the involvement of security agencies when necessary. He also called on citizens to remain vigilant during the yuletide period, urging them to report suspicious activities to security agencies through the State Emergency Number 615.

“I wish all Christians and residents of Oyo State a Merry Christmas. Christmas presents another opportunity to spread love and make supplications for our state and our country,” Governor Makinde said.

He added, “Let us remember those mourning the loss of their children in the recent stampede and pray for God’s consolation. I urge residents to be observant and vigilant, reporting any suspicions to security agencies. As we always say, if you see something, say something, and the government will do something.”

From the north of the country, Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago emphasised that humanity, forgiveness, and genuine love are the core values of the Christmas celebration, urging Christians to show true love to all and uphold prayers for Nigeria.

In a Christmas and New Year message issued to journalists in Minna by his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, Governor Bago described the season as a time for sober reflection on God’s faithfulness to mankind and a chance to foster positive change in society.

The governor congratulated Christians in the state and worldwide on the Christmas celebration, calling on all residents to continue praying for the peace and prosperity of Niger State and Nigeria as a whole. He also urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious individuals or activities to security agencies to ensure the safety and well-being of the community.

Looking ahead to the New Year, Governor Bago called on citizens to strengthen their faith in God and maintain good relationships with others in 2025. Bago reaffirmed his commitment to the “New Niger” agenda of his administration, which focuses on improving the socio-economic well-being of the citizens. He prayed for a prosperous and fulfilling year ahead for all.

Similarly, Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo extended his Christmas greetings to the people of the state, calling for unity, peace, and a sense of community as the state continues its progress.

Ododo highlighted the importance of love and sharing during the festive season, urging citizens to strengthen the bonds that unite the state, transcending barriers of ethnicity, religion, and political affiliations. He encouraged residents to embrace the spirit of togetherness and work towards building a peaceful and prosperous future for the state.

Meanwhile, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori sent a message of hope, unity, and goodwill to the people of the state. In a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, the governor reflected on the deeper meaning of the season beyond the festivities.

Oborevwori extended his warm wishes to Deltans and Nigerians as they marked the birth of Jesus Christ, emphasising that Christmas is a time for embracing love, peace, and harmony. He called on citizens to set aside divisions and focus on the collective progress of the nation.

“Christmas is not just a time for merriment; it is a season of reflection and renewal,” Governor Oborevwori said, urging Deltans to embody the virtues of love and selflessness demonstrated by Jesus Christ in their daily lives. He also encouraged Christians to use the occasion to pray for a more peaceful and united Delta and Nigeria.

The governor acknowledged the challenges facing the country but expressed confidence that with collective prayers, determination, and hard work, the nation could overcome these obstacles and emerge stronger. He reassured Deltans of his administration’s commitment to improving their welfare and highlighted the progress made in the state, particularly in terms of peace, which he noted is essential for sustainable development.

Also, the immediate-past Governor of Ekiti State and former Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), Dr Kayode Fayemi, extended warm Christmas and New Year wishes to Nigerians, urging them to remain hopeful and committed to building a better nation despite the challenges of the past year.

In a message released by his media office, Fayemi described the season as a period for hope, renewal, and reflection. He acknowledged the economic difficulties, security concerns, and social challenges that have tested the nation’s resilience, commending Nigerians for their strength and enduring spirit.

“The past year has tested our national resilience,” Fayemi noted. “Yet, amid these challenges, the resourcefulness and enduring spirit of Nigerians have continued to shine brightly.” He encouraged citizens to embrace the values of love, compassion, and sacrifice symbolised by Christmas, urging them to support the vulnerable and be their brother’s keeper during this period and beyond.

Fayemi called for renewed faith in Nigeria’s ability to overcome its challenges, citing historical instances where the nation triumphed against adversity through unity and determination. He also urged federal and state governments to prioritise the welfare of citizens, advocating bold leadership, innovative thinking, and flexibility in policy implementation to address the nation’s pressing issues.

“The coming year presents us with an opportunity to reset and rebuild,” he stated. “While the challenges are significant, our capacity as a nation to overcome them should not be underestimated.”

Fayemi appealed to Nigerians to let the spirit of Christmas—love, giving, and hope—guide their actions throughout the year, calling for compassion and support for the less fortunate.

“I wish all Nigerians a peaceful Christmas celebration and a New Year filled with hope and possibilities. May the coming year bring relief to our people and progress to our nation,” he added.