Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has called for the sustenance of unity, love and charity, among members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, saying these are the traits of the political family.

Speaking at the party’s maiden Christmas Carol of Five Lessons at its secretariat in Ogba, Ikeja, Sanwo-Olu also urged party members to maintain what he described as the resilience of the chapter.

At the event themed: “Endless thanksgiving” were Chief of Staff Tayo Ayinde, who represented the governor, wife of the governor, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, wife of the deputy governor, Mrs Oluremi Hamzat, Secretary to Government, Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, APC National Youth Leader Dayo Israel, royal fathers, top government functionaries, members of the Lagos State House of Assembly, members of the State Executive Council, and religious and ethnic leaders.

Sanwo-Olu charged Lagosians to be optimistic and committed to the growth and development of the state.

He said: “This is the maiden edition of Christmas carol organised by the party; the first of its kind. We have every reason to be thankful for what God has used our party to achieve at the centre, state and local government.

“As we come together in unity and love, let us remind ourselves and surround ourselves with the theme of endless thanksgiving. It could not have been by human power, but by the grace of God. The journey of the APC is by resilience and we should also remember the value that binds us.

“As a fellowship in the spirit of the season, let us remember our father and leader, the president of the country, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.

“Let us continue to pray to God to continue to guide him on the path of progress and prosperity for the country. As we look back to challenges of the past, let us be grateful for the lesson learnt and our thanksgiving should not be confining to the past.

“Let us approach the coming year with optimism and commitment to growth. As we express our endless thanksgiving, let us continue to work for the growth of our state and the nation. We are in the season of thanksgiving and praise worshiping. I will like you to join me in praising the most High God.”

The party chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, charged members to be resolute and remain hopeful in the Lord and the ruling APC.

“Today, we have come before the Lord to thank him for being alive as 2023 winds down. We in APC, particularly in Lagos State, appreciate the goodness and mercy of the Lord over our party in the last general election. We don’t take this victory for granted.

“We do not see the grace the Lord gave us as our making. It is only God. I welcome you to this gathering where we bid 2023 goodbye and welcome the New Year 2024.

At the event, the first Bible reading was taken from the Book of Genesis 3:1-12, while the second Bible reading reflecting the essence of the birth of Jesus Christ was read by Salu-Hundeyin, a lawyer.

The third reading from Mathew 1:18-25 was taken by the Senior Special Adviser to the president on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Princess Orelope Adefulire, and was represented by Ajoke Obe, vice chairman, Agbado Oke-Odo Council.

First Lady of Lagos State, Mrs Sanwo-Olu read from Luke 2:8-20.

The last and fifth reading, taken from John 1:1-14, was taken by the former deputy governor of Lagos State, Prince Abiodun Ogunleye.