Christmas: FCT Minister implores Christians to pray for leaders, progress of Nigeria

The FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Bello, has implored Christians to use the occasion of Christmas to pray for Nigeria and her leaders at all levels for peace, progress and stability of the country.

Bello made the call in his Christmas message on Saturday in Abuja, and felicitated residents of the FCT, especially Christians on the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ.

He also enjoined Christians in the territory to use the occasion to reflect and rededicate themselves to the virtues of love, unity and peace, “which are the recurrent themes of the message of Jesus Christ.

“This is especially noteworthy because the FCT was founded on these same virtues of peace and unity, and as residents, we have the responsibility to uphold these virtues.

“As we enjoy the festivities, I wish to assure residents of the continuous commitment of the FCT Administration to ensure the wellbeing and welfare of all.

“The FCT Administration remains especially obligated to ensuring the security of the FCT during the yuletide. I call for the cooperation of residents by assisting security agencies in the discharge of their responsibilities.”

The minister also urged residents to be security conscious and report suspicious acts or persons to security agencies, saying “it is only when we work together that we can overcome our security challenges.

“My dear residents, as you must be aware, we are now confronted with a fourth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“This is characterised with a very sharp rise in the number of positive cases in the territory and across the country, therefore, not the time to be complacent.

“I urge you all to keep safe by abiding by already established COVID-19 prevention protocols of regular hand washing or sanitising, facial covering, maintaining physical distancing and vaccination.”

Bello, who thanked residents for tte continuous prayers and sacrifices toward the development of the FCT, solicited for partnership and support “in the quest of building the FCT of our dream.”