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Christmas: Okowa preaches love, peaceful co-existence as Kwara gov greets Christians

By Godwin Ijediogor, South-South Bureau Chief (Asaba) and Odun Edward (Ilorin)
25 December 2021   |   4:01 am
As Christians commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ, with the celebration of Christmas, Delta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, has urged Christians to offer special prayers during the yuletide for greater peace...

Okowa

As Christians commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ, with the celebration of Christmas, Delta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, has urged Christians to offer special prayers during the yuletide for greater peace, love, unity, peaceful co-existence and progress in the state and the country.

While felicitating with all Deltans and Nigerians, Okowa said Christmas was a season to show love and care for one another, charging Nigerians to use the opportunity offered by the season to enthrone peaceful co-existence across the country.

In a message contained in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Olisa Ifeajika, yesterday, in Asaba, the governor called for an end to all forms of violent crimes, including banditry, kidnapping, terrorism and insurrection that have become commonplace in the country and huge security challenge to governments at all levels and entire citizenry.

He said: “As the world celebrates Christmas, the birth of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, I call on all Christians, and indeed, all Deltans and Nigerians, to reflect on the virtues and teachings of Jesus Christ in their lives and activities, so that Nigeria and the world would be a better place for all of us.”

“I congratulate all Christians for witnessing yet another Christmas season. I advise all of you to use the festive period for sober reflections and total spiritual renewal and devotion towards living in peace and harmony with adherents of other religions.

“I must emphasis that peaceful co-existence and understanding among citizens are essential in the face of the prevailing security and economic challenges in the country.”

Okowa stressed that Christmas is not just a time to engage in merry-making, but also a time to reach out to the less-privileged in society, in line with the wish and teachings of Jesus Christ, adding: “The period presents opportunity for us to return to God and be steadfast in promoting the virtues of Christ, which are love, peace and harmony in all our endeavours.

“It is my sincere hope and assurance that the New Year, 2022, which beckons, will usher in more progress, greater prosperity and enduring fulfillment for all.

His Kwara State counterpart, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq congratulated the Christian community in the state, praying God to make the festive period a joyful one for all.

In a statement issued in Ilorin on Friday, the Governor said the season brings back good memories of God’s faithfulness and love for all, irrespective whatever cleavages.

He said, “I join our brethren in the celebration of the season, while praying God to make it a joyous one for everyone,” the Governor said.

“Christ, the reason for the season, embodies peace, love for all, charity, goodness, equity and justice, and absolute belief in God. It is my appeal that we are all guided by these great qualities in our relationship with one another as members of the same family under God.”

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