President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to religious freedom and safety of all Nigerians, regardless of faith, ethnicity, or belief, in his 2025 Christmas goodwill message delivered Wednesday.
He said Christmas offered a time to reflect on Jesus Christ’s birth and enduring message of peace, hope, grace, and goodwill, urging Nigerians to protect lives and worship freely safely everywhere.
Tinubu extended warm Christmas greetings to Christians worldwide, thanked God for the opportunity to serve Nigeria, and prayed for peace, tolerance, and harmony among citizens of different religious beliefs across society.
The President acknowledged Christian contributions to national development, noting that Gospel-inspired values of love, service, and compassion had motivated care for vulnerable people and strengthened social cohesion nationwide over many years.
He reaffirmed his government’s unwavering commitment to unity, security, and stability, stressing that freedom of worship was fundamental and that no Nigerian should suffer discrimination or violence for practising faith anywhere.
Tinubu urged shared values to bind Nigerians together, promised continued engagement with religious leaders, advised festive travellers to be cautious, and expressed optimism that collective effort would build a greater Nigeria.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris on Wednesday in Abuja described Christmas as a season of love, sacrifice and hope.
“These values remind us to care for one another, remain united, and keep faith in our country, even in challenging times.
“Indeed, the patience and resilience of Nigerians will not be taken for granted by the government, and neither will the sweat and toil of Nigerians go in vain.
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“The federal government, under President Bola Tinubu remains focused on building a safer, stronger, and more prosperous Nigeria for all.
“As we celebrate, let us remember those facing difficulties, and pray for families affected by the acts of terror,” Idris said.
He urged Nigerians to have a special place in their hearts for security personnel, who continue to defend our lives, property, and homeland, from all forms of threats.
“Let us also use this season to promote peace, kindness, and unity in our homes and communities. Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year. God bless you all,” Idris prayed.
Meanwhile, the Arewa Consultative Forum, ACF, has felicitated Christians in Nigeria and across the world on the 2025 Christmas celebrations and wished Nigerians a happy and prosperous 2026 New Year.
In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Prof. Tanko Muhammad-Baba, the forum prayed for hitch-free celebrations and asked for God’s grace and mercy for Nigeria and its citizens.
The ACF stated that the Christmas season was coming at a time of severe economic, social and political challenges, with many families struggling for survival, particularly in the northern parts of the country.
It expressed concern that millions of individuals and communities were contending with harsh living conditions and urged Nigerians to remain hopeful.
The forum called on Nigerians, irrespective of faith or political affiliation, to continue to pray for the return of peace, prosperity and progress in the country.
The ACF also prayed for Nigerian leaders, both temporal and spiritual, to be endowed with wisdom, empathy, love, truth and honesty in their service to the nation.
It further urged the security agencies to renew their resolve in combating terrorism, insecurity, criminality and all forms of social, economic and political destabilisation confronting the country.
The forum expressed optimism that 2026 would usher in a more resilient, united and hospitable Nigeria, where all citizens would benefit regardless of ethnicity, faith, political persuasion or social status.
“God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” the forum added. NAN
