Leaders preach love, tolerance in Christmas messages

Messages of love, tolerance and compassion signpost preachings during Christmas as governors, clerics exhort Nigerians and suggest how to build a better country.

Gov. Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra urged Nigerians to remember the nation in prayers during the Christmas season, calling for peace, prosperity and progress across the country.

Soludo made the call in his Christmas message signed by his Press Secretary, Mr Christian Aburime, on Thursday in Awka.

He also appealed to Nigerians to pray for divine wisdom for leaders at all levels of government, to enable them steer the affairs of the country towards greater heights.

Soludo said that Christmas, which commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ, symbolises hope, love, peace and redemption.

He noted that the values associated with the season, resonates with the collective aspiration for a better society and nation.

According to him, the celebration goes beyond merrymaking, as it calls for deep reflection on the virtues of compassion, selflessness and unity exemplified in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.

The governor enjoined Christians to practise the true essence of Christmas by extending love and generosity to others, especially the less privileged in their communities.

He said that sharing blessings with the needy and bringing hope to the despairing, reflected the spirit of the season and strengthened the bonds that unites people.

Soludo reassured residents and visitors to Anambra of a safe and secure environment throughout the festive period and beyond.

He wished Nigerians a Merry Christmas, abundant blessings, good health and a prosperous New Year filled with renewed hope.

President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio congratulate Nigerians, particularly Christians, on the occasion of Christmas celebration, urging them to promote peace, love and unity.

In his Christmas message, signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Eseme Eyiboh, Akpabio emphasised the importance of spreading love, kindness and generosity at yuletide.

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He also encouraged Nigerians to remember those in need and offer a helping hand.

The senate president stated that Jesus Christ exemplified peace, love and generosity, and his birthday should be an occasion for joy and merriment.

Akpabio said, “On behalf of my family, constituents, the Senate and entire 10th National Assembly, I wish to heartily rejoice with our Christian faithful on this joyful occasion of Christmas.

“And to our brothers and sisters of other faith, I invite you to join us in celebrating the birthday of Jesus Christ. I urge you all to exude love throughout this period and beyond. Let’s tolerate one another and strive to be every other brothers keeper.”

The senate president also highlighted the need for Nigerians to remain hopeful and steadfast in the face of challenges, praying for the country’s peace, unity, and progress.

He expressed optimism that Nigeria was heading in the right direction under President Bola Tinubu and urged Nigerians to continue to support the government for better days ahead.

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde felicitate Christians on Christmas, urging them to continue to live in love and harmony with one another and neighbours.

This is contained in the Governor’s Christmas message issued on Thursday in Ibadan, by his Special Adviser on Media, Dr Sulaimon Olanrewaju.

According to Makinde, Christmas is a season of love, with Christ’s birth as the essence of the festival, so, Christians must show love to others and live at peace in line with the teachings of Jesus Christ.

He called on residents of the state to pay attention to their environment as they go about their celebration, adding that securing the state remains a responsibility for government and the governed.

He charged them to report suspicious movements to security agencies through the Citizen Emergency Number, 615, noting that the principle, “if you see something, say something” remains in force.

“This is to wish our Christian brethren and indeed, all residents of Oyo State and Nigeria, a Merry Christmas.

“Christmas, as we all know, symbolises love as exemplified by the miraculous but humble birth of the Lord Jesus Christ, thus we must live the message and the essence of the festival,” he said. NAN