·Seeks prayer for brave troops, insists nation on path of progress towards bright future
·Offers sympathies to families affected by floods, fire accidents, other disasters in 2024
·Atiku, Akpabio, Abdulrazaq, Sanwo-Olu, Mbah, Abiodun, Bago, Wike, Obaseki, Remi Tinubu, church leaders, others celebrate with Christians on birth of Christ
Deji Elumoye, Chuks Okocha, Sunday Aborisade, Alex Enumah, Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja, James Sowole in Abeokuta, Hamid Shittu in Ilorin, Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi, Laleye Dipo in Minna, George Okoh in Makurdi and Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt
President Bola Tinubu, yesterday, joined other leaders and prominent citizens to send goodwill messages to Nigerians ahead of today's celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ by Christians the world over.
Tinubu urged Nigerians to pray for their leaders to enable them serve diligently and strive for prosperity.
The president, in a message he personally signed, extended his heartfelt greetings to Nigerian Christians as they joined their counterparts globally to mark the birth of Jesus Christ.
In the spirit of the season, Tinubu asked Nigerians to remember the leaders and brave troops in their prayers as they served and secured the country.
He reassured Nigerians that the country was on the path of progress towards a brighter future for every citizen.
The president also sympathised with families that suffered human and material losses through floods, fires, and accidents in 2024.
Others who felicitated Christians on the occasion of Christmas included former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Kwara State Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah.
Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, Niger State Governor Mohammed Bago, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike, and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu also greeted Christians at Christmas.
Tinubu, in his goodwill message, stated, "Dear fellow Nigerians, on this joyous Christmas Day, I extend my heartfelt greetings to Christians across Nigeria and worldwide as we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, as narrated in the Holy Scriptures.
"Christmas embodies the fulfilment of divine prophecy and symbolises the triumph of love, peace, and unity. It is a poignant reminder that light can emerge even in the darkest times, bringing solace and hope. This belief resonates with people of all faiths. Indeed, God is with us."
The president said, "Recent tragic events in Ibadan, Okija, and Abuja deeply sadden us, and our thoughts are with those who continue to suffer from these heart-breaking incidents. We earnestly pray that such misfortunes do not revisit our families and communities and that the lives of innocents are never again cut short.
"I offer my deepest sympathies to the families enduring pain and loss this year, whether from floods, fires, or accidents. May we all find comfort and solace in our faith, the support of loved ones, and the abiding presence of Jesus Christ. Our compassionate and merciful God stands with the weak, the broken-hearted, and the sick.
"As we celebrate this blessed season, let us be mindful of those facing difficulties. They are not far from us - our neighbours, family members, and the people we encounter daily, whether in places of worship, markets, offices, or boardrooms."
Tinubu said, "Kindness transcends financial status. Those with modest means and those with abundance need a smile or a word of encouragement. We must also honour our brave troops, who risk their lives to safeguard our nation. They deserve our prayers and steadfast support.
"Let us extend similar support and prayers to our nation's leaders. With your backing, we can serve our country diligently and strive for prosperity."
Commending the country's journey so far, the president stated, "Nigeria is on a promising path of restoration and progress, with every indication pointing toward a bright future. In the spirit of this season, let us renew our hope and belief in a prosperous Nigeria."
Tinubu also had a message for Yuletide travellers. "For those travelling during this festive period, I wish you safe journeys. Rest assured, the government is taking all necessary steps to ensure our transportation routes are secure and convenient," he stated.
"We also provide free train services and subsidised road transport costs on 144 routes nationwide to ease your travels. Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a joyous and prosperous New Year," he added.
Oluremi Tinubu
Mrs. Tinubu, while rejoicing with Nigerians at Christmas, enjoined citizens to hold on to the believe that better days are ahead as 2024 drew to a close.
She said the government at the centre led by her husband would positively impact the lives of Nigerians from now on.
The first lady, in the message, also personally signed, stated, "As we celebrate Christmas and look forward to the new year, 2025, I want to take a moment to send my warmest wishes to all Nigerians.
"I express my heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering support and patience as we work towards building a better Nigeria. I want to assure you that under the administration of President Bola Tinubu, we are committed to positive changes that will benefit every Nigerian. Some of the changes are already yielding positive results.
"As this year comes to a close, let us hold onto the belief that better days are ahead. Let us continue to love and support one another, foster unity, and embrace the diversity that makes our nation so great. I wish you all a merry Christmas and a prosperous 2025 filled with love, joy, peace and prosperity."
Atiku Abubakar
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, while extending Christmas felicitations to the Christian community, implored Nigerians to embrace a life of love and unity, drawing inspiration from the joyous spirit of the Christmas season.
In the message by his media aide, Paul Ibe, Atiku urged citizens to be guided by compassion and selflessness, encouraging them to cherish the significance of Christmas as a time for reflection and togetherness.
He reminded Nigerians, particularly Christians, to express gratitude for the arrival of the Christmas season despite the many challenges and hardships confronting the nation.
"It is a blessing that we can once again celebrate the events leading to the birth of Christ, despite the adversity we face," he stated.
Akpabio, Deputy, Southern Senators
President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio; his deputy, Jibrin Barau; southern senators and their colleagues from other parts of the country, felicitated Christians as they celebrated the anniversary of the birth of Jesus Christ.
They urged the Christian faithful in Nigeria to use the occasion of Christmas as an avenue to exude peace, love and unity.
Akpabio, in a Christmas message signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Hon. Eseme Eyiboh, said the festive period called for celebration and reflection.
He stated, "In the spirit of the season, I encourage you all to spread love, kindness, and generosity. Let us remember those in need and offer a helping hand as much as possible.
"As we gather with family and friends, let us also remember the true essence of Christmas: peace, love, and unity. May these values guide us as we strive to build a better Nigeria for all."
Barau, in a statement by his media aide, Ismail Mudashir, urged all citizens to intensify prayers for the country's peace, unity and progress.
He appealed to Nigerians to remain hopeful and steadfast in their collective pursuit of a brighter and more prosperous country.
He expressed optimism that the 2025 budget presented by President Bola Tinubu to the National Assembly on December 18 had the potential to transform the country's fortunes if fully implemented.
In a statement signed by its Chairman, Senator Tokunbo Abiru, Southern Senators Forum extended members' warmest greetings and best wishes to all Christians.
The southern senators stated that Christmas symbolised love, hope, and renewal.
The statement said Christmas "reminds us of the enduring power of faith and unity to overcome challenges and build a brighter future.
"As we celebrate, let us embrace the spirit of the season by spreading joy, sharing with those in need, and fostering peace in our communities".
Senator Akpoti Uduaghan, in a statement by her media aide, Arogbonlo Israel, extended her "warmest greetings to the wonderful people of Nigeria, especially the resilient men, women, and children of our great nation".
Chairman of Senate Committee on Appropriations, Senator Solomon Adeola, in a statement by his media aide, Kayode Odunaro, called on all Christians to reaffirm their faith in Jesus Christ.
Adeola urged Christians to pray for a better Nigeria as the gains of the reformist Renewed Hope Agenda of the present administration began to manifest.
Babajide Sanwo-Olu
Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, rejoiced with residents of the state, particularly the Christians, as they joined the rest of the world to celebrate this year's Christmas, which marks the birth of Jesus Christ.
Speaking at the Lagos House, Marina, during the presentation of a book, titled, "Beyond Rhetoric: Sanwo-Olu Unprecedented," written in his honour by Lagos State Governors Office Correspondents (LAGOCO), Sanwo-Olu assured that his administration would do more for Lagos residents next year.
"We wish you all the very best of the season. We say to you that next year, we will work better, smarter, bigger for the citizens of Lagos," he said.
Peter Mbah
Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, congratulated the Christian faithful on the occasion of Christmas. Mbah urged the people of Enugu State and Nigerians, in general, to embrace love, peace and unity as they commemorated the birth of Christ, describing the virtues as the real essences of Christmas.
In his Christmas message to the Christian faithful, released on Tuesday, Mbah equally emphasised the importance of peaceful coexistence in nation building.
He acknowledged the socio-economic challenges faced by the country at the moment and encouraged Enugu residents and Nigerians to extend a hand of love and kindness to one another, especially to those in need.
He assured that government policies would eventually deliver the much needed succour and economic restoration.
According to Mbah, "The message of Christmas is one that speaks to the exigencies of every moment. It enjoins us to show love and empathy to all.
"As Christians across the world celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, may the message of joy inherent in Christmas radiate in our lives and in our dear nation.
"When we imbibe the true message of Christmas - love, peace, and unity - we will see no divisions, but a common thread of humanity."
The governor added, "Being an end-of-year festivity, Christmas is often an auspicious time to re-dedicate ourselves to the virtues of peace, patriotism and love.
"I pray that the joy of Christmas be a source of comfort for those who grieve and an eternal flame that lights our path as a nation."
Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq
Kwara State Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq called on the Christian faithful to let the lessons of the Christmas celebration guide their lives and interactions with fellow human beings.
A statement by the governor's Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye, said, "The season is a celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, a key event in human history through which a bright light of God was shone to the world."
Abdulrazaq urged Kwarans to reflect upon the season and let the lessons guide their lives and interactions with fellow citizens.
Dapo Abiodun
Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, while felicitating Christians on this year's Christmas celebration, called on Nigerians to look beyond the present economic challenges and be optimistic of a better tomorrow.
Abiodun, in his Christmas message to the people of the state, said there was certainly light at the end of the tunnel for all Nigerians.
He also admonished residents of the state to exhibit a high sense of tolerance, irrespective of religious differences, as a way of entrenching harmony and sustainable peace among themselves.
The governor emphasised the need for all Nigerians to rededicate themselves to the growth and development of Nigeria and to be more patriotic.
Nyesom Wike
FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, urged total rededication to the service of the Almighty God and submission to His laws among residents of Abuja.
Wike made the call in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media, Lere Olayinka.
He stated, "Since Jesus Christ, whose birth is the reason for the celebration of Christmas, obeyed the commandments of God, Christians, too, must keep the commandments, especially by showing love to people around us and teaching others to do the same."
The minister expressed confidence that things will keep getting better with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.
Godwin Obaseki
Former governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki, while felicitating the Christian faithful, said Christmas presented an auspicious opportunity to show love and reflect on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.
"As we all celebrate, let's continue to spread the message of unity, love, and peaceful co-existence, as demonstrated by Jesus Christ. I wish you all a very Merry Christmas," he stated.
Bauchi State Government
Bauchi State Government approved the purchase and distribution of food items worth millions of naira to Christian communities across the state as part of efforts to support them during the Christmas celebration.
Chairman of the Standing Committee for the Distribution of the Items, Mr. Abdon Dalla Gin, while addressing journalists in Bauchi, said the development reflected government's commitment to fostering inclusivity among diverse religious groups in the state.
Gin said the distributed items included 77 bulls, 139 rams, over 1,500 bags of rice, and 178 jerry-cans of vegetable oil.
He commended Governor Bala Mohammed for the kind gesture and urged the Christian faithful to reciprocate by supporting the policies and programmes of his administration.
Mohammd Bago
Niger State Governor, Alhaji Mohammed Bago, charged Christians to continue to pray for the peace of the state and Nigeria, in general.
Bago made the advice in his message to mark this year's Christmas in which he also appealed to the faithful to show love to their neighbours.
In the message by his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, the governor stated that through prayers and love for one another Niger State and Nigeria will grow to the expected level
Bassey Otu
Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, conveyed heartfelt gratitude to the citizens for their unwavering support and commitment to the state's development.
Acknowledging the economic challenges faced by individuals and families nationwide, Otu emphasised that the difficulties were not unique to Cross River State.
In his Christmas message, the governor stressed that his administration aligned with President Bola Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda.
Sheriff Oborevwori
Delta State Governor, Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, took a moment to reflect on the significance of the season, emphasising its deeper meaning beyond the celebrations.
Oborevwori extended his warm wishes to all Deltans and other Nigerians as they marked the birth of Jesus Christ.
He described Christmas as a time to embrace love, peace, and harmony, and called on everyone to set aside primordial divisions and focus on the collective progress of the country.
"Christmas is not just a time for merriment; it is a season of reflection and renewal," the governor stated.
Ovie Omo-Agege
Despite the lingering economic challenges facing Nigeria, the immediate past Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, affirmed his conviction that the economy was already turning the corner and returning to prosperity.
In his Christmas message, Omo-Agege acknowledged that the recent reforms introduced by the federal government had caused hardship for many Nigerians.
He, however, stated that the economy was already witnessing positive gains, including improved growth rates.
Ola Olukoyede
Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ola Olukoyede, expressed hope of a greater and better Nigeria, devoid of economic and financial crimes and other acts of corruption.
Olukoyede gave the assurance in Abuja, while congratulating Christians as they marked the birth of Jesus Christ.
In a statement by Head, Media and Publicity, EFCC, Mr Dele Oyewale, the EFCC boss stressed that the light, joy, hope, truth and liberty that Christ brought to the world were significant drives towards zero tolerance for corruption and reform-minded pursuits.
Globacom
Telecommunications giant, Globacom, felicitated Nigerians on the 2024 Christmas celebrations, calling on them to show love to one another during the festive season.
In a goodwill message in Lagos, the company stated that the prevailing economic challenges in the country had made it imperative for Christians to practise the teachings of Jesus Christ by loving and caring for their neighbours even more.
"Christ taught many virtues, including obedience to God and loving one's neighbour as oneself," Globacom said, adding, "Now is the apt time to practise these teachings by sharing with the needy."
Chris Ngige
Former governor of Anambra State and two-time Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige, urged Nigerians to use the occasion of Christmas to offer prayers to God to help the country overcome its present challenges.
In his message, Ngige urged Christians, in particular, to use the period of the commemoration of the birth of Jesus Christ to pray fervently for the country to overcome its present challenges, no matter how difficult they might appear.
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According to him, the holiness and solemnity of the period also offers an opportunity for quiet reflection by Nigerians on their individual lives and the life of the country.
Siminalayi Fubara
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, extended warm Christmas greetings to the people of the state and Nigerians, in general, urging them to embrace peace, unity, and love during the festive season and beyond.
In his Christmas message delivered at Government House, Port Harcourt, Fubara congratulated Christians in Rivers State and across the country as they joined the global community in celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ.
He called on citizens to use the occasion for deep reflection, prayer, and commitment to building a more peaceful, united, and progressive society.
The governor, again, approved the sum of N100,000 for civil servants, public servants and pensioners in the state, to enable them have a fulfilled Christmas celebration.
The Catholic Church
The Catholic Church in Nigeria encouraged the Christian faithful to exhibit humility and compassion, and desist from celebrating Christmas in affluence.
In a message by the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, the church asked people to celebrate with a sense of moderation
It stated, "We must remember that many go to bed hungry every night, some with no roof on their heads, still others with no clothes to wear, not even enough water to drink for some. The suffering and plight of the human people is indeed real.
"Hence, we must not be caught up with affluence while other wallow in abject poverty and suffer great lack of basic amenities. Christmas is a time to share with others and live moderately.
"Moderation is key at this period, we must not be wasteful. This is a time to remember the poor, for to such Christ has come for. As a matter of fact, we all are because we are never complete.
"Yet, some are physically poor and these we must communicate Christ's message of love, in our words and actions. When we do God's will, more blessings come upon us. We are happy that many people are celebrating Christmas in a very moderate way, sharing what they have with the poor."
Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, extended Christmas and New Year holidays for employees of the state government, even as he extended his warmest greetings and best wishes for the festive season.
Alia said Christmas, being a time for contemplation, gratitude, and family bonds, highlighted the importance of embracing love, unity, and service to others.
The governor acknowledged the dedication of the Benue State workforce in advancing programmes and projects for the state's prosperity.
In agreement with the Benue State Executive Council, he extended the holiday period, starting from December 24, 2024, to January 6, 2025.
Northern Senators Forum
Northern Senators Forum (NSF) urged Nigerians to embrace love, peace, and harmony during the festive season. Chairman of the NSF, Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar'adua, stated this in a statement yesterday in Abuja.
The statement said a Nigerians celebrated the birth of Jesus Christ, the season should remind citizens that the virtues of love, peace, and unity, which Christ embodied, "are essential in promoting unity and understanding among Nigerians, irrespective of their ethnic or religious backgrounds.
"By embracing love, peace, and harmony, we can build a more inclusive and prosperous society for all.
"The Northern Senators Forum takes this opportunity to pray for Nigeria's continued peace and prosperity.
"May God bless our nation and guide our leaders towards making decisions that promote the well-being of all citizens.
"May this festive season bring joy, happiness, and closer ties with loved ones."
The northern senators added, "As we share this special time with family and friends, let us not forget those who are less fortunate.
"The forum encourages Nigerians to extend a helping hand to those in need, spreading love and kindness throughout our communities.
"The Northern Senators Forum wishes all Nigerians a joyous Christmas celebration, filled with love, laughter, and cherished moments with loved ones.
"May the spirit of the season inspire us to work towards a brighter future for our great nation, Nigeria."
