President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Christians on the occasion of Christmas celebration today, noting the nation is pointing toward a bright future in the spirit of the season.
For ease of transportation within the period, Tinubu disclosed that his administration has provided free train services and subsidized road transport costs on 144 routes nationwide.
The President made the remark on Tuesday in his Christmas message to Nigerians, urging the citizens to be mindful of those facing difficulties.
Tinubu said, “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.
“Recent tragic events in Ibadan, Okija, and Abuja deeply sadden us, and our thoughts are with those who continue to suffer from these heartbreaking 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 brokenhearted, 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.
“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.
“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.
“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. We also provide free train services and subsidized road transport costs on 144 routes nationwide to ease your travels.”
On his own part, Atiku Abubakar, the former Vice President of Nigeria and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, extended heartfelt Christmas felicitations to the Christian community in Nigeria as they celebrate the 2024 commemoration of the birth of Jesus Christ.
In his message, Atiku implored Nigerians to embrace a life of love and unity, drawing inspiration from the joyous spirit of the Christmas season.
He urged citizens to be guided by compassion and selflessness, encouraging them to cherish the significance of Christmas as a time for reflection and togetherness.
Atiku 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.
The Waziri Adamawa, however, did not shy away from pointing out the failure of current political leaders to make the necessary sacrifices for the nation’s collective good. He condemned the lack of leadership, which has resulted in widespread suffering and preventable deaths across the country.
Yet, despite these grave challenges, Atiku appealed to Nigerians to remain united, to embrace one another with love, and to confront the root cause of their struggles — poor leadership.
“With love and unity, there is no obstacle too great to overcome. Let us, therefore, come together to share love and joy with all people of goodwill,” he declared.
Atiku concluded his message by wishing all Nigerians a blessed Christmas, filled with peace, happiness, and hope for the future.
Also, President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, GCON has admonished Nigerians 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 calls for celebration and reflection.
He said “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”, he advised.
The Senate President noted that Jesus Christ was given to peace and love and therefore, very generous adding that his birthday should be an occasion of joy and merriment.
“This special time of the year is a moment for reflection, gratitude, and celebration”, he said.
On behalf of my family, constituents, the Senate and indeed the National Assembly, I extend my warmest wishes to all Nigerians and their loved ones.
I wish you all a joyous and merry Christmas and God’s abundant blessings.
Also, Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has felicitated with Christians on this year’s Christmas celebration, even as he called on Nigerians to look beyond the present economic challenges and be optimistic about a better tomorrow.
Governor Abiodun, in his Christmas message to the people of the state on Tuesday, said that there is certainly light after 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 emphasized the need for all Nigerians to rededicate themselves to the growth and development of Nigeria and to be more patriotic.
Abiodun highlighted the positive impact of initiatives implemented by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that these measures have begun to yield favorable outcomes, with the economy showing signs of recovery.
The governor also detailed the proactive steps his administration has taken to combat rising inflation. These strategies include the distribution of palliatives, the conversion to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), the introduction of electric-powered bicycles, and various forms of support for farmers in the state.
Prince Abiodun reaffirmed his commitment to prioritizing projects that benefit the people, ensuring that the living standards of the people of Ogun State remain elevated.
“As we celebrate this special season in moderation, let us all keep in mind that the present economic challenges facing our nation are ephemeral and there is a bigger picture of hope ahead.
“We must support all the reforms embarked upon by President Bola Tinubu towards the revitalization of our hitherto weak economy and ensure prosperity. This is not rocket science, as we have begun to see its positive impacts in all sectors,” the statement read.
On his part, the Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has admonished Christians and privileged individuals to reach out to those who do not have to enable them to celebrate Christmas.
Senator Diri gave the admonition during the state’s 2024 Christmas Carol of Nine Lessons at the DSP Alamieyeseigha Banquet Hall in Yenagoa.
The governor also urged his appointees to share whatever they got from the government with others, noting that if those privileged at this time learn to be their brother’s keeper, majority of Bayelsans and, indeed, Nigerians would have food to eat during the yuletide.
Senator Diri said the most important lesson about Christmas should be selfless love and sacrifice shown towards others.
The Bayelsa helmsman acknowledged the difficult economic times in the country but added that the period would soon be over.
His words: “Christians have reason to celebrate the birth of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. I also believe that no matter the hardship and hunger in the country, everyone will have something to eat this season if we learn to share even the little we have.
“For those who have, always give to those who do not have. If you are an official of the government, please share with those who do not.
“Everybody cannot reach the governor or the deputy governor. That is why we have over 5,000 appointees and if all of them open their hands, I am sure that 80-90 per cent of Bayelsans will have something to eat.”
The governor also enjoined Bayelsans to use the season to reflect and appreciate what God had done in their lives as individuals and as a state.
The colourful and well-attended event had choristers from the state executive council, legislature, judiciary, civil service and the state mass choir among others.
