By Cross Udo and Nathaniel Zacchaeus, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu told Nigerians not to lose hope yesterday, saying that the country is on a promising path of restoration and progress, with every indication pointing toward a bright future.
The President also, for the umpteenth time, sympathized with the families of those who lost their loved ones during the palliative distribution stampedes in some cities of the country.
In his Christmas message, Tinubu said that Christmas embodies the fulfilment of divine prophecy and symbolises the triumph of love, peace, and unity.
In the season’s spirit, he urged Nigerians to renew their hope and belief in a prosperous country.
The message partly read, “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 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, fire, 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.
“Kindness transcends financial status. Those with modest means and those with abundance need a smile or a word of encouragement.”
The President told Nigerians to use the occasion to honour their brave troops, who risk their lives to safeguard the country, adding, “They deserve our prayers and steadfast support.”
He further called for support and prayers to the nation’s leaders, saying, “With your backing, we can serve our country diligently and strive for prosperity.”
He said, “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.
*Says FG taking steps to ensure roads are secure for travellers during Christmas
“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.
“Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a joyous and prosperous New Year.”
*Akpabio, Barau, Senators, and others greet Christians, preach unity, love
President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, his deputy, Jibrin Barau; Southern senators: Ogun West Senator Solomon Adeola and his Kogi Central counterpart, Senators Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, have felicitated with Christians as they celebrate the anniversary of the birth of Jesus Christ.
They have also urged the Christian faithful in Nigeria to use Christmas celebrations to exude peace, love, and unity.
Akpabio, in a Christmas message signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Eseme Eyiboh, said that the festive period calls for celebration and reflection.
He said, “In the season’s spirit, I encourage you to spread love, kindness, and generosity. 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 peace and love and, therefore, very generous, adding that his birthday should be an occasion of joy and merriment.
Barau, in a statement by his media aide, Ismail Mudashir, Inuwa Jibrin, urged all citizens to intensify prayers for the country’s peace, unity, and progress.
He appealed to every Nigerian to remain hopeful and steadfast in their collective pursuit of a brighter and more prosperous country.
He expressed optimism that President Bola Tinubu’s 2025 budget, presented to the joint session of the National Assembly on December 18, has the potential to transform the country’s fortunes positively if fully implemented.
In a statement signed by its Chairman, Senator Tokunbo Abiru, the Southern Senators Forum extended its members’ warmest greetings and best wishes to all Christians.
The southern senators noted that Christmas symbolizes love, hope, and renewal.
The statement read, “It (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,” they added.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, extended 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.
She said, “Christmas is a time for reflection, hope, and love—a season that reminds us of God’s boundless compassion, who sent His only Son to save humanity.
“It is an opportunity to strengthen the bonds of unity, peace, and harmony within our homes, communities, and throughout Nigeria.
“This season also calls us to care for one another, particularly those less privileged, displaced, or facing hardships. Let us open our hearts and hands to share joy and kindness, for it is in giving that we truly embody the spirit of Christmas.”
Senator Solomon Adeola (APC, Ogun West), the chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, in a statement by his media aide, Kayode Odunaro, called on all Christians to reaffirm their faith in Jesus Christ.
He also urged them to pray for a better Nigeria as the gains of the present administration’s reformist Renewed Hope Agenda began to manifest.
Adeola said Christmas represents the celebration of the birth of a new dawn for the salvation of souls for all humanity, especially for the Christians, stressing that with the birth of Jesus Christ, humanity has a hope for a better future and salvation of souls for eternity.
He said, “I want to urge all Christian faithful not to use the occasion of the 2024 Christmas celebration for merry-making only but use it as a period of sober reflection and supplication to God Almighty for a better, peaceful, and prosperous future.
“The needed reforms for the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration has started yielding some positive results in the gradual strengthening of the Naira as well as incipient downward movement of the price of petrol,” he added.
