By Cross Udo and Nathaniel Zacchaeus, Abuja
As Christians all over the world commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ, President Bola Tinubu has reminded Nigerians that it is a period for people to look out for each other.
He said amidst the festivities, many will be tinged with sadness: some mourning the loss of loved ones and others grieving the hopes that failed to materialise and the dreams that fell short.
Tinubu also said he was aware that the necessary reforms his administration is implementing to achieve a more prosperous, peaceful nation for all have imposed unique sacrifices.
But the President urged the citizenry to remain steadfast, assuring his commitment to govern with vision, dedication, and empathy.
These were contained in the President’s Christmas message to Nigerians.
The message read, “Christmas is a special time of the year for all of us. For Christians, this time of the year marks the birth of Jesus Christ and celebrates the hope and redemption that are the hallmarks of Christ’s life.
“For people of all faiths, this is an opportunity to enjoy the company of family, celebrate life, and delight in the gifts of love and friendship that make life worthwhile.
“This is also a time to look out for each other because, amidst the festivities, this time of year for many will be tinged with sadness: some mourning the loss of loved ones and others grieving the hopes that failed to materialise and the dreams that fell short.
“In the spirit of Christmas, reflecting the best of Christ, let us all endeavour to extend the warm embrace of kindness to those around us who need it and let the multiple acts of kindness serve as a light that guides us into a happy and wonderful new year.
“This year has been a time of transformation and relentless change in our country. And I am aware that the necessary reforms we are implementing to achieve a more prosperous, peaceful nation for all have imposed unique sacrifices.
“My administration will continue to implement palliative measures to ease the burden on the most vulnerable, address current hardships, and alleviate the suffering of all our nation’s people.”
Continuing, he said, “Fellow Nigerians, as we navigate this transition to stability, prosperity, and Renewed Hope, I urge you once more to hold fast and rest assured of my commitment to govern with vision, dedication, and empathy.
“Be confident that by the strength of our joint endeavour, we will shortly emerge into a new dawn of prosperity, peace, and irreversible progress.
“As you celebrate this season, please spare a moment of remembrance and prayer for the men and women of our nation’s armed forces, bearing arms in our names and ensuring our safety. May God protect them and bring them back to their families.
“And let us together commemorate the memory of those who, in their service, have paid the highest price for our nation. May God bless their souls and comfort their families and loved ones.
“Let the light of Christmas guide our paths as we bring this year to a close and usher in the New Year.”
*Akpabio, Bamidele, Musa, others urge Nigerians to be steadfast despite subsidy pains
President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has urged Nigerians to remain steadfast and hopeful despite the hard times they are experiencing.
He said the pains, which Nigerians are going through, occasioned by the removal of petroleum subsidy was for the good of everyone.
Akpabio however, expressed optimism that the gains would manifest in the not-distant future.
He said, “Our today’s pain will surely produce joyful gains in a very short time”
Akpabio stated this in a Christmas message issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Eseme Eyiboh.
He admonished the Christian faithful to pray, fast and be hopeful of better days ahead despite the current challenges in the country.
He advised Nigerians not to give up on their leaders, particularly President Bola Tinubu
“I am confident that with your prayers and support, the current administration will wipe away your tears in the no distant time,” he said
Meanwhile, other members of the 10th Senate from different political divides and religious backgrounds across the country, have congratulated Christians on the occasion of the Christmas celebration.
They also urged every Nigerian to keep hope of a better 2024 alive as the current administration in the country had started reforms and policies that would ensure prosperity in the forthcoming year.
The senators included the Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau; Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele; former President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan; Senator Orji Uzor Kalu (Abia North); Sani Musa (Niger East); Solomon Adeola ( Ogun West); Gbenga Daniel (Ogun East); Godiya Akwashiki (Nasarawa North) and Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (Kogi Central). The Deputy President of the Senate, rejoiced with Christians and all Nigerian citizens to intensify prayers for the peace, unity, and progress of the country.
He specifically appealed to Nigerians to rekindle their trust in the Renewed Hope Agenda under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The Senate Leader preached peaceful co-existence among all ethnic nationalities across the federation, warning that no country could witness development progress in an atmosphere of ethnic disharmony.
Bamidele also urged the Christian faithful to imbibe the teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ, who graciously laid down His lives for all, irrespective of our religious leanings, to reconcile us with God Almighty.
Gbenga Daniel on his part said, “As Christians, we have an important role to play in keeping that faith alongside all the lessons and teaching it offers.
“As Nigerians, we must show the love and purity that encapsulate the life and time of Jesus not just amongst ourselves but also amongst others irrespective of beliefs.”
Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan lauded Nigerians for their resilience in the face of the challenges facing the nation, urging them to embrace love and unity.
“Christmas reminds us of the reason for the season. It’s a time to inspire hope and spread the message of love, she said.
Ex-Senate President Lawan said, “In society, those who have should support those who don’t have or who have less”
“I am happy to note that what we do in our medical outreach is even touching on some of our neighbours from Jigawa, Bauchi, and so on.”
Senator Solomon Adeola called on all Christians in particular, and Nigerians in general to use the occasion of the Christmas celebration to renew their faith in Jesus Christ of Nazareth and pray for a better Nigeria with the implementation of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the present administration.
Sani Musa said, “I join other Nigerians in celebrating yet another Christmas and end-of-year festivities. No doubt, like every other country, it has been a challenging year but there are still many reasons for us to celebrate as a nation.
“The country will wax strong if all and sundry play their respective roles with patriotism.
Orji Kalu also urged Nigerians to embrace peace and unity.
The former governor of Abia State called on the political class to work for the growth and progress of the people.
