President Muhammadu Buhari has rejoiced with Christians in Nigeria as they join fellow believers all over the world to celebrate this season.
Buhari’s Christmas message was made available to newsmen in Abuja on Friday, December 24.
The president said it is however disturbing that for the second year running, Christmas had to be celebrated with restrictions owing to COVID-19.
“It is a special period that brings peoples of the world together with one purpose; to celebrate togetherness, joy, peace, and above all, to share love with one another through exchange of goodwill and gifts.
“For the second Christmas running, the world will not be able to celebrate as we used to in years past.
“The COVID-19 pandemic, with its attendant debilitating impact, has remained with mankind, mutating and leaving in its wake devastating consequences on the economy, social interaction, and curtailing certain freedoms.
“The silver lining, however, is that humanity has been able to rise up with one voice and purpose, to confront the foisted conditions.
“I want to use this opportunity to appeal to our dear citizens to embrace vaccination, which is the best scientifically known bulwark against the pandemic.
“Recent events have shown that vaccination greatly reduces the effects of the virus on the human body.
“I will also urge those that have taken the two doses to go ahead and take the booster as advised by the Presidential Steering Committee (PSC).
“I commend the efforts of members of the PSC under the headship of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation as they continue to chart a roadmap out of the pandemic and associated issues.
“On security, despite the remarkable successes generally recorded, we still have some challenges.
“Our courageous security forces, bolstered by the necessary support from this administration, daily confront the wicked ones amongst us, who continue to threaten the peace of the land.
“Recently, during the meeting with fellow Heads of State of the ECOWAS, I discussed the need to intensify efforts to jointly confront this menace causing instability in our sub-region.
“I am confident that with the renewed commitment and empowerment of our committed security personnel, all these issues which inflict pain and trauma on us will soon be history.
“Let us utilize the opportunity that this festive period brings to encourage ourselves so that the machinations of the wicked ones in our midst will find no place to thrive.
“Christmas is a season when hope is rekindled. Hope, Peace, Joy, Love are the recurring themes of this time.
“It is in the midst of hardship that the true test of a nation emerges.
“I urge Nigerians to invoke the indomitable spirit in us and see the present order of things as a phase that will also pass, just like other unsavory situations in the nation’s history.
“This government will not abandon the promises made to Nigerians for a better lease of life.
“The diversification of the economy embarked upon is yielding fruits. We shall continue to create opportunities for our teeming youths to ventilate their tremendous energy.
“As we felicitate with family, friends, colleagues, associates, let us spare moments to reach out to the less privileged.
“Let us also pray and give words of encouragement to our gallant security personnel fulfilling their oaths to keep us safe.
“I assure my compatriots that this administration remains resolute at ensuring that the standard of living of the average Nigerian is elevated. On this note, I wish Nigerians Merry Christmas!”
Akeredolu Felicitates Christians At Christmas, Urges Moderate Celebration
Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu in his message urged Christians across Ondo state and beyond to celebrate moderately.
Governor Akeredolu charged the people to reflect the reason for the season by extending love to the less-privileged and their neighbours.
Akeredolu’s message is contained in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Richard Olatunde on Friday, December 24.
“Undoubtedly, this season resonates deep feeling of excitement and celebration. It is a celebration that has become a ritual among us. The birth of Jesus Christ preaches love, happiness, and salvation for the people. We must be deliberate, this season, to spread love around.
“Notwithstanding this great feeling of joy, I call on our people to celebrate moderately. Judging from the present mood and realities, we must balance our celebration with the realities that will confront us in the new year.
“As we celebrate, let us also be vigilant in our environment. Our security agencies, supported by Amotekun, are everywhere to ensure that we have a peaceful celebration in the state.
“Let me on behalf of my adorable Betty, my family, myself and the government of Ondo State congratulate you on this joyous occasion. I pray that we will live to celebrate many more Christmas.
“I must not fail to also charge you to observe all Covid-19 protocols as this deadly virus is very much around. Wear your face-mask, use hand sanitizer and maintain distance while in public places. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year in advance.”
Christmas: Ondo APC salutes Christians
Similarly, the Ondo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has rejoiced with Christians in the State, and indeed, all over the world, as they celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Ondo APCs message is contained in a statement by its publicity secretary, Alex Kalejaye on behalf of the State Chairman, Engr. Ade Adetimehin, who described 2021 as “a year full of challenges”, but commended Christians for their unwavering faith in God, and firm belief that COVID-19 and its attendant woes would soon become history.
Adetimehin urges residents of Ondo State to appreciate God for the gift of life, while demonstrating the love of Christ in all their dealings during the yuletide. He reminded them to observe COVID-19 protocols in celebration.
The party chieftain commended the Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu led government for putting the people first in his policymaking process, assuring that the APC administration will continue to promote good governance.
Applauding party faithful for standing by the party at all times, Adetimehin wishes them very safe, merry Christmas, and a rewarding 2022 in advance.
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