From Tony Osauzo, Benin, Godwin Tsa, Abuja and Laide Raheem, Abeokuta
Ahead of tomorrow’s Christmas, former president, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, Bishop of Catholic Diocese of Abeokuta, Most Rev. Peter Olukayode Odetoyinbo, Diocesan Bishop of Lagos (Anglican Communion), Rt. Revd Ifedola Okupevi, Pastor in charge of Ogun Province 4, Region 12 of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Felix Ikumapayi and others have charged Nigerians, especially christians to emulate the life of Jesus Christ.
They noted that Christmas represents values that unite us as a people, regardless of tribe, religion and politics. In their separate goodwill messages, they asked Nigerians to remember that Jesus Christ is the reason for this season and put Him at the centre of their celebration.
This is as the Federal Government has declared tomorrow and Thursday public holidays to celebrate Christmas, Boxing Day respectively and January 1, 2025, for New Year.
Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government extended warm greetings to all Nigerians, urging them to use the festive period to reflect on the values of love, peace and unity that the season signifies.
In a statement, Tunji-Ojo emphasised the importance of the season as a time to foster harmony and strengthen bonds across families and communities.
The minister also called on Nigerians to remain committed to the peace, unity and progress of the nation for national development.
He said: “The Christmas season is a good moment for both spiritual reflection and national renewal. As we celebrate the birth of Jesus, the Prince of Peace, let us demonstrate kindness and extend goodwill to one another, irrespective of our differences.”
Tunji-Ojo assured citizens of the Federal Government’s continued commitment to ensuring peace, security, and prosperity across the nation.
While wishing Nigerians a merry Christmas and a prosperous 2025, the minister expressed his confidence in the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu’s Administration ushering in the new year, a better and prosperous economy that will be the envy of the world.
•Jonathan urges compassion at Christmas
In his goodwill message, Dr. Jonathan implored Nigerians to show solidarity and compassion and pray for the good of the nation during the Yuletide.
He described Christmas as a time of love and hope when we care for one another and work towards peace and harmony in our communities.
“I am deeply saddened by the recent tragic stampede incidents that have claimed the lives of our fellow citizens in various parts of the country where palliatives were scheduled to be shared by public-spirited groups and individuals. The unfortunate incidents have left all of us in shock and sorrow. My thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends who have lost their loved ones and with those who have been injured.
“I urge the authorities to provide the necessary support to the victims and ensure that measures are put in place to prevent such occurrences in the future. As we navigate through this painful period, I encourage all Nigerians to show compassion and solidarity, especially during this festive season. Christmas is a time of love, unity, and hope. It reminds us of the importance of caring for one another and working towards peace and harmony in our communities.
“I urge every Nigerian to embrace the spirit of Christmas by extending a hand of friendship to those in need and fostering unity across all divides. May this season rekindle our collective resolve to build a nation founded on justice, fairness, and mutual respect.
“Let us also pray for the wisdom, strength and resilience to overcome our challenges and for brighter days ahead for our beloved country. May the new year bring renewed hope and prosperity for us all.”
He also commiserated with the families of the victims of the stampedes during three Christmas charity events across the country which resulted in the death of at least 67 people in the past week, describing it as a tragedy that has left the whole country in shock.
He urged the authorities to provide the necessary support to the victims and ensure that measures are put in place to prevent such occurrences in the future.
He also prayed that God grants the nation the “strength and resilience to overcome our challenges and for brighter days ahead for our beloved country.”
•Okpebholo preaches compassion, generosity
Delivering his message at the Edo Christmas Carol, 2024, held at the Lawn Tennis Court of the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium Sunday night in Benin City, Governor Okpebholo noted Christmas is a season of love and hope as it reminds everyone of the importance of compassion, generosity and peace.
“It is with great joy that I welcome all of you to this beautiful Christmas Carol as we gather to celebrate our Lord Jesus Christ.
“It is particularly memorable for me because this is the first time I have the honour of standing before you as Governor during such an event.
“Christmas is a time of love, hope, and unity. It is also a season that reminds us of the importance of compassion, generosity and peace.”
•Bishop Odetoyinbo: Embrace hope, unity
Bishop Odetoyinbo called on Nigerians to embrace hope and unity amidst the daunting challenges confronting the nation.
In his Christmas message titled ‘Renewed Hope for Nigeria,’ he emphasised the significance of the season, the birth of Jesus Christ, as a symbol of hope and divine fulfillment.
The Catholic Bishop reminded Nigerians that the message of Christmas is not only about celebration but about reaffirming faith in God’s presence and promises.
“Christ brought hope to the hopeless, pardon to the guilty, and peace to those who knew no peace. This season calls us to anchor our souls in God’s unwavering faithfulness and look forward with confident expectation.”
He also highlighted the declaration of the Jubilee Year of Hope by Pope Francis, urging Nigerians to become “pilgrims of hope” in a world often plagued by despair, war, and evil. He called for a change of attitude from pessimism to a renewed trust in God’s plans for peace, prosperity, and justice.
Amidst growing socio-economic challenges, including hunger, corruption, insecurity, and mass emigration, Bishop Odetoyinbo stressed the need for both citizens and government to work together to enthrone the structures of hope in Nigeria.
Some of the actionable steps he outlined include prioritising youth employment and empowerment to secure a brighter future for the younger generation.
Enhancing government interventions in critical sectors such as food security, education, healthcare, and housing.
He also identified reinforcement of social programs, fixing of local refineries, and stabilizing the national power grid to improve living conditions as part of solution to the current problems.
The Bishop also acknowledged recent government efforts, such as increased minimum wages, student loans, and allocations for capital projects, but urged more decisive action to address inflation, economic instability, and security challenges.
“Christmas is a time to renew our hope, not in political promises but in Jesus Christ. With collective effort and divine guidance, Nigeria will rise again, and it will happen in our time. We wish you a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year filled with renewed hope and divine blessings. God bless Nigeria.”
•Okupevi hails survival spirit of Nigerians, foresees better nation
Rt. Revd Okupevi commended the collective survival spirit of Nigerians as displayed in their general resilience and resistance against the excruciating social economic hardship in the country.
The Badagry-born and first indigenous Lagosian bishop of the Diocesan territory, in his 2024 Christmas message to Nigerians, has also foreseen a brighter hope for Nigeria in 2025..
According to Okupevi, the unique season is a reminder of the profound significance of the birth of Jesus Christ as the saviour of the world.
He noted that as a gift of hope, peace and love, the coming of Christ into the world signifies not just the fulfilment of God’s promise but also the beginning of a new era in the lives of the faithful.
“In the context of our beloved Nigeria, we find ourselves amidst a myriad of challenges —political instability, economic difficulties, and social strife often overshadow the spirit of unity and joy we wish to experience. Yet, it is precisely in these trying times that the message of Christmas resonates even more powerfully. “As Christians, we are called to embody the hope and resilience that Christ demonstrated in His life. He came into a world filled with darkness to be our light, a reminder that no situation is beyond the reach of God’s transformative presence.”
Okupevi views the outgoing Year 2024 as that of full restoration inspired by the powerful words of Prophet Joel who declared
“You will have plenty to eat, until you are full, and you will praise the name of the Lord your God, who has worked wonders for you” (Joel 2:26-27).
“In reflecting on this theme, we recognize the various areas in which we have experienced restoration, even amidst the challenges that have confronted our nation, Nigeria, in the Year 2024.
“Despite the economic difficulties faced by many, we have witnessed resilience and support within our communities, fostering a spirit of togetherness.
“The on-going struggles against insecurity have tested our faith, yet we have seen communities come together to support one another, demonstrating courage and solidarity.
“The lingering effects of health challenges have reminded us of the importance of compassion and care, as we have rallied to support those in need.
“ In times of social tension, we have found strength in our faith and unity, working towards peace and understanding.”
Okupevi further relished that despite the aforementioned trials, the Diocese had experienced full restoration in many aspects — spiritually, emotionally and materially; having seen families reunited, communities strengthened, and individuals uplifted by the Grace of God.
He charged Nigerians in the spirit of the Christmas season to extend compassion and kindness to their neighbours.
“This season is a perfect opportunity to reach out to the less fortunate, share in the joys of community, and strengthen the bonds of love that unite us as one body in Christ. Let us not only celebrate with our words but back them with tangible acts of kindness,” the Bishop admonished.
•Hardship self-inflicted –Ikumapayi
Meanwhile, Pastor Ikumapayi has attributed the hardship in Nigeria to self-inflicted factors.
According to him, the hardship being faced by Nigerians is not entirely caused by external factors, rather, it is caused by actions and inactions of the people themselves.
Speaking at a song of praise night organised by the Province, the cleric insisted that the lack of transparency and accountability in governance and the prevalence of corruption and nepotism, have contributed significantly to the country’s economic woes.
“The government needs to be more transparent, and people should be held accountable for their actions.
“There should be a working system, where people can trust that things will work as they should. But when you have a system where people can deny the existence of millions of rice released by the government, then you know that something is fundamentally wrong.”
Ikumapayi emphasised that the lack of accountability and transparency has led to a situation where the country’s resources are not being utilized effectively.
“If corruption can be stopped, if bribery is stopped, if leaders are sincere and faithful, then the country’s problems can be solved.
“We have the resources, both human and mineral, but we need determination, sincerity of purpose, and faithfulness from our leaders to fix things squarely.”
When asked about the recent cases of stampedes due to hardship, Ikumapayi reiterated that the hardship is self-inflicted and that Nigerians should cast their burdens onto God.
“When people come together to worship God, He will raise people to meet them at the point of their needs.”
Speaking on the essence of the praise night, the cleric said despite the hardships faced by Nigerians, a night of praise and worship can bring renewal, connection, and transformation.
He encouraged the congregation to forget their challenges and focus on praising God, who will arise and meet them at the point of their need.
At the praise night, the General Overseer of the Redeem Church, Enoch Adeboye, called on Nigerians to seek divine intervention in the face of the country’s challenges.
Adeboye who was represented by the National Overseer Emeritus of the church, Pastor Joseph Obayemi, emphasised that Nigeria is richly endowed with human and mineral resources, but the country’s leaders need to demonstrate determination, sincerity of purpose, and faithfulness to harness these resources for the benefit of all.
He added that corruption and bribery must be stopped, and leaders must be sincere in their efforts to build the nation.
The cleric expressed optimism that if Nigerians cry to God for help, the country will experience a turnaround, and peace will reign.