A new dawn of prosperity is here, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Sunday assured Nigerians.
He urged them to rekindle hope in his administration’s commitment to greater public welfare.
The President led other political leaders to felicitate Nigerians on the occasion of Christmas.
In his first Christmas message to Nigerians, President Tinubu implored Nigerians to maintain their fidelity to their fatherland.
He said his government will continue to intervene and mitigate public suffering through palliatives while intensifying work on full economic recovery.
Also, Senate President Godswill Akpabio and House of Representatives Speaker Tajudeen Abbas urged Nigerians to imbibe the virtues of love, peace and harmony.
As many Nigerians are in joyful mood today, no fewer than 50,000 troops are celebrating Christmas at the frontline away from their families in service to fatherland, Chief of Army Staff, Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja said.
“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.
“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 to Nigerians: be steadfast
Senate President Akpabio enjoined Nigerians to remain steadfast and hopeful, despite the hard times.
He noted their pains, which he attributed to the removal of petroleum subsidy, assuring that the gains will manifest in the not distant future.
He said: “Our today’s pain will surely produce joyful gains in a very short time.”
Akpabio, in a Christmas message by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Eseme Eyiboh, admonished the Christian faithful “to pray, fast and be hopeful because with the birth of Jesus Christ, who is our symbol of hope, love and redemption, Nigeria will also overcome its current challenges”.
Abbas: pray for leaders
House of Representatives Speaker Abbas called for prayers for the success of the Tinubu administration, urging Nigerians to also support other political, spiritual and traditional leaders in the journey for a safe and prosperous country.
Abbas, in his Christmas message to Christians, said Nigerians should emulate the virtues of Jesus Christ, including love, sacrifice, peace making, tolerance, building consensus among the people, and selflessness.
He urged Nigerians to reflect on the current situation of the country as they celebrate Christmas, with the hope of a greater future.
Abbas added: “Let us use this occasion to ponder on the issues affecting our daily lives as a nation and how we can best address them, both as leaders and followers, the government and the governed.
“As a people, we have come a long way. Therefore, we should continue to unite and remain one. Let’s continue to pray and support our leaders. Let’s emulate the life of Jesus Christ and imbibe his teachings, which were about love and sacrifice.”