Yuletide: Treat the less privileged and vulnerable with love — Abiodun urges Nigerians

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has called on the people of the state to celebrate Christmas with moderation and to extend hands of fellowship to the less privileged and vulnerable members of society.

The governor made the call in his Christmas message delivered at the Ogun State Christmas Carol and Service of Nine Lessons, held at the Arcade Ground, State Secretariat, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

He emphasised that Christmas is a time that transcends all barriers, bringing people together across various divides. He noted that it is a season focused on timeless values such as love, compassion, kindness, and faith.

“It is a season that inspires us to look beyond ourselves and embrace the bond of family and friendship. Let us extend our hands to the needy, for such acts reflect Christ’s life to the world,” Governor Abiodun said.

The governor urged everyone to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas, which he described as a time for giving and sharing. “Without Christ, there is no Christmas,” he stated, adding that it is an opportunity to give back to the community and support those in need.

Abiodun reiterated that his administration remains committed to uplifting the vulnerable by promoting inclusivity, which is essential for building a society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

“We will continue to focus on promoting programmes that spread love, compassion, and empowerment across Ogun State. Our administration has worked tirelessly to enhance public service, improve infrastructure, and drive sustainable development,” he said.

However, the governor pointed out that the greatest success of his administration lies not in the legacy left on the hearts of the people, but in the strength of the community, the resilience of the people, and the compassion shown to one another.

While praying for the spirit of Christmas to continue to strengthen bonds, inspire progress, and bring peace and prosperity to every family, he urged the people to carry forward the lessons of Christmas — kindness, unity, and hope for a brighter future — as they look ahead to the new year.

In his sermon titled “Building Our Future Together,” the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Most Reverend Nicolas Okoh, said Christmas provides an opportunity for reconciliation with God through Jesus Christ, who is the Prince of Peace.

Drawing from John 2:7, the CAN president emphasised that it is vital for believers to be champions of reconciliation, not merchants of bitterness, as the birth of Jesus drew humanity closer to God.

“Christmas should not be celebrated only with friends, but with all men. As believers, we should bear the burden of peace and cross the mountain of hatred. It is not a time to abuse others, but a time to make peace, because it is only peace that brings development,” he said.

Okoh also urged the people to remember the poor and the needy, stressing that there are many who have never experienced the joy of Christmas. “Let us visit the homeless and make them know they are part of society,” he added.

He described Ogun State as a home of peace, where people from various parts of the country live in unity, and commended Governor Abiodun for running an inclusive government that has united all segments of the population.

The Presiding Bishop of Living Faith Church (Winners Chapel), Bishop David Oyedepo, while praying for the state and the nation, noted that while peace is a rare commodity that cannot be bought, the birth of Jesus Christ brought peace to the world.

Bishop Oyedepo reminded Nigerians that the essence of Christmas is not only about merrymaking, but about showing love to one another through peaceful coexistence, emphasising that when there is peace, all problems come to an end.

Highlights of the carol service included Bible readings by the wife of the governor, the Deputy Governor, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, the Chief Judge of the State, the Secretary to the State Government, among others, as well as renditions from various choirs and guest artists.