The Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Gusau, Zamfara State, Right Reverend John Garba Danbinta, has called on Nigerians to embrace love, forgiveness, unity, and reconciliation as critical pillars for the nation’s progress.
Speaking in Gusau shortly after the Christmas service, Reverend Danbinta reflected on the significance of the festive season, emphasizing the need for Nigerians to see themselves as one people, irrespective of differences.
He urged the nation to shun discrimination and uphold the values of love and harmony to drive national development.
“The special message of Christmas is that we must return to God, repent, and forgive one another, just as Christ forgave us,” he said. “As Nigerians, whether Christians or Muslims, we must love one another and recognize our shared humanity.”
Reverend Danbinta also stressed the importance of interfaith cooperation in building a unified Nigeria and called on the government to intensify efforts to address insecurity, which has severely impacted farming and exacerbated poverty in Zamfara State.
Bishop Mathew Kukah
Meanwhile, in his Christmas message, Bishop Matthew Kukah, highlights the true meaning of Christmas—Peace, Joy, Love, Justice, and Reconciliation, urging Nigerians to reflect on their role in spreading Christ’s light amid national challenges. He pointed out how secularism has overshadowed the essence of the season.
Bishop Kukah, condemns corruption, insecurity, and divisiveness in Nigeria, urging citizens to embrace light over darkness in their lives.
He commends the passage of the “Not Too Young to Run” bill and the 2024 Student Loan Act, but calls for better governance and the fight against poverty, unemployment, as well as violence.
Bishop Kukah, encouraged Christians to uphold their baptismal vows, live according to Christ’s teachings, and contribute to building a more just and peaceful society.
Kwara Anglican Diocese
The Bishop of the Diocese of Kwara Anglican Communion, Reverend Sunday Adewole, has emphasised that Christ’s birth bridged the gap between God and humanity.
He called for patience amid the nation’s economic struggles and urged the government to take further steps to alleviate the people’s hardships.
Speaking on behalf of the state government, Deputy Governor Kayode Alabi, also appealed for patience, assuring residents that the federal government is working hard to improve the situation.
He highlighted the state’s commitment to fostering peaceful coexistence and economic development.
Min Of Women Affairs
The Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has extended warm Christmas wishes to Nigerian women, children, and vulnerable groups, urging citizens to embrace the spirit of unity and peaceful coexistence during the festive season.
In a statement issued by her media team on Wednesday, the minister emphasizes that Christmas is a time for family reunions, spreading love, and fostering community ties. She highlighted President Bola Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda, noting its positive impact on women, the elderly, children, and vulnerable groups through various initiatives by the Ministry of Women Affairs.
“As part of our commitment to alleviating hardship, the ministry continues to distribute end-of-year food interventions to bring smiles to families and support vulnerable groups,” the minister stated.
She called on Nigerian women to use the season as an opportunity to strengthen family bonds and promote harmony in their communities.
The statement also celebrated the resilience, hard work, and dedication of Nigerian women, underscoring their invaluable contributions to national development. “To all Nigerian women, I say thank you for your resilience, hard work, and dedication to your families and communities. Your contributions to national development are invaluable, and I celebrate you all,” the minister said.
Reflecting on the teachings of Jesus Christ, Sulaiman-Ibrahim urged Nigerians to uphold the values of love, peace, and kindness. She also highlighted the need to support vulnerable groups during this period, including women, children, and the elderly, to ensure a more inclusive and equitable society.
“As a nation, we must continue to work towards creating a society where everyone has access to opportunities and resources,” she said.
Looking ahead to the new year, the minister reaffirmed the Ministry’s unwavering commitment to empowering women and advancing gender equality. She emphasized the ministry’s determination to tackle challenges faced by women and girls, such as gender-based violence, economic exclusion, and limited access to education and healthcare.
“As we mark the birth of Jesus Christ, I pray that his teachings of love, peace, and kindness continue to guide us as individuals and as a nation,” the statement concluded.
The minister’s message resonates with the season’s essence, advocating for collective efforts to build a more inclusive and harmonious Nigeria.
Nigerian Technical Aid Corps
The Director General of the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps, Dr. Yusuf Buba Yakub, has called on Nigerians to use the Christmas and New Year celebrations to demonstrate love and unity.
In a message shared in Abuja, he urged citizens to rise above religious and ethnic differences by sharing gifts, prayers, and encouragement with those around them during the festive season.
He described the period as an opportunity for reflection, stock-taking, and acts of kindness.
The DG also appreciated Nigerians for supporting the Tinubu Administration, expressing hope for a better 2025 under its leadership.
He emphasized that Christmas exemplifies the principles of love and selflessness, urging everyone to give freely and bring joy to others, regardless of their background or beliefs.
Dr. Buba called for prayers and cooperation to foster national development and unity, despite global socio-economic challenges while wishing all Nigerians a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.
Kebbi State Governor
The Kebbi State Governor, Comrade Nasir Idris, has urged the Christian faithfuls to use Christmas season to pray for peace, unity as well as quick economic recovery in the country.
In his goodwill message to Christian faithfuls in the state marking Christmas celebration, governor Idris, advised them to see Christmas as a period of prayer, showing love and of course a period of sober reflection.
“I urge you to use this period to fervently pray for prevailing peace across Nigeria and also pray for God’s intervention to enable us fix the lingering economic predicaments bedeviling the country”.
The Governor, admonished Christians to extend hands of friendship to both Christians and non-Christian towards promoting unity and understanding amongst Nigerians.
He encouraged the Christians to endeavour to reflect on the teachings of Prophet Isah (Peace Be Upon Him), “which is directed towards tolerance, humility, love, trust and forgiveness.”
The governor reminded them that Christmas was not all about celebration alone, but it was also a period for mending relationships through forgiveness, accommodating one another and making people happy.
While assuring the Christian faithful of his administration’s readiness to carry all manner of people along, Gov. Idris urged them to always uphold the good virtues of Christianity as enshrined in holy scriptures.
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