Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has urged residents to celebrate Christmas with moderation and offer support to the less privileged and vulnerable members of society.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by his Chief Press Secretary, Lekan Adeniran, Abiodun made the call in his Christmas message delivered at the state’s Christmas Carol and Service of Nine Lessons, held on Tuesday at the Arcade Ground, State Secretariat, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.
Dignitaries at the carol service included former President Olusegun Obasanjo, former Governor of the State, Chief Olusegun Osoba, Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun, Bishop David Oyedepo of Living Faith Church Worldwide, and the National President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Most Reverend Dr Daniel Okoh, among others.
Abiodun said Christmas is a time that transcends barriers and unites people across divides, emphasising that it focuses on the timeless values of love, compassion, kindness, and faith.
He stated, “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.”
He called on people to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas, which involves giving and sharing, adding that without Christ, there is no Christmas.
“It is a time to give back to our community and support the needy,” he added.
The governor affirmed that his administration remains committed to uplifting the vulnerable by fostering inclusiveness, which is essential for building a society where everyone can thrive.
“We will continue to promote programmes that spread love, compassion, and empowerment across Ogun State. Our administration has worked tirelessly to improve public service, enhance infrastructure, and drive sustainable development,” he said.
Abiodun noted that his administration’s greatest success lies not in the legacy it leaves, 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 strengthen bonds, inspire progress, and bring peace and prosperity to every family, the governor urged people to carry forward the lessons of kindness, unity, and hope for a brighter future as they look to the new year.
In his sermon titled “Building Our Future Together,” the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Most Reverend Daniel Okoh, said Christmas represents an opportunity to reconcile man to God through Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace.
Referencing John 2:7, the CAN President said believers must be champions of reconciliation and not merchants of bitterness, as the birth of Jesus drew mankind closer to God.
“Christmas should not only be celebrated with friends but with all people. As believers, we must bear the burden of peace and cross the mountain of hatred. It is not a time to abuse others but to make peace, for only peace brings development,” he said.
“Let us focus on what binds us together. Let us remember the poor and the needy because there are those who have never experienced the joy of Christmas. Let us visit the homeless to show them they are part of society,” he added.
He described Ogun State as a home of peace, where people from different parts of the country live in unity, and commended Governor Abiodun for running an inclusive government that has united all segments of the state’s population.
The Presiding Bishop of Living Faith Church (Winners Chapel), Bishop David Oyedepo, while praying for the state and the nation, said that although peace is scarce and cannot be bought, the birth of Jesus brought peace to the world.
He reminded Nigerians that the essence of Christmas is not only to make merry but to show love through peaceful coexistence, stressing that when peace prevails, all problems are resolved.
Highlights of the carol service included Bible readings by the wife of the governor, the Deputy Governor, the Speaker, the Chief Judge of the State, the Secretary to the State Government, among others, and performances by various choirs and guest artists.
