Tag: Christmas

Ifelodun Local Council Development Area has held its inter-denominational carol at St Matthews Catholic Church, Amukoko.

Chairman, Olufemi Okeowo, said the gathering is significant as Christians and Muslims celebrate the festival in unity and love.

“As we stand on the threshold of a New Year, I am filled with pride and gratitude as we gather to celebrate the spirit of unity and togetherness. Today, we reaffirm our commitment to fostering a harmonious and inclusive community,” he said.

He urged residents to continue to carry the values of love, compassion, and understanding that have brought them together.

“As we celebrate the true spirit of unity and togetherness, we are reminded that our diversity is our strength, and our collective prayers are the foundation upon which we build a brighter future for ourselves, families, and community. May this moment of communal celebration inspire us to continue striving for a more harmonious and inclusive society, where everyone has the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential and may we continue to be a beacon of hope and unity for generations to come,” he said.

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Chairman of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Lagos State, Bishop Stephen Adegbite, said Christmas carol is a symbol of God’s love which is required for a better nation.

“Christmas carols serve as a reminder of God’s unwavering love for humanity, a love that has the power to transform and uplift our nation, fostering a brighter future for generations to come. As we gather to sing and celebrate, may we be filled with the spirit of joy, hope, and unity that defines this special season. May our collective voices be a testament to the enduring power of faith, love, and redemption that Christmas embodies,” he said.

Oluwa of Iwa and Apapa Oba Muhammad Moruf Oyefule, , said the carol has been a tradition of the council for years as it brings different faiths together.

“For years, this Christmas carol has been a tradition, weaving together our rich faiths and fostering a sense of unity and togetherness. ” he said.

Sen Obanikoro Musiliu noted the importance of unity and love during the Christmas season.

 “As we gather to celebrate Christmas, may our hearts be filled with warmth, joy, and our lives enriched with love, kindness, and compassion  embodies,” he said.

Hello Energy, a player in Compressed Natural Gas, has completed built and beautified Creek Road Roundabout in Fegge, Onitsha, Anambra State.

Speaking at an event, Okide Ezigbo, managing director, noted that the project was part of the firm’s CSR initiatives to give back to the community.

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Ezigbo said the gesture was designed to create a joyful and memorable Christmas experience for residents.

“This Yuletide, Hello Energy Limited has brought a magical Christmas ambiance to Anambra State by constructing and decorating Creek Road Roundabout in Fegge, Onitsha,” he said.

“This project, undertaken as part of our CSR initiatives, not only enhances the community’s aesthetics but also fosters social impact and creates lasting memories, especially for children and youths.”

A socio‐political group in Delta State, Hope Oborevwori and Friends Support Group, has donated part of its unwavering commitment to the M.O.R.E Agenda of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, foodstuffs, groceries, toiletries and suchlike to orphanages and old people’s homes as part of its contribution to the welfare of the weak and vulnerable in the society.

In a statement signed and issued to newsmen recently, the Director-General of the group, Hope Oborevwori; and the Coordinator, Hon Paul Oruma, affirmed that the group decided to give succour to the poor and needy, especially at this crucial period of the year when the concept of goodwill to all is the theme of the season.

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Oruma added that the Director-General had left no stone unturned to procure the items for onward transmission to the beneficiaries, for which reason he commended him greatly for his vision and sensitivity to the plights of the underprivileged in society.

…vows to bring perpetrators to book

Benue state governor, Hyacinth Alia, has expressed deep sorrow over the recent unprovoked attacks on the Anwase community in Kwande Local Government Area, where suspected herdsmen reportedly killed over ten residents celebrating Christmas on December 25.

The attackers also targeted other settlements in the area, leaving several injured. Many of the wounded are currently receiving treatment in hospitals.

In a statement signed by his chief press secretary, Sir Kulas Tersoo, and made available to journalists on Friday, Governor Alia condemned the attack, describing it as “a heinous assault on unarmed, innocent citizens of Benue State by suspected armed herders.” 

He expressed frustration over the persistence of such attacks despite his administration’s efforts to ensure the safety of residents.

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The governor reaffirmed his commitment to protecting the people of Benue through lawful means and urged security agencies to intensify surveillance and safeguard vulnerable communities.

“I can assure you, the perpetrators of this act will pay dearly for it. They may think they are not known, but they cannot be allowed to continue perpetrating this. It’s a matter of time,” Governor Alia said.

He also extended condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and sympathized with the injured, pledging to ensure the attackers are brought to justice.

Kwande Local Government Area, which shares borders with Takum Local Government Area in Taraba State and has an international boundary with southern Cameroon, has faced decades-long tensions over land disputes.

In the true spirit of Christmas, the Kasere Foundation, in partnership with Giving.NG, brought smiles to the faces of 150 children from underserved communities in Lagos during its annual Christmas celebration.

The event, themed “Lights, Camera, Christmas,” took place at Evans Square in Yaba, offering a day filled with fun, creativity, and festive cheer for children from Let It Shine Academy and Samfra College.

Highlights of the day included arts and crafts activities such as bead-making, painting, and creating Christmas cards. 

Children also enjoyed interactive games and bouncy castles. The event was supported by Sterling One Foundation.

A visit from Santa Claus thrilled the young guests, who were given gifts, while a talent show featuring singing, dancing, and drama capped off the day’s excitement.

Speaking at the event, Mfonabasi Okutinyang, co-founder of Kasere Foundation, emphasized the importance of empowering children by nurturing their talents.

“Kasere is about helping kids tap into their potential. We believe every child has a talent, and we aim to help them discover and develop it. Through activities like drama, dancing, and creative arts, we provide a platform for them to shine,” she said.                                

Olapeju Ibekwe, CEO, Sterling One Foundation, also commended the initiative, highlighting the value of partnerships in  creating lasting impact.                     

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“At Sterling One Foundation, education is one of our focus areas, and we believe every child deserves the opportunity to thrive. We are committed to ensuring that underserved children are empowered to achieve their potential, not just during the festive season but throughout the year,” Ibekwe said.      

She added that Giving.NG, a crowdfunding platform and partner of Sterling One Foundation, provides a trusted and accessible space for raising funds to support social impact projects.                          

“By enabling organizations to secure the resources they need, the platform drives long-term, positive change across communities, from education and health to youth empowerment.”    

Ibekwe added as the year draws to a close, Sterling One Foundation and its partners remain dedicated to driving sustainable initiatives that transform lives, ensuring every child, regardless of their circumstances, has the opportunity to thrive.        

“With plans for continued impact in the coming year, the focus will be on inspiring hope, empowering communities, and scaling action across all sectors to create lasting change”, she said.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has urged Nigerians to use the occasion of this year’s Christmas to promote and strengthen the bond of love and unity.

The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mr Debo Ologunagba, in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja, also urged Nigerians to care for one another without regard to creed, class or divisive considerations.

Ologunagba said that such relationship would help Nigerians in the face of the prevailing economic hardship in the country.

He said that Christmas, the commemoration of the birth of Jesus Christ, served as a refreshing reminder of God’s eternal love to mankind.

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The party spokesman said that the occasion also served as God’s willingness to grant divine solution to every challenge of life, including the problems Nigeria faced as a nation.

Ologunagba urged citizens not to give up hope, and not to allow the sufferings they face to make them lose sight of the blessings of Christmas,  its message of hope and assurance of light at the end of the tunnel.

“Nigerians must, therefore, stand by and share with one another at this time so that the joy of the season can spread to all.

“The PDP wishes all Nigerians a merry Christmas,” Ologunagba said.

(NAN)

Benue State Governor, Reverend Hyacinth Iormem Alia, has announced an extension of the Christmas and New Year holidays for civil servants in the state. 

In a press statement, the Governor acknowledged the dedication and hard work of the state’s workforce in advancing programmes and projects that drive Benue’s development and prosperity. 

“Your dedication and commitment to duty have been instrumental in driving our collective agenda for development,” he stated. 

The extended holiday period will now begin on Tuesday, 24 December 2024, and end on Sunday, 6 January 2025. 

Governor Alia explained that this decision reflects his administration’s commitment to the well-being of civil servants, giving them time to celebrate the festive season with their families and attend to their agricultural activities. 

“It is also expected that the holiday will afford you time to attend to your various agricultural engagements,” he added. 

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However, he stated that essential services such as financial institutions, security agencies, hospitals, water boards, fire services, telecommunication companies, electricity, and energy providers, among others, should not be interrupted. 

Governor Alia also encouraged everyone to imbibe the spirit of unity, love, and peace, and to remain steadfast in their collective efforts to build a better and greater Benue State. 

He extended his heartfelt greetings and best wishes to the Benue people, tourists, and visitors alike, wishing them a merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year. 

President of the 9th Senate, Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan, has underscored the importance of unity and tolerance for the progress of the country.

Lawan made this assertion in his message to Nigerians as they celebrate Christmas.

He stated that although Christmas comes amid challenges and difficulties, it is the right time to band together and work for a brighter future.

He said: “I extend my heartfelt greetings to all Nigerians, particularly our Christian brothers and sisters, as they celebrate the birth of Christ. Christmas is a time of joy, love, and giving, and it is a time to reflect on the importance of peace, unity, and tolerance in our nation.

“This year’s Christmas celebration comes at a time when our nation is facing several challenges, including economic difficulties.

“It is at such times that we must come together as one people, regardless of our religious or ethnic differences, and work towards a brighter future for all.

“The life and teachings of Jesus Christ embody the principles of love, compassion, and forgiveness. During his lifetime, he taught others to love their neighbours and to treat one another with dignity and respect.

“I urge Nigerians to embrace these principles and strive to build a society where everyone feels valued and included.

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“Tolerance and understanding are essential ingredients for our nation’s progress. We must learn to respect and appreciate the diversity of our country and embrace the differences that make us unique.

“Unity is the bedrock of any successful nation. When we stand together, we are stronger and better equipped to overcome any challenge that may come our way. Let us use this Christmas season to bridge the divides that separate us and to build a truly united Nigeria where all citizens are treated equally.

“Let us also remember the less fortunate among us at this time. Let us reach out to those in need and share our blessings with them. By practising charity and compassion, we not only make a difference in the lives of others but also enrich our own.

“Finally, I urge all Nigerians to use this festive period as an opportunity for introspection and renewal. Let us reflect on our own lives and consider how we can be better citizens.

“Let us commit to living in peace and harmony with one another and to working towards a more prosperous and equitable future for our nation.

“May this season be a time of unity, reconciliation, and renewed hope for all Nigerians.