• Tuggar urges Nigerians to recommit to dialogue, mutual respect
• Adeboye to citizens: embrace Jesus as your priceless gift
Governors Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Alex Otti (Abia), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau), Ahmed Usman Ododo (Kogi), Francis Nwifuru (Ebonyi), and Hope Uzodimma (Imo) yesterday urged Nigerians to promote peaceful coexistence and mutual religious respect for national cohesion.
Governor Abiodun assured Ogun State residents that his administration would record a seamless, peaceful and rancour-free transition at the end of his second term in 2027.
The governor promised to set a historic benchmark in the state’s governance history.
Abiodun spoke yesterday during the Christmas church service at St. James’ Anglican Church, Iperu-Remo, in Ikenne Local Government Area.
The governor said his administration was determined to be the first in Ogun State’s history to successfully hand over power without acrimony.
“As we approach 2027, not only will we finish well and finish strong, by the grace of God this administration will hand over successfully to a successor.
“It will be the first peaceful transition in the 50-year history of Ogun State. By God’s grace, I will sit down as your governor at my send-forth ceremony and also sit at the swearing-in ceremony of my successor,” Abiodun said.
The governor attributed his confidence to what he called solid governance, economic expansion and people-focused development recorded under his watch.
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He added that Ogun State’s economy has grown significantly since he assumed office.
According to him, the state’s annual budget has expanded from about N355 billion at the inception of his administration to over N2.7 trillion, reflecting increased economic activities and growing investor confidence.
“Our economy has grown almost five times from what we met on ground. New factories and industries are springing up across the state. We have reconstructed over 2,000 schools, created jobs, empowered farmers and expanded opportunities for our people — and we are not done yet. We need your prayers to finish strong,” he said.
Otti urged Abia residents to bear the light of Christ with love and compassion.
The governor advised them to celebrate the festive period in moderation and avoid acts that show recklessness and carelessness.
In his Christmas celebration message, titled: “The Light of Christmas,” Otti said: “Let us remember our brothers and sisters who may have been incapacitated by the miseries of ill-health and several others who, on account of the shipwrecks of life, are unable to cater for themselves independently.
“May I charge us not to forget the reason for the season. Christmas is about the celebration of the birth of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Everything should be done with moderation.”
In Oyo State, Governor Makinde described Christmas as a season of love, with Christ’s birth as the essence of the festival.
The governor said Christians must show love to others and live at peace, in line with the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ.
He urged the residents to pay close attention to their environment as they go about celebrating the Yuletide.
He noted that securing the state remained a responsibility for the government and the governed.
Makinde advised them to report suspicious movements to security agencies through the Citizen Emergency Number 615, saying the principle, “if you see something, say something” remained in force.
He said: “This is to wish our Christian brethren and, indeed, all residents of Oyo State and Nigeria a Merry Christmas.
“Christmas, as we all know, symbolises love as exemplified by the miraculous but humble birth of the Lord Jesus Christ; thus, we must live the message and the essence of the festival.
“Let me also use the opportunity to charge residents of the state to be vigilant and observant as they go about merrying. As a government, we have been up to the task in terms of securing the state but there is still a role for residents to play. This is why we always say that if you see something, say something and your government will do something.
“The Oyo State Citizen Emergency Number 615 is active, please call to report any emergency or suspicion of criminality and our rapid response system will be activated to bring the situation under control.”
In Plateau State, Governor Mutfwang affirmed his administration’s resolve to strengthen peace and security across the state through inclusive, community-based security outfit Operation Rainbow.
Speaking at the passingout parade of 1,450 recruited and trained operatives of the state-owned security outfit, the governor noted that peace and security remain central to his administration.
He said: “Security remains the bedrock upon which sustainable development is built. Without peace, there can be no meaningful progress, investment or prosperity.”
Mutfwang said his administration prioritised community-based security initiatives, adding: “Effective security begins from within our communities, which is why we have strengthened vigilante and community support structures as partners in our broader security architecture.”
The governor urged the operatives to act professionally in the discharge of their duties.
In Kogi State, Governor Ododo called for continuous support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reforms.
The governor urged Christians across the state to reflect on the teachings of Jesus Christ and imbibe them in their daily dealings.
He sought the prayers of the Christian community for Nigeria and to live the lives of service, humility, love, and sacrifice, as exemplified by the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.
In his Christmas message to the residents, Ododo described Christmas as a season of deep reflection, spiritual renewal, and recommitment to the values that bind humanity together.
The governor advised the citizens to place the nation at the centre of their prayers.
Ododo noted that Nigeria is at a defining moment in its history and requires the collective prayers, goodwill, and responsible actions of all citizens to strengthen unity, peace, and national prosperity.
He hailed President Tinubu’s bold and people-focused reforms.
According to him, these are already expanding opportunities and prosperity across the country, with Kogi State benefiting significantly from improved fiscal space, increased investments, and renewed confidence in governance.
Also, Governor Nwifuru told Ebonyi State residents to pray for security, economic growth, and harmony among the people.
In his Christmas message, the governor said the season emphasises the need to live in peace with one another, to forgive, to unite, and to place the collective good above personal interests
He added: “As we celebrate the glorious birth of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, my heart is filled with gratitude, hope, and deep reflection.
“Christmas is a powerful reminder of God’s boundless love, a season when heaven touched the earth and redemption was given freely to mankind.”
Nwifuru urged Christians to emulate Jesus Christ by demonstrating love for one another, sacrifice, humility, and obedience to God.
“In a time when our nation yearns for healing, this message has never been more important than now.
“I sincerely urge all Christians to use this sacred season to pray earnestly for peace, unity, and all-round development of Ebonyi State in particular and our dear country, Nigeria in general”
“In this Christmas season, I urge us to pray for security, economic growth, and harmony among our people, so that our land may prosper under God’s divine guidance.”
In Imo State, Governor Uzodimma yesterday urged fellow Nigerians to make humility and love their watchword as they celebrate Christmas.
The governor advised Christians to embrace unity, gratitude, and compassion during and beyond the Yuletide season.
He described them as the rare qualities which Jesus Christ’s birth symbolises.
Uzodimma emphasised the importance of being practising Christians and the danger inherent in being nominal ones.
The governor spoke at the Imo State Government House Annex, Eziachi, Orlu, at the 2025 Christmas Carol.
He described Christmas as more than a festive period, stressing that it is “a time for deep spiritual introspection on our faith and the shared values that define our humanity”.
Uzodimma acknowledged the difficulties faced by many families and expressed gratitude for life.
He said: “It is not because we have been more deserving than those who have passed; it is purely by God’s boundless mercy.”
Uzodimma urged leaders and citizens alike to reflect Christ-like virtues of humility and love.
The governor noted that “both leaders and the led are called to embody the simplicity, love, and compassion demonstrated by Christ”.
Also, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to religious freedom, peaceful coexistence, national unity, and the protection of all faiths.
The minister said this in his message to Christian faithful on the celebration of this year’s Christmas..
The minister stressed that Nigeria would continue to strengthen its institutions to protect all religious adherents, ensure social cohesion, and promote harmonious coexistence across the country.
He stressed that the safety, dignity, and rights of Nigerians of all faiths at home and in the diaspora remain a priority of government policy and diplomatic engagement.
“The Nigerian state is founded on the principle of freedom of worship and mutual respect among its people.
“We are resolute in reinforcing our institutions to uphold these values, deepen interfaith understanding, and ensure that no citizen is excluded or marginalised on account of belief,” Tuggar said.
The minister described the Christmas session as a time of reflection, compassion, and renewal, underscoring values that resonate deeply with Nigeria’s diverse religious and cultural heritage.
He said Christmas offers an opportunity to recommit to dialogue, mutual respect, and shared responsibility in safeguarding peace and stability within communities.
Also, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has urged Nigerians to embrace Jesus Christ as the only gift without limitation.
Adeboye said this yesterday at the Christmas Party with Daddy G.O., organised by RCCG’s Region 1, 36, 52 at the National Stadium in Surulere, Lagos.
In his sermon, tagged: “The Priceless Gift,” Adeboye emphasised that God has given the world the priceless gift of Christ, adding that accepting the gift opens the door to all associated blessings.
“The echo is simple: the only gift that has no limitation is the priceless gift, the gift of the Lord Jesus Christ. God has given the whole world this gift,” he said, calling on everyone to accept Jesus as Lord and Savior so that blessings of healing, victory, favour, breakthrough, and prosperity can be released in their lives.
Adeboye reassured believers that by next year, those who are sick or seeking divine intervention will experience answered prayers.
“One of the blessings of the gift of Jesus is healing. Those who are sick will receive their healing. One of the blessings is victory. If you are being pursued by the enemy, you can be sure your enemy will not overcome you,” he said.
He also urged Nigerians to live lives that reflect Christ’s character.
Adeboye said: “Christ came to save mankind from sin. Our attitude as Nigerians should be to accept Jesus and ensure that our lives resemble Him. Jesus is truthful; let us be truthful. Jesus is holy; let us be holy. Jesus is merciful; let us be merciful. Jesus is compassionate; let us be compassionate.”