Christmas: Tinubu, govs, lawmakers assure Nigerians of better economy

President Bola Tinubu, governors and lawmakers, among others, on Tuesday, felicitated Christians on the occasion of the celebration of Christmas and assured Nigerians of a better economy in the New Year.

In a Christmas message signed on Tuesday, the President also offered prayers and comfort to families enduring pain and loss in 2024.

He enjoined Nigerians to extend love and compassion to those around them, saying such a gesture showed the spirit of Christmas.

“I offer my deepest sympathies to the families enduring pain and loss this year, whether from floods, fires or accidents,” Tinubu said in his message signed Tuesday.

It read, “Dear Fellow Nigerians, on this joyous Christmas Day, I extend my heartfelt greetings to Christians across Nigeria and worldwide as we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, as narrated in the Holy Scriptures.

“Christmas embodies the fulfilment of divine prophecy and symbolises the triumph of love, peace and unity. It is a poignant reminder that light can emerge even in the darkest times, bringing solace and hope. This belief resonates with people of all faiths. Indeed, God is with us.”

Tinubu cited the recent tragic stampedes in Ibadan, Okija and Abuja, saying they “deeply sadden us, and our thoughts are with those who continue to suffer from these heartbreaking incidents.”

Tinubu urged Christians to be mindful of those facing difficulties as they celebrate this blessed season.

“They are not far from us — our neighbours, family members, and the people we encounter daily, whether in places of worship, markets, offices, or boardrooms.

“Kindness transcends financial status. Those with modest means and those with abundance need a smile or a word of encouragement,” said the President.

Tinubu also encouraged Nigerians to pray for the security forces protecting the nation and leaders.

He said, “We must also honour our brave troops, who risk their lives to safeguard our nation. They deserve our prayers and steadfast support.

“Let us extend similar support and prayers to our nation’s leaders. With your backing, we can serve our country diligently and strive for prosperity.”

Tinubu, therefore, urged patience from citizens, affirming that the country is on a restorative path.

“Nigeria is on a promising path of restoration and progress, with every indication pointing toward a bright future.

“In the spirit of this season, let us renew our hope and belief in a prosperous Nigeria.”

The 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar, in a statement by his media adviser, Paul Ibe, on Tuesday, urged Nigerians to embrace a life of love and unity, drawing inspiration from the joyous spirit of the Christmas season.

The former vice president urged citizens to be guided by compassion and selflessness, encouraging them to cherish the significance of Christmas as a time for reflection and togetherness.

“Atiku reminded Nigerians, particularly Christians, to express gratitude for the arrival of the Christmas season despite the many challenges and hardships confronting the nation.

“It is a blessing that we can once again celebrate the events leading to the birth of Christ, despite the adversity we face,” the statement read.

He appealed to Nigerians to remain united, embrace one another with love, and confront the root cause of their struggles, which he attributed to poor leadership.

Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, called on Nigerians to look beyond the present economic challenges and be optimistic about a better tomorrow.

In his Christmas message to the people of the state on Tuesday, he said there was certainly light at the end of the tunnel for all Nigerians.

Abiodun highlighted the positive impact of initiatives implemented by the Federal Government, noting that these measures had begun to yield favourable outcomes, with the economy showing signs of recovery.

“As we celebrate this special season in moderation, let us all keep in mind that the present economic challenges facing our nation are ephemeral, and there is a bigger picture of hope ahead,” the statement read.

Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Yahaya, called on the Christian faithful and all citizens of the state to embrace the core values of Christmas, which connote love, peace, reconciliation, and selflessness.

In a press statement signed by the Director-General of Press Affairs, Gombe Government House, Ismaila Misilli, the governor also asked them to reflect on the deeper spiritual significance,

“As we mark this joyous occasion, I urge everyone to emulate the virtues of love, sacrifice, and compassion demonstrated by Jesus Christ.

“Let us use this period to promote unity, understanding, and cooperation among ourselves, which are essential for building a harmonious and progressive society,” the governor said.

Yahaya, who is also the Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum, also called for prayers for the prosperity and well-being of the nation, especially during these challenging economic times.

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, in a statement by his Special Adviser (Media), Sulaimon Olanrewaju, called on Christians to use the opportunity of the festivity to pray for the state and Nigeria and to also spread love among the people.

He urged the people to gather and celebrate responsibly by putting in place necessary crowd control measures and, where appropriate, they should involve security agencies.

The governor, who called on the residents to remember those mourning the loss of their children during the recent stampede, equally charged them to be vigilant during the yuletide.

He called on residents to report suspicious movements to security agencies through the State Emergency Number 615.

“Christmas presents another opportunity to spread love and to make supplications for our state and our country.

“We should remember those mourning the loss of their children in the recent stampede and pray that God will console them and give them the fortitude to bear the loss,” the statement read.

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, speaking on Monday during the 2024 Christmas Carol of Nine Lessons at the DSP Alamieyeseigha Banquet Hall in Yenagoa, said the most important lesson about Christmas is selfless love and sacrifice shown towards others.

He advised Christians and privileged individuals to reach out to the needy as he also urged his appointees to share whatever they got from the government with others.

While acknowledging the difficult economic times being experienced in the country, he sounded optimistic, adding that the period would soon be over.

Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State, in his Christmas message signed by his Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode, said “As we rejoice at this momentous occasion, the true essence of the season must not be lost on us.

“We should reflect on the birth of Jesus Christ and its significance to mankind. This offers an opportunity to deepen our love for ourselves and strengthen our harmonious relationships.

“Let us be our brothers’ keepers by showing love and compassion to one another as exemplified by our Lord Jesus Christ whose birth we are celebrating this season.”

The governor called on the Christian community and indeed all the people of the state not to relent in their prayers for his administration to realise its vision for the overall benefit of the people of the state.

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpehbolo, in a press statement on Tuesday by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, called on the Christian faithful to use the festive period for sober reflection and total spiritual renewal.

He said, “I urge the Christian faithful to use the festive period for sober reflection and total spiritual renewal and devotion towards living in peace and harmony with adherents of other religions.

“We must continue to extend the hands of love and fellowship to our neighbours and live as one big family, irrespective of our social, political, and religious leanings, and continue to trust God for a better tomorrow, a more prosperous Edo State, and a greater country, Nigeria.”

Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, in his Christmas message, called on Christians to embody the values of love, kindness, and generosity as exemplified by Jesus Christ and to offer prayers for the peace, unity, and progress of Plateau State and Nigeria.

“Christmas is a season of love, selflessness, and generosity. It is a time to embrace unity, share with those in need, and renew our commitment to building bridges of understanding and reconciliation.

“I sincerely pray that this season inspires us to work together for peace, uplift one another, and foster the virtues that strengthen our communities,” the governor said.

Acknowledging the economic hardships facing Nigerians, the governor reassured citizens of his administration’s steadfast commitment to addressing their challenges and creating opportunities to improve living conditions across the state.

“Let us draw inspiration from the spirit of Christmas to remain resilient, hopeful, and united in the pursuit of peace and progress.

“Together, we can overcome the challenges of today and build a brighter future for Plateau State and Nigeria. Brighter days are indeed ahead,” he said.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, in a Christmas message signed by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication and New Media, Olalere Olayinka, urged residents of the FCT to rededicate themselves to God in the spirit of the Christmas season.

Wike encouraged residents to be hopeful, stating that things would keep getting better.

The minister also sympathised with the families of the stampede victims.

“Once again, I also sympathise with families of victims of the recent stampedes in Abuja. I pray that God in His infinite mercies will grant them the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss,” the statement read.

Federal lawmakers, in their goodwill messages, also urged citizens to embrace the season’s values of hope, faith, and unity while intensifying prayers for peace and economic growth in 2025.

The Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau, called on Nigerians to remain steadfast and hopeful.

He expressed optimism about implementing the 2025 national budget, presented by the President, describing it as a potential game-changer for the nation’s economy.

The Southern Senators Forum, chaired by Senator Adetokunbo Abiru, stressed the need for unity, tolerance, and mutual understanding among Nigerians.

The forum acknowledged the current economic challenges but commended the President’s reforms, expressing hope for long-term sustainable growth.

“As we enter the new year, let us renew our commitment to peace, tolerance, unity, and mutual understanding. Our strength lies in our diversity, and by working together, we can build a nation that is inclusive, prosperous, and strong,” the forum said.

In a separate message, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, Solomon Adeola, urged Christians to use the occasion not only for celebration but also for prayers and reflection.

He encouraged Nigerians to support the ongoing reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda, noting early signs of economic recovery.

A former governor of Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi, in his Christmas message issued by his media office, described the season as a time for hope, renewal, and reflection.

He highlighted the importance of looking back on the country’s struggles with the determination to forge ahead.

“The past year has tested our national resilience,” Fayemi noted.

“We have confronted economic difficulties, security concerns, and social upheavals that have left many struggling to make ends meet.

“Yet, amid these challenges, the strength, resourcefulness, and enduring spirit of Nigerians have continued to shine brightly,” he noted.

He called on Nigerians to embrace the message of Christmas— love, compassion, and sacrifice — and draw inspiration from the sacrifices of Jesus Christ by becoming their brother’s keeper and supporting the vulnerable members of the communities.

The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, in his Christmas message, called on citizens to rededicate themselves to the betterment of fellow Nigerians and the country, reflecting on the sacrifice Jesus made to redeem humanity.

The minister also used the opportunity to reassure Nigerians of the Tinubu administration’s commitment to delivering on its Renewed Hope Agenda.

Adelabu expressed optimism that Nigerians would soon begin to reap the dividends of democracy.

“The reforms have started yielding positive results, especially in the power sector as evidenced in improved power supply to households and businesses across the country.

“The reforms, particularly in the power sector, have started yielding positive results and those results will be consolidated upon to make life more meaningful for all Nigerians,” he said

• Additional reports: Abiodun Nejo, Adeyinka Adedipe, James Abraham, Abdulrahman Zakariyau, Tope Omogbolagun, Ademola Adegbite and Nathaniel Shaibu