President Bola Tinubu has reassured Nigerian citizens of his administration’s commitment to alleviating their hardships amid ongoing economic reforms.
In his Christmas message to Nigerians, Tinubu acknowledged that the “necessary reforms” implemented this year to achieve greater national prosperity had brought difficulties on Nigerians.
Tinubu described 2023 as a period of significant transformation and change in Nigeria.
He said, “This year has been a time of transformation and relentless change in our country. And I am aware that the necessary reforms we are implementing to achieve a more prosperous, peaceful nation for all have imposed unique sacrifices.
“My administration will continue to implement palliative measures to ease the burden on the most vulnerable, address current hardships and alleviate the suffering of all our nation’s people.
“Fellow Nigerians, as we navigate this transition to stability, prosperity, and renewed hope, I urge you once more to hold fast and rest assured of my commitment to govern with vision, dedication, and empathy.
“Be confident that by the strength of our joint endeavour, we will shortly emerge into a new dawn of prosperity, peace, and irreversible progress.”
President Tinubu also extended his festive greetings to Nigerians, highlighting themes of hope, transformation, and compassion.
On the Christian celebration of Jesus Christ’s birth, Tinubu emphasised the universal significance of Christmas as a time of joy, love, and friendship for people of all faiths.
He acknowledged the varied emotions of the season, recognizing that, for many, the festivities are mingled with sadness due to lost loved ones or unfulfilled dreams.
President Tinubu called for a spirit of kindness and empathy mirroring the teachings of Christ.
He urged Nigerians to support those around them, especially those facing hardship, even as he underscored the importance of collective acts of kindness.
President Tinubu asked for prayers and remembrance for the men and women of Nigeria’s armed forces, acknowledging their sacrifices for national safety. He also paid homage to those who lost their lives in service, praying for comfort for their families and loved ones.
President Tinubu called upon the spirit of Christmas to guide Nigeria into the new year, expressing optimism for a brighter future.
Labour Tasks Leaders Against Demoralising Nigerians
But the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has tasked political leaders to pursue policies that offer hope and happiness to the people, rather than those that demoralise and eviscerate them.
This was contained in a Christmas message issued yesterday by the NLC national, president, Comrade Joe Ajaero in Abuja where he asked Nigerian leaders specifically to emulate the example of Jesus Christ in serving the people selflessly.
Ajaero said that Nigerians are suffering from the heavy burden of poverty, insecurity, and corruption, and expect the government to take creative measures to address these challenges.
He said that Nigerians deserve to win in life, as taught by Christ, and that the essence of leadership is to enable the people to unleash their potential for wealth creation.
He urged Nigerians to remember that there is hope in their collective action, and to aspire to come together across the regional, ethnic, and religious divides.
The message reads in part, “In a year marked by challenges and uncertainties, we find solace and strength in the enduring spirit of hope, love, and the teachings of Jesus Christ.
“We urge those in government to also allow the spirit of Christmas to lead them in all their policies and actions. Jesus served his followers selflessly and we hope that our leaders at all levels will emulate this and serve Nigerians selflessly.
“Instead of heaping heavy burden on the people, it is important that they seek creative measures that will lift the present humongous suffering from our shoulders. Instead of handouts, Nigerians expect concrete actions with solid results”.
Meanwhile, governors in Nigeria have called for continued unity even as Nigerians join the rest of the whole in celebrating Christ,mas.
Kwara State governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, congratulated Christians in the state on the occasion of Christmas.
In a statement signed by his chief press secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye,, the governor said the birth of Christ heralded hope and urged people of faith to act in accordance with the message of truth, love and peace that the Christ preached.
“On this joyous occasion of the anniversary of the birth of Christ, the Governor wishes everyone a happy celebration and the best of the season,” he said.
On his part, Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago called on Christians to show genuine love to all as they celebrate Christmas.
The governor in a message signed by his chief press secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, said forgiveness, humility, and genuine love to all are the hallmarks of the Christmas celebration.
In his own message, Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri implored people of the state to foster peace, joy and brotherliness as they celebrate Christmas.
Governor Diri, during the state-organised carol programme christened “Festival of Nine Lessons” at the Gabriel Okara Cultural Centre, Yenagoa, stated that his government would continue to build on the legacies of peace and love that it has been preaching.
In his goodwill message to the people of Enugu, Governor Peter Mbah urged Nigerians to live in love, peace, and togetherness in order to advance the country.
He reaffirmed his dedication to create a new Enugu State, stressing that his goals included leading an Enugu State where love, peace, and unity are paramount, in addition to eradicating poverty and growing the state’s economy sevenfold to $30 billion.
Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule called on Christian faithful to always imbibe the spirit of love, brotherhood and forgiveness as symbolised by Jesus Christ.
In a Christmas message signed by Governor Sule and issued through his special adviser on media and publicity, Dr. Nawani Aboki and made available to newsmen in Lafia, the governor felicitated with the Christian community in the state on the commemoration of this year’s Christmas celebration.
He tasked Christians to use the period to practice the good virtues of Jesus Christ by sharing love with faith and remaining prayerful, and showing respect for leaders to enable them overcome the difficulties of the present time.
