Christmas: First Lady calls for faith, unity
By Philomina Attah
The First Lady of Nigeria, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu has called on Nigerians to put their faith in God and come together in unity as the nation celebrates Christmas.
The First Lady made the call at the Service of Nine Lessons and Carols held in Abuja on Sunday.
The annual occasion, a joint event with the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) and Voice of Nigeria (VON) had the FRCN as the host for this year’s edition.
Mrs Tinubu was represented by Mrs Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, the Mandate Secretary, Federal Capital Territory Administration’s (FCTA) Women Affairs Secretariat, commended the organisers, for hosting the event.
She equally called on Nigerians to embrace the fear of God and live a life of righteousness.
According to her, God’s faith in us is the message of Christmas and that we can do all things through Christ who dwells in us.
She called on Nigerians to trust in God’s plan for the nation and to have faith in His power to overcome challenges.
“The solutions for us as a nation lie in embracing the fear of God from our leadership down to the level of every individual.”
She emphasised that serving God as a human being is the reason why God will be with us and help us in times of need.
The First Lady also highlighted the importance of separating oneself from the world and seeking God first.
“It is only those who separate themselves from the world that will seek God, and in seeking God, we will find Him,” she said.
Rev. William Okoye, General Overseer of All Christians Fellowship Mission, explained the importance of having a personal relationship with God to receive His strength.
Okoye, while delivering sermon, stressed that repentance and surrendering one’s life to God were essential to receiving His strength
According to Rev. Okoye, we need the strength of God to cope with the present challenges we face, but in order to enjoy that strength or receive that strength, we must have a relationship with God.
He cited Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me,” and Matthew 11:28, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest”, reminded Nigerians of God’s plans for the nation.
He encouraged the congregation to “repent of our sins and receive Jesus into our hearts as our Lord and Saviour.”
He also emphasised the importance of reading, studying, and meditating on God’s Word, as well as praying daily, to sustain God’s strength in one’s life.
Dr Chinedu Nneji, Commandant General of the National Unity and Peace Corps (NUPEC) and the Nigeria Mine Rangers Service (NMRS), wish Nigerians peace, progress, and unity during the Christmas season.
During an interview with newsmen, he emphasised the importance of patience and supporting the current administration, led by President Bola Tinubu, in achieving total peace in the country.
Nneji highlighted the organisation’s role in championing peace and unity across the country, from communities to the national level.
He urged Nigerians to be patient with the government, acknowledging the efforts of President Tinubu’s administration in ensuring the country’s progress and peace.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Director-General of FRCN, Dr Mohammed Bulama, highlighted the significance of the event, which he said brings christians from different parts of Nigeria to sing in honour of Jesus Christ.
Bulama, who was represented by FRCN’s Director of Programmes, Mrs Msurshima Kighir, also announced that the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) will join the three organisations to organise the annual programme from 2026.
“At this point, let me announce that by God’s grace, the News Agency of Nigeria is going to join the three organisations to organise this annual Service of Nine Lessons and Carols,” he said.
NAN reports that the event, themed “Jesus Our Strength,” was held to worship and celebrate the Christmas season.
The Service of Nine Lessons and Carols is an annual event that brings together Christians from different denominations to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas and the importance of faith in our lives.
The event was a call to spiritual renewal and a reminder of the importance of faith in our lives. It was also a celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ and a reflection on the true meaning of Christmas.(NAN)