A former secretary to the Oyo state government, Akogun Sharafadeen Alli has congratulated Nigerians, especially Christians on the occasion of this year’s Christmas.
He said Christians all over the world should see the birth of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ as a season to celebrate peaceful co-existence and show love to one another in Nigeria.
Alli, in a statement he personally signed in Ibadan on Thursday tasked Christians to offer special prayers during the yuletide for greater peace, love, unity, peaceful co-existence and progress of Nigeria.
“I call on all Christians; indeed, all the good people of Oyo state to reflect on the virtues and teachings of Jesus Christ in their lives and activities so that Nigeria and indeed the world would be a better place for Us all. I congratulate all Christians for witnessing yet another Christmas season. I advise everyone to use this festive period for sober reflections and total spiritual renewals and devotion towards living in peace and harmony with adherents of other religions.
“The birth of Jesus Christ being celebrated at Christmas, should be used to promote peace, love, understanding and unity, including the display of the spirit of tolerance in the accomplishment of our vision of building a better community and country. I wish to admonish all Christians to emulate Jesus Christ in words and deeds, imbibe the core lessons of freedom, love, tolerance, sacrifice, generosity and peaceful co-existence, which Christ stood for.
“I urge all Christian and other religious leaders not to relent in their prayers for peace, unity and development of Oyo State. I encourage all Nigerians to always portray the positive sides of the country and de-emphasize it’s negative sides as it is the only way our dear country will assume its pride of place in the comity of nations.
“I wish all the good people of Oyo state and indeed all Nigerians, a Merry Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous New Year in advance as I pray for the warmth of God’s love to fill every heart and home.
“Have a peaceful and merry Christmas,’’ Alli said.
