Christians in the country, particularly those in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have been advised to pray for the continued peace and unity of the country, as they celebrate Christmas.
FCT Minister, Senator Bala Mohammed and the Minister of State, Oloye Olajumoke Akinjide, gave the advice in their separate goodwill messages to Christians as they celebrate Christmas.
Mohammed urged Christians to use the occasion to reflect on the life of Jesus Christ and imbibe his teachings, which are primarily premised on selflessness, sacrifice, patience, modesty and spirituality, saying the festival calls for sober reflection and spiritual rejuvenation as Jesus Christ lived his life for the entire mankind.
He urged Christians to imbibe the spirit of Christmas especially the lessons from the life and times of Jesus Christ and thus, be reflected in our daily lives in order to move the country to the next level.
“As you pray for the nation, I enjoin you to also pray for its leadership, for God to continue to guide, protect and give the President, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, the strength and the wisdom to steer the affairs of state, so that he will judiciously implement the Transformation Agenda of the Federal Government,” Mohammed stated.
He assured that all security outfits in the FCT were adequately prepared to be on top of any unexpected security breach during and after the festivity, saying the FCT administration would continue to guarantee the security of the lives and property of all residents of the territory, irrespective of political or religious affiliation.
On her part, the minister of state also advised Nigerians to remain steadfast in their prayers for peace and unity in the country.
She urged the citizens to reflect the virtues of love, peace and tolerance as exemplified by Jesus Christ in order to build a new Nigeria.
“The Christmas period is celebrated as a season of peace, goodwill and hope across national boundaries. It offers us a unique opportunity to express and share Christ’s message of love, peace, unity and reconciliation to all men and women.
“Residents of the FCT should use the festive period for increased spiritual devotion towards living in peace and harmony with adherents of other faiths. By so doing, we will be emulating Jesus Christ in words and deeds and imbibing the core lessons of love, tolerance, sacrifice and generosity which Christ stood for,” Akinjide said even as she assured that the administration would continue to pursue policies and programmes that would impact positively on the lives of residents.
“The administration is making considerable progress in the transformation of the FCT. It will continue to identify and develop job creation opportunities for the people in order to achieve inclusive growth,” she added
Akinjide, who wished residents a blissful Christmas and rewarding New Year, prayed that the New Year would usher in more progress, prosperity and fulfillment for the people and the nation.
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