Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji has urged the people of the state and other Nigerians to use the Christmas season to deepen love and harmonious relationship among one another in order to have a peaceful and better society.
The governor, who congratulated Christians and the people of the state generally for witnessing another Christmas, said that the season offers another opportunity for sober reflection and prayers for the state in particular and Nigeria in general for sustained peace and development.
In a Christmas message by his Special Adviser on Media, Mr. Olayinka Oyebode, the governor said that the anniversary of the birth of Jesus Christ calls for celebration because it signaled God’s special love to mankind and His desire for a peaceful world by bringing the Prince of Peace to the world.
Oyebanji extended his best wishes to the people of the state, urging them to key into the messages of love for one another, sacrifices, tolerance, humility, compassion and care for those in distress which were the hallmarks of Jesus Christ’s teachings during his earthly ministry.
He stressed that Christmas is not meant for eating, drinking and merriment alone, but reassessing one’s relationship with God and exploring areas to show love and kindness to fellow human beings.
‘As we rejoice at this Yuletide season, 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 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.
‘I urge the Christian faithful to practise the teachings of Jesus Christ by living in peace and harmony with adherence of other faiths’, he said.
The governor called on the Christian community and indeed all the people of the state not to relent in their prayers for a peaceful election as the state prepares for the governorship poll next year .
He also appealed Ekiti residents and Nigerians in general to continue supporting President Bola Tinubu in his quest to reset the country on the path of growth, development and shared prosperity through the Renewed Hope Agenda.
‘It’s been a wonderful year and we remain thankful to God. I wish Ekitikete a merry Christmas as we look forward to a greater level of joy, peace and prosperity in the coming year’, the governor added.
