Christmas Carol: Abiodun, Oyedepo, CAN President Advocate Unity, Compassion

• Abiodun Urges Love for Less Privileged

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has called on Nigerians to celebrate the Christmas season with moderation and to extend acts of love and fellowship to the less privileged and vulnerable members of society.

Governor Abiodun made this appeal during the annual Ogun State Christmas Carol and Service of Nine Lessons, held at the Arcade Ground of the State Secretariat, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

He described Christmas as a period that transcends barriers and unites people across divides, emphasizing its core values of love, compassion, kindness, and faith.

“It is a season that inspires us to look beyond ourselves and embrace the bonds of family and friendship. Let us extend our hands to the needy, for such acts reflect Christ’s life to the world,” Abiodun stated.

The governor urged the public to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas, highlighting that the season is incomplete without giving and sharing. "Without Christ, there is no Christmas. It is a time to give back to our community and support the needy," he said.

Governor Abiodun reaffirmed his administration's commitment to fostering inclusiveness and empowering the vulnerable, ensuring that Ogun State becomes a place where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

He added, "We will continue to promote programs that spread love, compassion, and empowerment across Ogun State. Our focus remains on enhancing public service, improving infrastructure, and driving sustainable development."

The governor also emphasized that the administration's greatest achievement lies not in physical legacies but in the strength of the community, the resilience of its people, and the compassion they show to one another.

While praying for peace, progress, and prosperity for all families in Ogun State, Governor Abiodun urged the people to carry the lessons of Christmas—kindness, unity, and hope—into the new year.

L-R: Nigerian song writer, Bukola Elemide (Asa); Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun; his Deputy, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, and Asa's Manager, Janet Nwose, during the singer's visit to the governor in his office.

In his sermon titled "Building Our Future Together", the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Most Reverend Nicolas Okoh, highlighted the significance of Christmas as a time for reconciliation.

Drawing his text from John 2:7, Okoh said, “Christmas represents an opportunity to reconcile man to God through Jesus Christ, who is the Prince of Peace. As believers, we should be champions of reconciliation, not merchants of bitterness.”

He stressed the importance of peace, urging Nigerians to use the season to foster unity and love. “Christmas should not be celebrated only with friends but with all men. Let us bear the burden of peace, cross the mountain of hatred, and remember the poor and needy in our celebrations," he advised.

Okoh praised Ogun State as a model of peace and unity, commending Governor Abiodun for running an inclusive government that has united the people.

The Presiding Bishop of Living Faith Church (Winners Chapel), Bishop David Oyedepo, also offered prayers for the state and the nation. He noted that peace, though scarce and priceless, was brought to the world through the birth of Christ.

“The essence of Christmas is not just merriment but showing love to one another through peaceful coexistence. When there is peace, every problem finds a solution,” Oyedepo remarked.

The carol service featured Bible readings by prominent personalities, including the wife of the governor, the Deputy Governor, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, the Chief Judge, and the Secretary to the State Government.

It also included soul-stirring renditions by various choirs and guest artists, adding a festive touch to the event.

Governor Abiodun concluded his message by urging Nigerians to embrace the timeless lessons of Christmas: kindness, unity, and hope for a brighter future.