President Muhammadu Buhari“I am deeply convinced that better days lie ahead for us as a nation as we make progress on all the major fronts where we have set our energies to surmount the challenges.”
President Muhammadu Buhari, expressed this hope in his special message to Christians in Nigeria, as they begin the celebration of Christmas.
The President noted that the commemoration of the birth of Jesus Christ is an important opportunity for Christians to show love to one another and encourage unity by spending quality time with friends, families and the less-privileged.
“It is also an occasion to draw inspiration from the exemplary lifestyle and teachings of Jesus Christ, who constantly stood for what is right, true and honest.
“The Holy Book describes Christmas as a festival of peace, joy, healing, hope, and fulfillment. It kindles great expectations in the heart, irrespective of the challenges of the moment.”
Buhari said that as the Christians celebrate this Yuletide season, they should devote some time to pray and appreciate the sacrifices of members of the Nigerian Armed Forces to keep the nation safe and secure.
He said that keeping with the spirit of the season, “our gallant troops serving in the frontlines in the fight against insurgency; those wounded, lying in the hospital, as well as civilians who have suffered the brunt of evil and wicked elements these past years, deserve our fervent goodwill and sustained prayers.
“The personal fortitude of these individuals will continue to inspire us to victory as we turn the tide against the enemy and annihilate those who work against the unity of our nation.
“In this season of hope, let us remember to provide refuge to those who cannot enjoy Christmas at home with their families, or have been driven from their homes by insurgency or violence, particularly the Internally Displaced Persons.
“Lately, we have witnessed an upsurge in the activities of trans-border syndicates who lure our youths to modern slavery through irregular migration. While we have stepped up our efforts to halt this wickedness against the upwardly mobile generation, and have evacuated some of our compatriots stranded abroad, we appeal to them to shun the allure of embarking on such perilous journeys.” [myad]
