President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has sent a Christmas message to Nigerian Christians to mark the 2025 celebration, calling on citizens to uphold love, peace, tolerance, and unity across the country
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President described Christmas as a season that highlights shared values capable of strengthening national harmony. He urged Nigerians to show compassion, care for the less privileged, and live peacefully with one another regardless of religious or ethnic differences.
In his message, Tinubu wrote, “My fellow Nigerians, as we mark this year’s Christmas, may the love of Christ and his message of grace, hope, peace, and goodwill to humanity abide with us all.”
He stressed that Christmas goes beyond celebration and festivity, adding, “Christmas reminds us to reflect on the significance of Jesus Christ’s birth and his message of salvation as the Prince of Peace.”
Extending goodwill to Christians in Nigeria and across the world, the President said, “On this holy day, I wish all Christians in Nigeria and around the world a Merry Christmas. I thank God for the opportunity to serve as the leader of our great country, and I pray for peace in our land, especially among individuals of differing religious beliefs.”
Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s stance on religious freedom, stating, “As your President, I remain committed to doing everything within my power to enshrine religious freedom in Nigeria and to protect all people of different faiths from violence.”
He acknowledged the role of Christians in national development, noting, “As we celebrate the birth of Jesus, let us also reflect on the many contributions that Christians in Nigeria, as followers of Christ, have made and continue to make toward the progress of our country.”
Highlighting acts of charity inspired by Christian teachings, he said, “The love of Christ and the message of the Gospel have inspired many Christians to care for the vulnerable and less privileged in our society.” He also paid tribute to peace advocates, adding, “We honour those who, following the example of Jesus, work tirelessly to promote peace, harmony, and tolerance in their communities.”
Reflecting on leadership and national security, Tinubu stated, “Since I assumed office in 2023, I have continually reassured Nigerians of our unyielding commitment to safeguarding the security, unity, and stability of our nation.” He added that the commitment “remains steadfast under God and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
The President emphasized equality and freedom of worship, saying, “All Nigerians have the right to live, worship, and pursue their aspirations in safety and dignity. No one, regardless of ethnicity or belief, should be made to suffer for professing and practising his faith.”
Calling for unity, he wrote, “The love for God and love for humanity is at the heart of all the great faiths. These shared values must continue to bind us together as one indivisible and resilient people of our blessed country.”
Tinubu also disclosed ongoing engagements with religious leaders, stating, “Throughout the year, I have had the privilege of engaging with prominent leaders from the two major faiths in the country, particularly amid concerns about religious intolerance and insecurity.” He assured that the government would continue working with faith-based institutions to “prevent conflict and promote peaceful coexistence.”
As Nigerians travel during the festive season, the President appealed for caution on the roads, saying, “I urge all citizens to exercise patience and maintain discipline on the roads. I wish all travellers a safe journey and a safe return to their destinations.”
Concluding his message, Tinubu expressed optimism about the nation’s future, writing, “With confidence in divine providence and our collective strength, we will continue the work of building a greater Nigeria, one that future generations will be proud of.”
He ended with, “I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a happy New Year in advance.”
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