As Christians around the world commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ, the Director General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Dr. Garba Abari has called on Christians in Nigeria to use this opportunity to specially reflect and pray for peace in the country and healing for all those affected by the COVID-19 scourge.
Describing year 2020 as a remarkably troubled year, the National Orientation Agency said the adherents of the Christian faith and indeed all people of goodwill have a duty to seek God’s intervention in the many problems of the country, especially that of terrorism, banditry and the surging cases of COVID infection in the country and around the world. “As our soldiers and other security agencies continue to battle these agents of destruction in our land, we seek your prayers that their efforts will be rewarded with success”, he added.
Abari also urged Nigerians to continue to adhere to the safety protocols prescribed by government and health authorities on the raving COVID-19 pandemic saying this year’s celebration does not require wild behaviours but is a time to be watchful while observing all the precautions, especially physical and social distancing, hand washing and wearing of facemasks.
In his words, “As we celebrate Christmas, we enjoin our people to be conscious of the fact that the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic is here with us and it is only when we adopt the required behaviour that we will defeat the health challenge in our country. We must really pray for our country to overcome its many challenges and for healing to those who are suffering from this scourge at this period.”
While felicitating with Christians in Nigeria, the Director General wished them successful celebrations and a more fulfilling new year.
Paul Odenyi
Assistant Director, Press
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