As Nigerians join the rest of the world to celebrate Christmas, the Director General, National Orientation Agency (NOA), Dr. Garba Abari has urged Nigerians to spend the season praying for renewed love, unity and brotherhood amongst citizens.
Abari, in a Christmas felicitation to Nigerians, said the coincidence of the Christmas season with the electioneering season in Nigeria necessitated the call. He said Nigeria has come a long way in its journey of nationhood and must not allow political wrangling bring discord or threaten the bond of unity it has enjoyed, adding that Christmas provides a great opportunity to relate and celebrate together across political divides.
The NOA Director General further urged Nigerians to emulate and display the selflessness and love that Christmas represents by using the celebration to pray for the good of their neighbours as well as the stability and progress of their nation.
In his words: “Christmas portrays God’s selfless love for man, displayed through the birth of Jesus Christ as a gift to humanity. If we all selflessly love and care for the next person, irrespective of their religious, political and other persuasions, it will translate into a sacrificial love for our country and a genuine collective effort at national development.”
He therefore stressed the need to renew the bond of love, unity and kindred spirit among Nigerians by emulating the virtues of Jesus Christ. The NOA Director General also charged Nigerians to remain law abiding and peaceful during and after the Christmas festivities.
Paul Odenyi
Assistant Director, Press
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