From Desmond Mgboh, Kano, Olanrewaju Lawal, Birnin Kebbi, Abdulrazaq Mungadi, Gombe, Uchenna Inya, Abakaliki, George Onyejiuwa, Owerri and Femi Folaranmi, Yenagoa
Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State, Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma and the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Dr. Dennis Otuaro have felicitated with Nigerians as they celebrate Christmas and prepare to usher in the new year.
Governor Idris described the Yuletide season as a period of joy, reflection, fervent prayers and the sharing of love and kindness among citizens, regardless of religious or ethnic differences.
He noted that the season also provides an opportunity for Nigerians to pray for divine intervention in the affairs of Kebbi State and the nation at large, expressing confidence that God remains firmly in control of Nigeria’s destiny.
Governor Idris emphasised that Nigeria’s multi-religious and multi-ethnic composition is a divine design intended to strengthen unity, peaceful coexistence and national cohesion. He urged citizens to continue promoting tolerance and mutual understanding as pillars for sustainable development.
He called on Nigerians to remain hopeful, determined and confident that the country would witness improved economic and social conditions in the near future. He stressed that this optimism is anchored on the collective efforts of all tiers of government to enhance the living standards of the people.
He reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of his administration and that of President Bola Tinubu to steering Kebbi State and Nigeria towards greater heights, citing significant achievements recorded in infrastructural development, education, healthcare delivery, agriculture and social empowerment within the past two years in the state.
Governor Idris also underscored the importance of unity and cooperation among Nigerians, describing them as critical ingredients for achieving economic recovery and national prosperity.”
The governor appealed to affluent citizens to extend support to the less privileged, noting that such acts of compassion would promote peace, harmony and collective progress across Kebbi State and the country.
He thanked the people of Kebbi State for their continued love, cooperation and unwavering support for his administration, assuring them of his resolve not to betray their trust.
Similarly, Governor Yahaya called on Christians to offer sustained prayers for peace, unity and stability in Gombe State and across Nigeria, stressing that collective harmony remains critical to national progress.
He described the Yuletide as a period that reinforces enduring values of love, sacrifice, tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
He noted that the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ provides an opportunity for sober reflection on virtues that bind society together beyond religious or ethnic lines. He urged residents to continue nurturing mutual respect and understanding as foundations for lasting peace.
According to him, Gombe State has continued to distinguish itself as a model of interfaith harmony, where people of diverse backgrounds live and work together in an atmosphere of tolerance and cooperation.
“This season reminds us of the power of love, compassion and selflessness, which are central to the teachings of Jesus Christ. These values are indispensable to sustaining peace and unity in our dear state and nation,” he stated.
Speaking as Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum, he urged Christians to intensify prayers for peace, unity, economic stability and security, particularly at a time the country is grappling with economic, security and social challenges that demand collective resilience and shared responsibility.
He appealed to residents of the state to remain supportive of government’s policies and programmes aimed at improving the wellbeing of the people, noting that inclusive governance thrives on citizen participation.
He reassured the Christian community of his administration’s unwavering commitment to religious tolerance, equity and inclusion, affirming that all segments of society would continue to be carried along in the ongoing transformation of the state.
He also highlighted government’s tradition of providing support to communities during festive periods to ease the burden of celebration and promote solidarity among citizens as he wished Christians in Gombe and beyond a peaceful and joyous Christmas celebration.
Kano State Governor, Yusuf, also extended felicitations to the Christian community in the state and across Nigeria, describing the season as a period of love, sacrifice, unity and peaceful coexistence.
This was contained in a statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa yesterday.
Governor Yusuf said Christmas offers an important opportunity for reflection on the enduring values of peace, tolerance, compassion and selfless service to humanity, which he noted are essential for harmonious living in a diverse society like Kano State.
He urged Christians in the state to use the festive period to canvas for peace, unity and collective progress, while calling on all residents, regardless of religious or ethnic differences, to continue to live together in mutual respect and understanding.
The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting the rights of all citizens and ensuring an atmosphere where everyone can freely practise his or her faith in peace.
He also called on religious leaders to sustain the preaching of tolerance and peaceful coexistence, stressing that unity remains the strongest pillar for sustainable development in Kano State.
He wished Christians a joyful Christmas celebration and prayed for a peaceful and prosperous New Year for all residents of the state.
He advised motorists to strictly observe traffic rules throughout the festive period and beyond to ensure safety on the roads.
In the same vein, Governor Nwifuru called on Christians to use the period of the Christmas celebration to pray for security, economic growth and harmony among the people.
He emphasised the need to live in peace with one another, preaching forgiveness, unity and collective good above personal interests.
“As we celebrate the glorious birth of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, my heart is filled with gratitude, hope and deep reflection.
“Christmas is a powerful reminder of God’s boundless love, a season when heaven touched the earth and redemption was given freely to mankind.”
He said Christians should emulate Jesus Christ by demonstrating love for one another, sacrifice, humility and obedience to God.
“At a time when our nation yearns for healing, this message has never been more important than now.
“I sincerely urge all Christians to use this sacred season to pray earnestly for peace, unity and all-round development of Ebonyi State in particular and our dear country, Nigeria in general.
“In this Christmas Season, I urge us to pray for security, economic growth and harmony among our people, so that our land may prosper under God’s divine guidance.”
Governor Nwifuru said his administration remains fully committed to the People’s Charter of Needs Agenda anchored on compassion, justice, inclusive development and service to humanity as exemplified by Christ Himself.
“With faith in God and love for one another, the possibility of building a stronger, more united and prosperous Ebonyi State is not in doubt.
“This Christmas, I call on every citizen to live up to the expectations of our Lord Jesus Christ by becoming ambassadors of peace, unity and hope in our homes, communities and society.
“As we celebrate, I pray for His peace reign in our land and a New Year ushered in greater blessings for Ebonyi State and Nigeria.”
He assured that adequate security arrangements had been made to ensure a hitch-free celebration.
Senator Uzodimma equally called on Nigerians to make humility and love, their watchword as they celebrate Christmas.
He advised Christians to embrace unity, gratitude and compassion, describing them as rare qualities which Jesus Christ whose birth the world celebrates, symbolises.
He emphasised the importance of being practising Christians.
Governor Uzodimma made the remarks at the Imo State Government House Annex, Eziachi in Orlu at the 2025 Christmas Carol.
Describing Christmas as more than a festive period, he said it is “a time for deep spiritual introspection on our faith and the shared values that define our humanity.”
He acknowledged the difficulties faced by many families and expressed gratitude for life. “It is not because we have been more deserving than those who have passed; it is purely by God’s boundless mercy.”
He urged leaders and citizens alike to reflect Christ-like virtues exemplified in humility and love, stating that “both leaders and the led are called to embody the simplicity, love, and compassion demonstrated by Christ.”
The governor also harped on efforts to improve the economic conditions in the country, saying, “this Christmas arrives after a harvest of good news for all Nigeria,” attributing the optimism to reforms under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, which he described as “necessary for our national survival.”
He concluded by reminding citizens to care for the less privileged, the vulnerable in their midst, urging them to remember those who don’t have anything to eat.
He then wished Imo State residents in particular and Nigerians at large a peaceful and joyful Christmas.
Earlier, the Anglican Bishop of Orlu Diocese, Rt. Rev Benjamin Okere gave a message on “Share the good news” where he encouraged Christians to spread the message of the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ and proclaim the redemption his coming brought to the world.
Bishop Okeke added that beyond the biblical message of good news, Christian should equally find the need to rejoice and share news of good governance in Imo State, especially the milestone achieved by Governor Uzodimma in infrastructure and human capital development.
The highlight of the event was the melodious rendition of Christmas songs by a number of choir groups and intercessory prayers for the state by various Church leaders.
Present at the event included the Catholic Bishop of Orlu, His Grace, Most Rev. Augustine Ukwuoma; the Catholic Auxiliary Bishop of Orlu, His Grace, Most Rev Thomas Obiatuegwu; the Deputy Governor of Imo State, Lady Chinyere Ekomaru and her husband, Chukwuma Ekomaru; wife of the Governor, Mrs Chioma Uzodimma; former Governor of the State, Chief Ikedi Ohakim and wife, Ambassador designate, Chioma; Senators Ned Nwoko, Patrick Ndubueze, Osita Izunazo, Ezenwa Onyewuchi and other members of the National Assembly.
Administrator of PAP, Dr. Otuaro, also called for a renewed commitment to peace and unity in the Niger Delta as the region prepares to enter the New Year.
Otuaro, in a message by his Special Assistant on Media, Mr Igoniko Oduma, thanked stakeholders, traditional rulers, former agitators, youths and communities across the Niger Delta for their sustained support for the PAP and for the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
He described peace and unity as the bedrock upon which sustainable development in the Niger Delta must continue to be built, urging the people to remain steadfast in protecting the hard-earned stability currently enjoyed in the region.
“Peace and unity remain the strongest foundations for sustainable development. As a people, we must continue to reject violence and embrace dialogue, cooperation and mutual respect as we work collectively for the progress of our region.
“I also express my profound appreciation to all stakeholders and the people of our region for your sustained support for the administration of His Excellency, President Bola Tinubu.”
He noted that PAP recorded significant milestones in 2025, including improved welfare for beneficiaries, enhanced educational and vocational opportunities and strengthened reintegration outcomes, all aimed at empowering Niger Delta youths to contribute meaningfully to society.
He attributed the achievements to the visionary leadership of President Tinubu and the institutional support of the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), which provides strategic guidance for the effective implementation of the programme.
Reflecting on the meaning of Christmas, the PAP boss described it as a season that embodies love, sacrifice, compassion and reconciliation, values that resonate deeply with the communal culture and shared heritage of the Niger Delta people.
“Christmas reminds us of the power of love, sacrifice and togetherness. These values align naturally with the communal spirit of the Niger Delta, where collective responsibility, mutual support and shared progress have always defined our identity.”
He urged beneficiaries of the programme and residents of the region to celebrate the season with moderation and a renewed sense of responsibility to their communities
Otuaro expressed optimism that 2026 would usher in greater opportunities, peace and prosperity for the region and the nation at large.
“As we step into the New Year, I am confident that with continued unity, peace and collaboration, the Niger Delta will record even greater progress. I wish our people a Merry Christmas and a happy, prosperous New Year,” he stated.
