Governor of Osun State, Ademola Adeleke, has described the birth of Jesus Christ as the defining moment for mankind.
This is as Governor Adeleke disclosed that the Christmas season is a solemn reminder of the power of love and how it can save humanity.
In a messages signed by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed on Wednesday, Governor Adeleke also urged Christians to follow Jesus Christ’s example of compassion and tolerance.
While recognising unity and togetherness as an important message that Jesus Christ’s life resonates, Governor Adeleke also charged Osun people, particularly Christians, to draw from the spiritual import of the celebration by sharing love and fostering harmony in communities.
The message reads in part, “I extend my warm wishes to Christian faithful in Osun state and beyond as we mark this year’s Christmas. The birth of Jesus Christ is a manifestation of the power of love and remind us of the essence of compassion,” the Governor noted in his message.
“In the mood of celebration, I urge us to take a moment to reflect on the message of renewal that the birth of Jesus Christ signifies, promoting activities that will unite not divide, build not destroy, and bring peace not conflict.
“It is also my sincere appeal that we extend hands of kindness to the needy and the weak in the society, spreading love and generosity beyond borders. That is the essence of Christmas and it is most essential that at a time like this, no one is left to their fate.”
Governor Adeleke who noted his administration’s efforts to ease the pressure of hard time on the people of the state, said the implementation of the new minimum wage for workers and pensioners will ensure that many families have a blissful Christmas celebration.
“Across Osun state, workers are receiving credit alert of the implementation of the new minimum wage in their various accounts just as the approved welfare package for pensioners is being paid as a mark of our administration’s commitment to ensure that families have no hindrance in celebrating Christmas.
“Beyond welfare, our administration has invested heavily in upscaling the state road network, ensuring that people can move without hitches. We will continue to prioritise interventions that will have a positive impact on the lives of Osun people,” he stated.
While wishing for hitch-free celebration and prosperous 2025, Governor Adeleke assured Osun people that his government will continue to pursue development projects, noting that more investments in the wellbeing of Osun people will be made so as to drive the expected progress next year.
On his part, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola urged Christian faithfuls to imbibe Christ’s virtues and reflect the spirit of love, unity, peaceful coexistence and hard-work in their inward and outward dispositions.
Oyetola, in a statement personally signed on Wednesday called on Christians to renew their faith in God and be more dedicated to His service, adding that it was part of reasons for the celebration across the globe.
He emphasised the need for hard-work, resilience and perseverance in the face of the current socio-economic reality.
He enjoined Nigerians, particularly Christians, to use the period of Christmas to offer prayers for the unbroken peace, harmony and prosperity of the country.
“It is yet another season of love, unity, good neighbourliness and re-dedication to the service of God and humanity. It is a time for sober reflection and to advance the cause that Christ stood for as Christmas celebration goes beyond merriment.
“So, I urge us all to imbibe the virtues of love, oneness and selflessness which are the cardinal reasons for the celebration. Let’s be our brother’s keepers by extending the hands of fellowship to one another during and after the festive period.
“As citizens, it is time to renew our faith in God and internalise Christ’s virtues which was the primary reason for the celebration. I, therefore, encourage our Christian brothers and sisters to use the occasion to offer prayers for the continued peace, unity and togetherness of Nigeria,” he stated.
