By Ayomide Otitoju
The Lagos State Government on Thursday hosted the 2025 edition of the Christmas Carol of Nine Lessons at Lagos House, Ikeja, marking the celebration of the birth and reign of Jesus Christ.
The annual event, now in its 19th edition, was themed “The Reign of the Messiah” and was attended by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
Also present were the First Lady, Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu; the Deputy Governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, and his wife, Oluremi; the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Mudashiru Obasa; Head of Service, Mr Bode Agoro; Chief of Staff, Mr Tayo Ayinde; members of the State Executive Council; serving and former public office holders; as well as political, religious and traditional leaders.
During the service, the First Lady read the ninth lesson, while the Deputy Governor, his wife and the Speaker read the eighth, seventh and fifth lessons respectively, extending Christmas goodwill to residents of the state.
Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Home Affairs, Hon. Ibrahim Layode, commended the Lagos State Government for sustaining the Christmas carol tradition as part of its commitment to religious harmony and inclusiveness.
He said the theme reflected the joy, peace and divine hope brought by Jesus Christ, describing the gathering as a moment of worship, thanksgiving and reflection.
Layode noted that the carol went beyond music and ceremony, emphasising its focus on proclaiming Jesus Christ as King, from the promise of redemption to His enduring reign. He urged residents to draw comfort and hope from the message of the season, regardless of the challenges they may have faced during the year.
In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Mr Adewunmi Ogunsanya, acknowledged President Bola Tinubu and the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for initiating the Carol of Nine Lessons tradition, which he said has been sustained over the years.
Ogunsanya also commended Governor Sanwo-Olu, Deputy Governor Hamzat and their spouses for their continued support of the ministry and its programmes. He further praised religious leaders for their spiritual guidance, as well as the choir and instrumentalists for enriching the celebration.
The annual Carol of Nine Lessons remains one of Lagos State’s major end-of-year spiritual gatherings, promoting unity, faith and hope during the Christmas season. This year’s celebration featured special ministrations by the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM) Choir, the Pacelli School of the Blind, and gospel artistes Kent Edunjobi and Kenny St Brown, whose performances added colour and depth to the event.
