By Ayomide Otitoju
Nigerians across the 36 states are marking Christmas, a celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, with church services, family gatherings, and festive activities, despite ongoing economic challenges.
President Bola Tinubu, governors, and religious leaders joined the celebrations by sending messages of hope, peace, and love. In a statement released on Wednesday, Tinubu prayed for “peace in our land, especially between individuals of differing religious beliefs,” and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to religious freedom as enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution.
“All Nigerians have the right to live, worship, and pursue their aspirations in safety and dignity. No one, regardless of ethnicity or belief, should be made to suffer for professing and practising his faith,” Tinubu said. The president also praised Christians for their contributions to national development, highlighting their efforts to care for the vulnerable and promote peace, harmony, and tolerance in communities.
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) also extended Christmas greetings, describing the season as a reminder of God’s love, hope, and the triumph of light over darkness. CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, urged Christians to live by the values of Christ—love, peace, patience, sacrifice, and compassion—while assuring that, even amid economic and security challenges, hope remains alive.
The celebrations across Nigeria reflect both religious devotion and the nation’s commitment to unity and social cohesion during the festive period.
