L-R: Chief Olusegun Obasanjo; Aremo Olusegun Osoba; Governor Dapo Abiodun; First Lady of Ogun State, Mrs Bamidele Abiodun; Bishop of Living Faith Church Worldwide, Bishop David Oyedepo, and the National President CAN, Most Revd, Dr Daniel Okoh, during the Christmas Carol and Service of Nine Lessons in Abeokuta, on Tuesday
By Nudoiba Ojen
THE 2024 CHRISTMAS CAROL Service organized by Ogun State Government was yet another time to make case for love, unity and care for the less-privileged.
Among others, the Christmas Carol and Service of Nine Lessons was attended by former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo; former governor of Ogun State, Chief Segun Osoba; the National President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Most Revd, Dr Daniel Okoh; the Bishop of Living Faith Church Worldwide, Bishop David Oyedepo,
The Chief host, Governor Dapo Abiodun and his wife, Mrs Bamidele Abiodun were also joined on the occasion by the Deputy Governor, the Speaker, the Chief Judge of the State, the Secretary to the State Government and others.
Governor Abiodun called on the people of the state to celebrate Christmas with moderation and extend hands of fellowship to the less privileged and vulnerable in society.
The governor said, “Christmas is a season that inspires us to look beyond ourselves and embrace the bond of family and friendship. Let us extend our hands to the needy, for such acts reflect Christ’s life to the world”.
The governor, who said Christmas is a period that focuses on the timeless values of love, compassion, kindness, and faith, called on the people to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas, which entails giving and sharing, adding that “without Christ, there is no Christmas.
“It is a time to give back to our community and support the needy,” he added.
Abiodun said that his administration remains steadfast in its commitment to uplifting the vulnerable by fostering inclusiveness, which is necessary to build a society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
He said, “We will continue to focus on promoting programmes that spread love, compassion, and empowerment across Ogun State. Our administration has worked tirelessly to enhance public service, improve infrastructure, and drive sustainable development,” he said.
The governor, however, noted that his administration’s greatest success is not the legacy imprinted on the hearts of the people, but the strength of the community, the resilience of the people, and the compassion shown to one another.
While praying for the spirit of Christmas to continue to strengthen the people’s bond, inspire progress, and bring peace and prosperity to every family, the state helmsman urged people to carry forth the lessons of Christmas, which are kindness, unity, and hope for a brighter future as they look forward to the new year.
In his sermon titled “Building Our Future Together,” the CAN President, Most Reverend Okoh, said Christmas represents an opportunity to reconcile man to God through Jesus Christ, who is the Prince of Peace.
Taking his text from John 2:7, the CAN president said it was imperative for believers to be champions of reconciliation and not merchants of bitterness, as the birth of Jesus drew man closer to God.
“Christmas should not be celebrated only with friends, but with all men. As believers, we should bear the burden of peace and cross the mountain of hatred. It is not a time to abuse others but a time to make peace because it is only peace that brings development.
“As we celebrate, let us focus on things that bind us together. Let us remember the poor and the needy because there are people who have not experienced the joy of Christmas in their lifetime. Let us visit the homeless to make them know that they are part of society,” he said.
He described Ogun State as a home of peace where people from other parts of the country live in unity and lauded Governor Abiodun for running an inclusive government, which he noted has united all segments of the people in the state.
The Presiding Bishop of Living Faith Church (Winners Chapel), Bishop Oyedepo, while praying for the state and nation, said though peace is a scarce commodity that cannot be bought, the birth of Jesus has brought peace to the world.
The clergyman reminded Nigerians that the essence of Christmas is not only to make merriment but to show love to one another through peaceful coexistence, emphasizing that when there is peace, all problems come to an end.
Highlights of the carol service included Bible readings by the wife of the governor, the Deputy Governor, the Speaker, the Chief Judge of the State, the Secretary to the State Government, among others, and renditions by various choirs and guest artists.
