* DIGNITARIES, MONARCHS CELEBRATE SEASON WITH TINUBU, FIRST LADY
By Nudoiba Ojen
It was an atmosphere of splendour, elegance and love on Monday as the 2024 edition of the annual Nine
Lessons and Carols Service, with the theme “Immanuel, Our Restorer of Hope,” organised by the wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, held in Abuja on Monday.
In attendance at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja venue of the event were the country’s political leaders, faith leaders, royal fathers and other eminent dignitaries.
The event featured scripture readings by notable personalities, including former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (retd); Deputy House Speaker, Hon Benjamin Kalu; Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike; President of Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun; Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ola Olukoyede; First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu and Bishop Tunde Adegbite.
The attendance at the service included monarchs under the aegis of National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria co-chaired by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi; the Oore of Otun Ekiti, Oba Adekunle Adeayo Adeagbo; the Alara of Ilara Epe Lagos, Oba Olufolarin Ogunsanwo; security chiefs and members of the diplomatic corps.
The Vice President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Rev. Baba Payan, in his sermon, titled “Let Brotherly Love Continue,” called on Christians to embody the spirit of love that defines the season.
Payan, who said Christmas is fundamentally about love, said, “This season invites us to reflect on how we can show love to those around us,” adding that love transcends boundaries of ethnicity, religion, and social status.
Business mogul, Arthur Eze, who spoke about the spirit of giving during the festive season, said, “Because of Christmas, whatever you have, share with others. If you are rich and you don’t share it, even if you die, you will not go with it.”
In a chat with journalists, the Oore, Oba Adeagbo, who was delighted to witness the 2024 End of Year Carol Night at the State House, thanked God for the lives of the citizens and growth of the country.
The Oore commended the First Lady and Mother of the Nation for “her love and sincerity in nation building and the way government officials have been showing love for the country.
