By Muhammad Tanko Shittu, Jos, Oyibo Salihu, Lokoja and Andrew Ojih, Jalingo.
Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau state has called for the demonstration of love, compassion and sacrifice as key attributes of Jesus Christ during this Christmas festivity.
The governor made the call, Thursday, in a statement signed by his director of press, Dr. Makut Macham, saying this year’s Christmas celebration comes at a time when things are generally difficult and challenging but that with love and mercies of God, there is no reason to despair or be despondent.
“The world and indeed Plateau state has gone through tremendous challenges occasioned by the Coronavirus pandemic, which has significantly altered human interaction and impacted negatively on the economy.
“This has resulted in hardship to both governments and citizens. Nevertheless, we have collectively demonstrated resilience and hope.
“This should continue especially as we mark the birth of Jesus Christ who primarily came to give hope to mankind,” Lalong said.
For his part, the Kogi state governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, congratulated the entire Christians on the occasion of the 2020 Christmas celebration.
This was contained in a Christmas message issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Onogwu Muhammed, and made available to newsmen in Lokoja on Thursday.
The statement urged Christians to use this special occasion which commemorates the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ to show love and kindness to one another through sacrificial giving.
Governor Bello admonished Christians on the need to always extend hands of fellowship to their neighbours especially the widows, orphans and internally displaced persons (IDPs) among others who might not have the financial capacity to celebrate the special occasion.
He equally urged the Christians to use the occasion of this year’s Christmas celebration to pray to God to put an end to all the security and economic challenges bedeviling the country.
“These are undeniably hard and challenging times for our nation and I do hope we all reflect on these and pray for those who are suffering.
“A celebration that we are thankful to be alive after what we have experienced as a people; a celebration that we have stayed strong and resilient, despite what we have faced as a state and a nation.
“It is my earnest prayer and sincere hope that as we end the year 2020, God Almighty will usher us into a prosperous and joyful New Year 2021.”
In Taraba, Governor Darius Dickson Ishaku rejoiced with all Christians in the state on the memorable occasion of the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Ishaku, in a press statement signed by his senior special adviser on media and publicity, Mr. Bala Dan and a copy made available to Blueprint said Christmas is a key part and reminder of God’s grand salvation plan for mankind.
The statement noted that the coming of Jesus Christ into the world through a unique, but humble birth process remains the greatest symbol of identity, hope and unity among Christians all over the world.
The statement maintained that the Christmas which is the anniversary of that great act of God’s love for humanity deserves to be celebrated.
The statement reminded Christians to also endeavour to demonstrate the lesson and spirit behind Christmas among themselves and also in their relationship with people of other religions and faiths.
