Yuletide: Abiodun Calls for Compassion, Support for Vulnerable

Dapo Abiodun, the governor of Ogun State, has asked citizens to observe Christmas with moderation and to help the weaker and less fortunate segments of society.

Abiodun made the request in his Christmas message during the state’s Christmas Carol and Service of Nine Lessons, which was held on Tuesday at the Arcade Ground, State Secretariat, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, according to a statement released on Wednesday by his Chief Press Secretary, Lekan Adeniran.

Bishop David Oyedepo of Living Faith Church Worldwide, Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun, the National President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Most Reverend Dr. Daniel Okoh, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, former Governor of the State, Chief Olusegun Osoba, and others were among the dignitaries who attended the carol service.

Christmas, according to Abiodun, is a season that brings people together from all walks of life and emphasizes the everlasting virtues of kindness, love, compassion, and faith.

“It’s a season that encourages us to look beyond ourselves and embrace the ties of friendship and family,” he said. Let’s reach out to those in need because doing so shows the world what Christ’s life is like.

He urged people to consider the genuine meaning of Christmas, which is sharing and giving, and added that Christmas would not exist without Christ.

“It’s a time to help those in need and give back to our community,” he continued.

In order to create a society where everyone may prosper, the governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to uplifting the weak by promoting inclusivity.

“Programs that bring love, compassion, and empowerment throughout Ogun State will continue to be promoted by us. “Our administration has put in a lot of effort to advance sustainable development, improve infrastructure, and improve public service,” he stated.

Abiodun pointed out that the community’s strength, the people’s resiliency, and their compassion for one another are what make his administration so successful, not the legacy it leaves behind.

The governor asked people to continue the teachings of kindness, unity, and hope for a better future as they look to the new year, while praying that the spirit of Christmas will fortify ties, encourage progress, and provide peace and prosperity to every family.

The Most Reverend Daniel Okoh, President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, stated in his sermon titled “Building Our Future Together” that Christmas is a chance to make peace between God and humanity via Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace.

The CAN President cited John 2:7 when he stated that since Jesus’ birth brought humanity closer to God, believers should promote peace rather than harbor resentment.

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“Christmas should be celebrated with everyone, not just friends.” As Christians, we have to climb the mountain of hatred and carry the weight of peace. Since only peace leads to development, now is not the time to mistreat others, he stated.

Let’s concentrate on our commonalities. There are people who have never known the joy of Christmas, therefore let’s keep the needy and impoverished in mind. He went on, “Let’s go visit the homeless to let them know they belong in society.”

He praised Governor Abiodun for leading an inclusive government that has brought together all facets of the state’s population and characterized Ogun State as a place of peace where people from all over the nation live together.

While praying for the state and the country, Bishop David Oyedepo, the Presiding Bishop of Living Faith Church (Winners Chapel), stated that although peace is elusive and unaffordable, it was brought into the world by the birth of Jesus.

He emphasized that when peace reigns, all issues are overcome, reminding Nigerians that the true meaning of Christmas is not just to celebrate but also to demonstrate love via harmonious coexistence.

The carol service’s highlights featured performances by several choirs and special guests, as well as Bible readings by the governor’s wife, the deputy governor, the speaker, the chief judge of the state, and the secretary to the state government, among others.