President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated Nigerians on the occasion of this year’s Christmas, saying it offers the opportunity to show love to one another and encourage unity.
In a message to Nigerians and made available to The Next Edition, he said the occasion gave the opportunity to share quality time with friends families and the less-privileged.
“It is also an occasion to draw inspiration from the exemplary lifestyle and teachings of Jesus Christ, who constantly stood for what is right, true and honest.
“The Holy Book describes Christmas as a festival of peace, joy, healing, hope and fulfilment. It kindles great expectations in the heart, irrespective of the challenges of the moment,” he added.
The president urged Nigerians to show appreciation and pray for members of the armed forces in their efforts to keep the nation safe and secure.
“By the same token, and keeping with the spirit of the season, our gallant troops serving in the frontlines in the fight against insurgency; those wounded, lying in the hospital, as well as civilians who have suffered the brunt of evil and wicked elements these past years, deserve our fervent goodwill and sustained prayers.
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“The personal fortitude of these individuals will continue to inspire us to victory as we turn the tide against the enemy and annihilate those who work against the unity of our nation,” he added.
The president who spoke on the increasing rate of illegal migration and the consequences said efforts had been stepped up to halt “this wickedness against the upwardly mobile generation.”
While appealing to Nigerians to shun the allure of embarking on such a dangerous journey, Buhari said some Nigerians stranded abroad had been evacuated.
Giving a message of hope, the president said he was convinced that “better days lie ahead for us as a nation as we make progress on all the major fronts where we have set our energies to surmount the challenges.”
