Babatunji Wusu – Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu urged people on Thursday not to give up hope despite the difficult circumstances facing both the state and the nation as a whole.
Sanwo-Olu stated this while delivering his Christmas message at the 2023 Lagos State Christmas Carol of Nine Lessons Service at the Lagos House Ikeja. He was accompanied in this by his wife, Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu. The book of Hebrews, chapter 7, verse 2, served as the inspiration for the theme of the 2023 Carol Service, “King of righteousness”.
He exhorted all citizens, Christians included, to maintain their faith in God and the government’s good intentions.
There is no doubt in the fact that as individuals and as a nation, the times are challenging. We must however not despair nor lose hope.
“Let us continue to trust in God and have faith in the good intentions of the people we have put in positions of authority.
“The task is challenging but with our ceaseless prayers, I believe very strongly that the pains we are experiencing today will pale into insignificance, when the fruits of our sacrifice begin to manifest in abundance.
“I pray that the good Lord will preserve our lives in good health to witness, feel and enjoy the new glory of our state and our nation.
”As a government, we will continue to roll out welfare programmes aimed at cushioning the pains and difficulties being experienced in critical aspects of living,” he said.
He asked the locals to uphold the law over the holiday season and to always remember to look out for their brothers and sisters. He believes that Christmas is a time for joy, giving, and strengthening the bonds that bind people together. It’s also a time to reach out to those in need and make sure that everyone has a feeling of community during this time.
“As we celebrate Jesus Christ through spreading His love and hope for humanity, we must continue to preach togetherness and spread the message of tolerance, peaceful coexistence and harmonious relationship among people of diverse beliefs and backgrounds.
“We must also follow His teachings and actions which exemplifies a righteous living. As we strive to follow His footsteps, let us remember that through faith in Him, we can experience true righteousness and find hope and fulfillment in our lives.
“We should embrace the grace and love that Jesus offers and allow His righteousness to guide us in all that we do.
“As we proceed into the festive period and the New Year, I urge all Lagosians to continue living in peace and righteousness which, according to the scripture exalts a nation,” he stated.
Olanrewaju Layode, the Commissioner for Home Affairs, stated in his welcoming speech that as the year drew to a close, people should reflect on all they had done and give thanks to God for His heavenly intervention in all matters pertaining to Lagos State.
Layode added that despite the difficulties, the state and its citizens were still standing strong due of God’s grace; as such, they should recognize their blessings and express gratitude to God for his unwavering faithfulness.
He remarked that the season taught everyone to reach out with hands of brotherhood and charity towards mankind, and that it is necessary to promote love not just at Yuletide but all year round.
“For this reason, I command everyone to imitate the qualities of Jesus Christ, which are exemplified by His humility and selflessness.
“While we are in celebration mode towards the Christmas and New Year celebrations, I wish to implore us all to keep safe and be our brothers’ keeper, by extending love and the spirit of sharing to the less privileged, while we continue to uphold our dear country, Nigeria in prayers” .
