Former Governor of Kogi state, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris has sent a message of congratulations to Christians all over the state on the occasion of this year’s Christmas celebration.
In his message, the former Governor harped on the need for people to observe COVID-19 safety protocols as they celebrate, in view of the threat of the pandemic’s second wave.
He appealed to Christians not to celebrate alone but demonstrate love, peace, kindness and forgiveness as practiced by the Lord Jesus Christ.
Also, Senator Yakubu Oseni (Kogi Central-APC) called on Christians to deepen their prayers for Kogi State and the nation in general.
This call was contained in a message to his Christian constituents as they join a host of others across the globe to celebrate this year Christmas.
The lawmaker who reiterated that the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ signifies love, kindness to one another through sacrificial giving, said such virtues preoccupied all His teachings while on earth.
“It is the same love, kindness and spirit of brotherhood that we require at this material time that our country is witnessing security and economic challenges.
“Therefore, I humbly admonish you to bear in mind the real reason for the season as we celebrate the Christmas and even the new year ahead.
”As you pray to God to heal our world of resurgence of strange diseases, endeavour to also pray for our dear Kogi State and the country in general,” he said.
He advised people to indulge in healthy conducts and observe COVID 19 prevention guidelines as established by the health authorities.
Kogi State Commissioner for Works and Housing, Engr. Abubakar Ohere has also felicitated with Kogites, particularly Christians as they celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.
In a statement he personally signed, Engr. Ohere, urged Christians to use the festive occasion to pray for unity, peace and prosperity of Kogi State.
He called on Kogites to rededicate themselves to the service of humanity in line with the true teachings of Jesus Christ which emphasises tolerance, patience, brotherly kindness, care for the needy and love for one another, among other virtues.
“Allah says in the Holy Quran that he created mankind as races and tribes so that they may understand each other. Therefore, our being together as one is a divine design that should be made to continue to exist.
“We must rededicate ourselves to the true virtues of faith in God, love for one another, honesty and peaceful co-existence. It is time to make these virtues more evident and practical in our daily lives,” Engr. Ohere said.
The Managing Director/CEO of Kogi Enterprise Development Agency (KEDA) Hajiya Rekiya Onaivo Sanni joined other eminent personalities in the state to heartily felicitate with Christians on the birth of Jesus Christ.
Hajia Sanni urged citizens to emulate the teachings of Jesus Christ who was sent as a gift through the light of love to the world.
She encouraged Christians to reflect on the season and the magnificent favour of God to reflect good neighbourliness.
Further more, she assured Kogites of the commitment of Governor Yahaya Bello to simulate the small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the state. She assured that the establishment of KEDA, under her management, will ensure improved wealth creation in the year 2021.
In same vein, the Executive Chairman of Okene Local Government, Engr. Abdulrazaq Muhammad has called on Christians to imbibe the virtues of Jesus whose life was a symbol of unity, love for fellow human beings and sacrifice for the saviour of man kind.
The Council boss, in a statement through his Media Adviser in Okene, congratulates the Christian community in Okene and beyond on this auspicious occasion despite various economic, security, and health challenges that have affected the nation in recent time.
He enjoined them to remember the poor, vulnerable children and the less privilege in the society.
On the security of lives and property in Okene, Hon. Abdulrazaq assures residents and visitors not to be despair but go about their normal lawful businesses as government is on top of the situation.
He assured that security agencies have mapped out modalities to ensure the celebration remain peaceful throughout the local government area.
The Chairman, however, urged the people to be vigilant and report suspicious movements or act to the nearest security outfit.
