Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, ex-Head of State General Yakubu Gowon and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, on Friday joined Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, at the 2025 Service of Nine Lessons and Carols held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The annual event, themed “Emmanuel: God With Us,” brought together top government officials, traditional rulers, clergy and Christian faithful for an evening of worship, reflection and national prayer.
Speaking during the service, the Prelate of the Methodist Church Nigeria, His Eminence Oliver Aba, urged Nigerians to embrace selfless service, unity and collective responsibility in addressing the country’s economic and social challenges. He called on leaders and citizens to work together to rebuild trust, promote peace and restore national cohesion.
Aba stressed that the message of Christmas reflects God’s closeness to humanity, even amid hardship. He said Christ’s coming signifies divine presence during difficult times such as inflation, insecurity and division, assuring Nigerians that God remains with them “in the valley, in the storms of life and in victory.”
The service featured scripture readings by prominent national figures, including Gowon, Obasanjo, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, President of the Court of Appeal Justice Bolna’an Dongban-Mensem, Minister of Defence Gen. Christopher Musa (retd), and Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun.
The First Lady read the ninth lesson from the Gospel of John, affirming the message of Christ as the Word made flesh. A mass choir of the Christian Association of Nigeria led renditions of popular Christmas carols throughout the service.
In his exhortation, Aba challenged Nigerians to reflect Christ’s love through selfless actions, stressing that peace and national renewal can only be achieved through shared sacrifice and compassion.
The event ended on a festive note with cultural displays and Christmas songs, as participants prayed for peace, unity and a better Nigeria.
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