President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has one again assured Nigerians of adequate protection from any form of religious violence, reiterating his commitment to freedom of faith.
In his Christmas Message, yesterday, Tinubu declared that he remained committed to doing everything within his power to ensure religious freedom in Nigeria and protect people of all faiths from violence.
He said nobody, regardless of ethnicity or belief, should be made to suffer for professing and practising his faith, adding that love for God and humanity is at the heart of all faiths.
The president stated, “These shared values must continue to bind us together as one indivisible and resilient people of our blessed country.
“Throughout the year, I have had the privilege of engaging with prominent leaders from the two major faiths in the country, particularly amid concerns about religious intolerance and insecurity.
“We will build on these conversations to strengthen collaboration between government and religious institutions, prevent conflict and promote peaceful coexistence.”
Tinubu also disclosed that since he assumed office in 2023, “I have continually reassured Nigerians of our unyielding commitment to safeguarding the security, unity, and stability of our nation.
“That commitment remains steadfast under God and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. All Nigerians have the right to live, worship, and pursue their aspirations in safety and dignity.”
The president, in the goodwill message, stated, “My Fellow Nigerians, as we mark this year’s Christmas, may the love of Christ and his message of grace, hope, peace, and goodwill to humanity abide with us all.
“Beyond the celebration and festivities of this season, Christmas reminds us to reflect on the significance of Jesus Christ’s birth and his message of salvation as the Prince of Peace.
“On this Holy Day, I wish all Christians in Nigeria and around the world a Merry Christmas. I thank God for the opportunity to serve as the leader of our great country, and I pray for peace in our land, especially among individuals of differing religious beliefs.
“As your president, I remain committed to doing everything within my power to enshrine religious freedom in Nigeria and to protect all people of different faiths from violence.
“As we celebrate the birth of Jesus, let us also reflect on the many contributions that Christians in Nigeria, as followers of Christ, have made and continue to make toward the progress of our country.
“The love of Christ and the message of the Gospel have inspired many Christians to care for the vulnerable and less privileged in our society. We honour those who, following the example of Jesus, work tirelessly to promote peace, harmony, and tolerance in their communities.
“For those who bring hope and faith in the midst of despair, this season is a reminder that, despite daunting challenges, God is with us.”
The president declared, “Since I assumed office in 2023, I have continually reassured Nigerians of our unyielding commitment to safeguarding the security, unity, and stability of our nation.
“That commitment remains steadfast under God and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. All Nigerians have the right to live, worship, and pursue their aspirations in safety and dignity.
“No one, regardless of ethnicity or belief, should be made to suffer for professing and practising his faith. The love for God and love for humanity is at the heart of all the great faiths. These shared values must continue to bind us together as one indivisible and resilient people of our blessed country.
“Throughout the year, I have had the privilege of engaging with prominent leaders from the two major faiths in the country, particularly amid concerns about religious intolerance and insecurity.”
Tinubu said, “We will build on these conversations to strengthen collaboration between government and religious institutions, prevent conflict and promote peaceful coexistence.
“As many Nigerians travel to reunite with family and loved ones during this holiday period, I urge all citizens to exercise patience and maintain discipline on the roads. I wish all travellers a safe journey and a safe return to their destinations.
“With confidence in divine providence and our collective strength, we will continue the work of building a greater Nigeria-one that future generations will be proud of. I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a happy New Year in advance.”
Jonathan Urges Hope, Unity, Resilience
Former President Goodluck Jonathan extended heartfelt Christmas greetings to Nigerians and friends of Nigeria around the world, calling on citizens to embrace hope, unity, and a renewed commitment to the country’s shared destiny.
In his goodwill message, Jonathan reflected on the significance of Christmas as the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ and God’s enduring promise of redemption and peace, urging citizens to draw strength from faith, hope, and unity amid ongoing national challenges.
“Christmas is a season that reminds us of the power of faith, humility, and selfless service, and of the enduring light that shines even in times of uncertainty,” he said.
Acknowledging the economic and social difficulties confronting many Nigerians, the former president urged citizens not to surrender to despair but to remain hopeful and resilient.
He stated, “The history of faith teaches us that hope is most powerful when it is tested. Just as the birth of Christ brought a new dawn to a world in search of direction, our collective faith and resilience will see us triumph over our present trials.”
He emphasised the importance of peace, unity, and national cohesion, describing them as Nigeria’s greatest strengths.
“Our shared humanity and our willingness to live with compassion, mutual respect, and responsibility toward one another remain the foundation of a stronger nation,” he stated.
Atiku Seeks Reflection, Peace, National Renewal
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar called on Nigerians to embrace peace, unity, and love as enduring foundations for national healing and progress.
In a message by his Media Office in Abuja, Atiku extended felicitations to Nigerians, particularly the Christian faithful, urging citizens to reflect deeply on the true meaning of the season.
“I extend my warm Christmas greetings to Nigerians, especially our Christian brothers and sisters, as we mark the birth of Jesus Christ,” he said.
He stated that Christmas, as a solemn reminder of the virtues of love, sacrifice, forgiveness, compassion, values, was all that Nigeria urgently needed at this moment in its history.
Atiku said, “Christmas calls us to rise above division and embrace one another in love. It is a season that invites us to heal old wounds, to forgive, and to recommit ourselves to the unity and common destiny of our nation.”
Atiku urged Nigerians to use the season not merely for celebration, but for quiet reflection and prayer, seeking divine guidance for peace, justice, and renewed hope for the country.
He called on citizens to rededicate themselves to faith in God and to translate the spirit of love and generosity associated with Christmas into everyday conduct, especially in the relationship with neighbours and communities.
The former vice president added, “As we celebrate this sacred season, let us extend hands of fellowship to one another and live as one people, regardless of our differences. Let us trust God for a better tomorrow and work, in unity and conscience, for a greater Nigeria.”
Akpabio Urges Nigerians to Uphold Unity, Back Tinubu on National Renewal
President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, called on Nigerians to use the Christmas season to deepen national unity, promote peace and love, and renew hope in the country’s future.
In his Christmas message to Nigerians, Akpabio urged citizens, irrespective of faith, to embrace the core values exemplified by the birth of Jesus Christ, particularly love, tolerance, generosity, and peaceful coexistence.
The message by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Hon. Eseme Eyiboh, emphasised that the yuletide period should serve as a moment of reflection and collective responsibility, especially towards the less privileged in society.
According to the senate president, Christmas is not only a time for joy and celebration, but also an opportunity for Nigerians to show compassion by extending support to those in need and strengthening bonds of brotherhood across religious and ethnic divides.
“On behalf of my family, constituents, the Senate and the entire 10th National Assembly, I heartily rejoice with our Christian brothers and sisters on this joyful occasion of Christmas,” Akpabio said.
He also invited Nigerians of other faiths to share in the celebration, stressing that the message of Christmas transcends religion and speaks to universal values essential for national cohesion.
AbdulRazaq Hails Christians for Peaceful Co-existence
Kwara State Governor, Alhaji AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, yesterday, commended Christians in the state for their consistent support, understanding, solidarity, and commitment to peaceful coexistence in the state.
AbdulRazaq made the commendation in a statement issued in Ilorin on the 2025 Christmas celebrations in the state.
The governor stated, “I extend my warm felicitations to the Christian community in Kwara State on the Christmas festivities, praying that the season brings everyone joy, peace, and God’s abiding grace and guidance — the very essence of Jesus Christ who is the reason for the season.
“I especially thank the Christian community for their consistent support, understanding, solidarity, and commitment to peaceful coexistence in our state.
“On this holiday and always, I call for continuous harmony, brotherhood, and shared commitment to a safer and more prosperous Kwara State and Nigeria.”
The message added, “And in the light of our current challenges, I request that we remain vigilant, patriotic, and supportive of government’s efforts as security forces work round the clock to sustain public safety in every part of the state.
“I wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a more fulfilling New Year ahead.”
Mark Seeks Vigilance, Sacrifice, Tolerance
National Chairman of African Democratic Congress (ADC), Senator David Mark, felicitated with Nigerians on the occasion of Christmas, calling for renewed vigilance against insecurity and collective commitment to national unity.
In a goodwill message to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ, Mark urged Nigerians to embrace peace, tolerance, and harmonious coexistence across religious and ethnic lines.
He stated, “As we commemorate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, I extend my warmest Christmas greetings to you and your families across the length and breadth of our dear country.
“Christmas is a season that reminds us of the timeless values of love, peace, sacrifice, humility, and service to humanity.”
According to him, those virtues are particularly significant at a time when the country is grappling with economic challenges, insecurity, and social divisions.
“I urge all Nigerians to draw strength from the true spirit of Christmas by showing compassion to one another, reaching out to the less privileged, and standing united despite our differences,” Mark stated.
He emphasized that Nigeria’s diversity remained her greatest strength and called on citizens to uphold tolerance, mutual respect, and national cohesion in the collective pursuit of peace and progress.
Diri: Let’s Find Strength in God’s Word
Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, sent a philosophical message to the Christian faithful and people of the state at Christmas, urging them to find strength in the word of God.
Diri, in the Christmas message issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, urged people of the state to find strength in the hope brought by God’s Word.
He stated that although the state still mourned the passing of his deputy, the people must look beyond the pain and sorrow to the succour and light that the birth of Jesus brought to man and the world.
He said even in sorrow, believers in Christ must find a deeper truth, saying, “Jesus came not for the comfortable, nor for the triumphant, but for the broken, the grieving, the captive, and the weary.
“To every Bayelsan, who carries a burden, a wound, a fear, or a silent tear, Christ’s birth is our anchor. His coming is our assurance that no darkness — no matter how deep — is beyond His reach.
“So, even as our flesh might falter, and our hearts might ache — let us remember that God is the strength of our heart. He does not promise us immunity from pain. But He promises to walk with us through it. To heal where there are wounds. To lift where He allows us to fall.
“The word of God states in 2 Corinthians 12:9: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. This is my Christmas message for 2025. God’s power shines brightest in our weakness. His love is most radiant when our light seems dimmest.”
Turn Churches into Havens of Compassion, Kano CAN Chairman Urges Christian Folks
Chairman of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Kano State Chapter, Rt. Rev. John Namaza Niyiring, urged Christians to convert their parishes, families, and institutions, during and after Christmas, to places of welcome, reconciliation, and compassion for the poor.
In his message, yesterday, Niyiring also prayed for the sick, the displaced, and all those who felt forgotten in the society.
He emphasised that the celebration of the birth of Christ should deepen faith, strengthen unity, renew commitment to God’s gospel, and bring peace to hearts and homes.
Niyiring stated, “In a world increasingly marked by fear and anxiety, the celebration of Christmas renews our confidence in God’s abiding presence in our lives. God comes among us in Jesus Christ, bringing light to our darkness and hope to our troubled hearts.
“To help the Church to proclaim the coming of Christ with renewed faith and courage –not only in words, but in lives shaped by charity, justice and peace.”
He also prayed, “Our proclamation should offer reassurance to the fearful , healing to the wounded and hope to all who seek meaning and direction.”
Urging Unity, Northern Elders Quote Qur’an, Bible in Christmas Message
Northern Elders Forum (NEF), yesterday, quoted both the Holy Qur’an and Holy Bible in its Christmas message, calling on Nigerians to embrace unity, peace, and mutual understanding.
The forum extended warm Christmas greetings to Christians in northern Nigeria and across the country, while conveying its goodwill to all Nigerians as the year drew to a close, for a New Year to begin.
In a statement by NEF spokesperson, Professor Abubakar Jika Jiddere, the forum described Christmas as a season of deep reflection, renewal of faith, and reaffirmation of the values of love, peace, and sacrifice.
Jiddere stated, “It is a moment that calls on individuals and nations alike to pause, look inward, and recommit to the higher ideals that sustain peaceful coexistence.
“As the Holy Bible reminds us, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men (Luke 2:14)’. This timeless message speaks directly to our shared aspiration for harmony and mutual respect in Nigeria.
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