Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, has urged the people of the state and other Nigerians to use the period of Christmas to deepen love and harmonious relationships among themselves in order to have a better society.
The Governor who congratulated the people of the state for witnessing another Christmas, said the season offers another opportunity for sober reflection and prayers for the state in particular and Nigeria in general for sustained peace and development.
In his Christmas message contained in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode, the Governor said the anniversary of the birth of Jesus Christ calls for celebration because it signaled God’s special favour to mankind in bringing the Prince of Peace to the world.
The Governor extended his best wishes to the people of Ekiti State urging them to key into the messages of love for one another, sacrifices, tolerance, humility, compassion and care for those in distress which were the hallmarks of Jesus Christ’s teachings in his public ministry.
He stressed that Christmas is not meant for eating, drinking and merriment alone but reassessing one’s relationship with his Maker and exploring areas to be of help to fellow human beings as well as showing love, compassion and kindness to them.
“As we rejoice at this momentous occasion, the true essence of the season must not be lost on us. We should reflect on the birth of Jesus Christ and its significance to mankind. This offers an opportunity to deepen love for ourselves and strengthen our harmonious relationships.
“Let us be our brothers’ keepers by showing love and compassion to one another as exemplified our Lord Jesus Christ whose birth we are celebrating this season.
“I urge the Christian faithful to practise the teachings of Jesus Christ by living in peace and harmony with adherence of other faiths. We should exhibit virtues of humility, tolerance, perseverance and compassion as exemplified by Jesus Christ,” he said.
The Governor called on the Christian community and indeed all the people of the state not to relent in their prayers for his administration to realize its vision of Shared Prosperity for the overall benefit of the people of the state