Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his Imo state counterpart, Emeka Ihedioha have challenged Christians to live the life of Jesus Christ as they celebrate his birth.
Ihedioha
Sanwo-Olu called on residents to be Christ-like during the Yuletide by imbibing the virtues of obedience, meekness, sacrifice and humility – some of which were identified with Jesus Christ.
The Governor said the best way to celebrate Christmas is to show love to one another and ensure peaceful co-existence during and after the season.
In a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Gboyega Akosile, Sanwo-Olu advised all road users to obey traffic rules and observe road signs to prevent accidents.
Sanwo-Olu encouraged all residents travelling out of Lagos with their loved ones to remain safety conscious, just as he advised that any suspicious movements should be reported to security agencies through the emergency toll-free lines – 767 and 112.
While wishing everyone a safe and exciting Christmas celebrations, the Governor encouraged residents and holiday-makers to visit any of the venues of the Greater Lagos Fiesta, which is part of activities lined up by the State Government to entertain citizens across the five divisions of Lagos State.
He assured that Lagosians will reap more dividends of the T.H.E.M.E.S Agenda in year 2020 by witnessing new initiatives in Transportation, Health, Housing, Education and other programmes.
The Governor prayed for God’s guidance in the remaining days of the year and wished all residents a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.
On his part, Governor Emeka Ihedioha has called on the good people of Imo State to take advantage of the season of Christmas to exchange goodwill and reflect on the virtues of our Lord Jesus Christ, in charity, forgiveness and sacrifice.
In his Christmas message to the people of Imo State on the occasion of the yuletide festivities, Ihedioha implored the people of the State and Nigerians in general to also emulate the lifestyle of Jesus Christ and remember the less fortunate ones in our midst.
“My good people of Imo State, I am delighted to wish you all a very Merry Christmas, today, as we commemorate the birth of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. As Christians, this occasion affords us a great opportunity for the exchange of goodwill between us and our neighbours, families and communities”.
He continued: “I urge us all, to reflect on the virtues of our Lord Jesus Christ, in charity, forgiveness and sacrifice.
“In the same vein, I implore us all to emulate his lifestyle and remember the less fortunate ones in our midst.
He noted that, “the joy of Christmas must go round. At end of the festivities, we should find satisfaction in how much we gave and not how much we spent on ourselves.
Ihedioha assured of security of lives and property in the State both now and after the festivities.
“I would like to assure you that the State government has put all machinery in motion to guarantee the security of lives and property in the State both now and after the festivities. Our Operation Iron Gate is in full force to ensure that we celebrate in safety.
He maintained that the ban on the use of all of forms of guns and explosives is still in force.
“Remember that the ban on the use of all forms of guns and explosives is still in force. You should also be alert to your neighborhoods and to report all suspicious movements to the nearest law enforcement agency.
While welcoming home, Imolites who have travelled long distances from both within and outside Nigeria in order to celebrate with relatives and loved ones, the governor appealed to all motorists to drive carefully and urged citizens to avoid all acts that are likely to cause a breach of peace.
“We thank God, most sincerely, for the journey mercies He granted to us all. As we also go back, it is our prayers that the Lord would lead us all safely back to your stations.
“Once again, I wish you all a merry Christmas and a Happy New Year”.