As Christians all over the world commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ with the celebration of Christmas, the Kogi State Chairman of the Nigerian Labour Congress, Comr. Onuh Edoka, has felicitated with workers and Christians in Kogi State.
In a message contained in a statement on Friday, the Chairman urged Christians to offer special prayers during the yuletide for greater peace, love, unity, peaceful co-existence and progress in the state and in the country.
He said that Christmas was a season to show love and care for one another, adding that workers and Christians should use the opportunity offered by the season to enthrone peaceful co-existence across the country.
He called for an end to all forms of violent crimes, including banditry, kidnapping, terrorism and insurrection that had become commonplace in the country and huge security challenge to governments at all levels and entire citizenry.
“As the world celebrates Christmas, the birth of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, I call on all Christians; and indeed, all workers and Kogites, to reflect on the virtues and teachings of Jesus Christ in their lives and activities so that Nigeria and the world would be a better place for all of us.
“I congratulate Kogi workers, particularly the Christians for witnessing yet another Christmas season. I advise all of you to use the festive period for sober reflections and total spiritual renewal and devotion towards living in peace and harmony with adherents of other religions.
“I must emphasis that peaceful co-existence and understanding among the people are essential in the face of the prevailing security and economic challenges in the country,’’ Edoka said.
According to him, Christmas is not just a time to engage in merry-making, but also a time to reach out to the less-privileged in the society in tandem with the wish and teachings of Christ.
“Christmas celebration is a period of sacrifice and reflection for which Christians should emulate the virtues of total love and selfless service as demonstrated by Jesus Christ.
“The period presents opportunity for us to return to God and be steadfast in promoting the virtues of Christ, which are love, peace and harmony in all our endeavours,” the Chairman restated.
He urged workers to unite and pray for peace and co-existence, and eschew bitterness and hatred on the basis of faith, ethnicity or political leanings.
“I thank our workers in the state for conducting themselves peacefully in their religious activities and for joining the state government in promoting religious and ethnic harmony, and I urge all religious leaders not to relent in their prayers for the state and country.’’
The NLC Chairman assured that he is committed to the welfare of workers in the coming year, reaffirmed his commitment to pursuing more workers-oriented policies and programmes, which has direct bearing on the welfare of the workers .
“It is my sincere hope and assurance that the New Year, 2022, which beckons, will usher in more progress, greater prosperity and enduring fulfillment for all.
“In spite of several challenges we have had to contend with as workers’, I believe that we can all look forward to 2022 and beyond with greater optimism and hope as i remain fully committed to delivering on workers Welfare,” he said.
Edoka wished workers and the Christian’s and indeed, all Kogites, a Merry Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous New Year and prayed for the warmth of God’s love to fill every heart and home.