Ayo Ola
Nigeria’s former President, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, on Friday enjoined Nigerians and other people around the world to embrace peace and show love to one another, as a reflection of what Christmas symbolises for all humanity.
Dr. Jonathan stated this in a goodwill message to Christians, according to a statement by his media aide, Ikechukwu Eze.
He also noted that Christmas presents to the world, rays of hope and optimism, in the midst of difficulties occasioned by COVID-19 pandemic and other challenges.
The message was titled ‘Compliments of the season dear friends, patriots and christians around the world.’
The former President emphasised that the birthday of Jesus Christ “is symbolic of love, victory, sacrifice and the sufficiency of joy and peace to the world.”
Jonathan said, “I am delighted to join you all to celebrate this year’s Christmas. The year has been defined by remarkable events across the world with COVID-19 and its many variants disrupting our systems, economies and social lives.
“In the midst of global challenges which we, as a nation, have also had a fair share, Christmas presents to us rays of hope, joy and peace. Thebirthday of Jesus Christ is symbolic of love, victory, sacrifice and the sufficiency of joy and peace to the world.
“As we celebrate, let’s therefore live with optimism, sacrifice, peace and love towards one another and our nation. Let us manifest justice, patience and faith which are virtues exemplified by Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour. This is the way to build our societies better from the horrors associated with the pandemic and overcome our national challenges.”