Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State on Thursday urged residents not to lose hope due to the challenging times in the state and the country at large.
Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by his wife, Mrs Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, said this while giving his Christmas message at the 2023 Lagos State Christmas Carol of Nine Lessons Service at the Lagos House Ikeja.
The theme of the 2023 Carol Service, ”King of Righteousness’, was taken from the book of Hebrew, chapter 7, verse 2.
He urged Christians and all residents alike to continue to trust in God and have faith in the good intentions of the government.
”There is no doubt in the fact that, as individuals and as a nation, the times are challenging. We must, however, neither despair nor lose hope.
“Let us continue to trust in God and have faith in the good intentions of the people we have put in positions of authority.
”The task is challenging, but with our ceaseless prayers, I believe very strongly that the pains we are experiencing today will pale into insignificance when the fruits of our sacrifice begin to manifest in abundance.
”I pray that the good Lord will preserve our lives in good health to witness, feel, and enjoy the new glory of our state and our nation.
”As a government, we will continue to roll out welfare programmes aimed at cushioning the pains and difficulties being experienced in critical aspects of living,” he said.
He urged residents to continue to be law-abiding as they celebrate the yuletide season and be their brothers’ and sisters’ keepers, especially at this time.
According to him, Christmas is a season of celebration, a time to share and love, strengthen the bond of humanity, reach out to people, especially the less privileged, and ensure that everyone feels a sense of belonging during this period.
”As we celebrate Jesus Christ through spreading His love and hope for humanity, we must continue to preach togetherness and spread the message of tolerance, peaceful coexistence, and harmonious relationships among people of diverse beliefs and backgrounds.
”We must also follow His teachings and actions, which exemplify a righteous life.” As we strive to follow in his footsteps, let us remember that through faith in Him, we can experience true righteousness and find hope and fulfilment in our lives.
”We should embrace the grace and love that Jesus offers and allow His righteousness to guide us in all that we do.
”As we proceed into the festive period and the New Year, I urge all Lagosians to continue living in peace and righteousness, which, according to the scripture, exalts a nation,” he said.
In his welcome address, the Commissioner for Home Affairs, Mr Olanrewaju Layode, said as the year came to an end, residents should take stock of all activities of the year and express gratitude to the Most High for His divine intervention in all that concerned Lagos State.
Layode said that despite the challenges, the state and residents were still standing tall by God’s grace; hence, they should count their blessings and give thanks because God had indeed been faithful.
He said the season taught all to extend hands of generosity and brotherliness towards mankind and are required to spread love not only during the yuletide but throughout the whole year.
”Therefore, I enjoin us all to emulate the virtues of Jesus Christ as demonstrated in His humility and service to humanity.
”While we are in celebration mode towards the Christmas and New Year celebrations, I wish to implore us all to keep safe and be our brothers’ keeper by extending love and the spirit of sharing to the less privileged, while we continue to uphold our dear country, Nigeria, in prayers. (Vanguard)