Amid national security and economic challenges, Nigerians have been advised to embrace selfless service, faith-driven unity and an “all hands on deck” approach to rebuild trust and restore hope.
The Prelate of the Methodist Church of Nigeria, His Eminence Oliver Aba, gave the admonition on Friday night during his sermon at the 2025 Nine Lessons and Carols Service, themed ‘Emmanuel: God with Us’, hosted by the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, at the State House, Abuja.
He reminded the gathering, which included two former leaders, Dr. Yakubu Gowon and Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, serving governors and some senior officials of the National Assembly, of the abiding presence of God with the nation in times of turbulence.
He said, “Jesus did not come to be far from us. He came to be present… God is with us in the valley, in the storms of life and in victory…” in season and out of season.
He argued that community spirit and a deep sense of responsibility are needed during a difficult period when people face challenges of inflation, insecurity and social divisions.
“As a people, as a nation, when you are worried, God is with you as the Prince of Peace. Today, the Prince of Peace is willing to give us peace,” he said.
The Prelate focused the Emmanuel theme on the closeness of God to humanity, emphasizing that national renewal requires love, peace and service modeled after the sacrifice of Christ.
Citing John 3:16, he framed the season as an expression of God’s selfless love and challenged Nigerians to recommit to unity.
“We must unite so that by celebrating Christ, Nigeria can be better.”
In addition to Prelate Aba, Gowon read the First Lesson of Genesis 3:8–12, reflecting on divine responsibility, while Obasanjo delivered the Second Lesson of Genesis 22:15–18, highlighting covenant obedience and blessing.
The Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, who represented the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, read the Third Lesson of Isaiah 9:6–7 on the Prince of Peace.
The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, continued with Isaiah 11:1–4, while the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, read Luke 1:26–31.
The President of the Court of Appeal, Judge Bolna’an Dongban-Mensem, took readings from (Luke 2:4–7); Minister of Defense General Christopher Musa (retd.) (Luke 2:10–14); and the governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun (Matthew 2:9-12).
Mrs. Tinubu, the hostess by the way, concluded the lessons with John 1:1–14.
The President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Archbishop Daniel Okoh, delivered the final prayer and blessing, praying for peace, stability and protection throughout Christmas.
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