Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has urged residents of the state to remain security conscious and compassionate during the yuletide season, stressing that collective vigilance and love for one another are essential for a peaceful and joyful celebration.
The governor made the call at the Christmas Carol and Service of Nine Lessons organised by the Ogun State Government at the Arcade Ground, Governor’s Office, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.
He advised residents to be proactive and alert throughout the festive period, noting that safety remains a shared responsibility between the government and the people.
Abiodun said the true meaning of Christmas goes beyond celebrations and public display of faith, explaining that the season calls for Christ-like living expressed through love, humility, selflessness and service to humanity.
According to him, the yuletide offers an opportunity for individuals and communities to look out for one another, especially the vulnerable and less privileged.
The governor also conveyed the Christmas message of Tinubu, urging Nigerians to embrace unity, compassion and a sense of shared responsibility, particularly at a time when the nation requires collective effort to sustain peace and progress.
He described unity as one of Ogun State’s strongest assets, pointing out that the peaceful coexistence of diverse cultures and traditions in the state remains a foundation for growth and development.
He encouraged residents to promote harmony within their communities and extend kindness to those who may be lonely or in need during the season.
Abiodun reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building a state where hope is turned into opportunity and opportunity into shared prosperity, in line with the Building Our Future Together agenda.
He said the government would continue to pursue the ISEYA development pillars with emphasis on balanced infrastructure development and economic growth across the three senatorial districts.
He added that Ogun State has continued to record progress in security and economic development, describing the state as one of the safest in the country and an increasingly attractive destination for investors.
According to him, the unity and compassion of the people remain as important as physical infrastructure in sustaining development.
In his sermon titled “The Best Gift Ever,” the Lead Pastor of Citadel Global Community Church, Pastor Tunde Bakare, described Christmas as the celebration of the greatest gift to humanity.
He said the season brings hope to the weary and downcast, noting that although the gift of Jesus Christ came at a great cost, it remains everlasting and available to all.
Pastor Bakare added that Christ places equal value on every individual, regardless of social status, and urged Nigerians to genuinely seek God, stressing that no one is rejected when they come with a sincere heart.
The service was attended by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, former Ogun State Governor, Chief Olusegun Osoba, traditional rulers, captains of industry and other dignitaries. Gospel artistes, including Tope Alabi and Laolu Gbenjo, also rendered soul-lifting songs during the event.
The Nine Lessons were read by the wife of the governor, Mrs Bamidele Abiodun, the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, the Methodist Archbishop of RIYE and Bishop of Egbaland, Most Rev’d Adegbemi Adewale, the Head of Service, Mr Kehinde Onasanya, the Secretary to the State Government, Mr Tokunbo Talabi, the Chief Judge of Ogun State, Hon. Justice Mosunmola Dipeolu, the Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Oludaisi Elemide, the Deputy Governor, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, and Governor Abiodun, who read the ninth and final lesson.
