Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State has enjoined rich Nigerians to spare a thought for their less-privileged and vulnerable compatriots by donating gifts and cash to them in the spirit of Christmas.
Ajimobi, in his Christmas message signed by his Special Adviser on Communication and Strategy, Mr. Yomi Layinka, urged the people to imbibe the spirit of true love and sacrifice, which the life and times of Jesus Christ epitomized.
He entreated Christians to use the opportunity of the season to pray for the country’s economic turnaround and for leaders at all levels to be guided in their drive to surmount the challenges assailing the country.
Ajimobi said, “I would like to congratulate our Christian brothers and sisters on the Christmas celebration. As we celebrate the birth of our Lord, Jesus Christ, I want to enjoin us all to imbibe the spirit of true love and sacrifice for one another.
“This is the cardinal essence of this season. Let us spare a thought for our less-privileged and vulnerable neighbours by donating gifts in cash and kind for them to also have a feel of the Christmas celebration.
“We should eschew bitterness and hatred. Let us pray for the leadership of our great country as we are entering into the New Year 2018. As a nation, we might not be where we want to be yet, but we should be thankful to God that we are not where we used to be.
“As a government, here in Oyo State, we are committed to ensuring that our state continues to set the pace in the areas of education, agriculture, infrastructure and service delivery. We are on that path to greatness and we shall not deviate. I wish you all a Merry Christmas”.
In his message, former Deputy Governor of Osun State, Senator Iyiola Omisore, admonished residents of the state to devote more time for prayers than ever before as they approach year 2018 when they will elect another governor who will pilot the affairs of the state for another four years.
Omisore noted that the need for more prayers by residents of the state was necessary due to the present difficult times arising from the hardships inflicted on the people by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) led administration.
The governorship candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2014 election declared that with what is happening in the state, it is now imperative on the people to pray fervently prayers for the state.
Omisore in a press statement sent to DAILY POST through his Media Office on Sunday, congratulated Christians in Nigeria, emphasizing that Christmas not only signifies the birth of Jesus Christ, it is also a period to exhibit forgiving spirit, display of love and promotion of total peace and oneness.
He said “Let me at this point congratulate the good people of Osun state particularly the Christians on the celebration of this year’s Christmas.
“Without mincing words, it has been so rough, hectic and tough as a result of the series of hardships inflicted on the people of the state through the style of governance by the APC government as demonstrated in the non payment of salaries and pension for both serving and retired workers among other anti people policies of the government in the past years.
“But, glory be to the almighty God for making the people amidst these hardships witnessed this year’s Christmas.
“It is now time for the people of Osun state to always have in their minds that the destiny of the state is in their respective hands hence the need for them to be more committed to the growth and development of the state by showing keen interest in issues bothering on the state and let all hands be on the deck to sustain the reigning peace in and across the state despite the hardships and series of anti people policies imposed on them by the present administration in the state.”
“I am saluting the spirit of our people in Osun state particularly the civil servants, the pensioners, market women, the artisans, students and others for bearing with the hardships and the series of anti masses policies in the land.
“There is the need for us all to at all times allow peace and stability to continue to reign supreme in and across our dear Osun state. It is only when there is peace and stability that we can ever think of reshaping the fortunes of the state for good. It is when there is peace that we can jointly move the state forward”.
Omisore urged religious leaders particularly to used the period of this year’s Christmas to pray for a peaceful, free and fair governorship election in the state in 2018.
Similarly, ex-Secretary to Oyo State Government, Barrister Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli called for sober reflection on the part of leaders across the country.
Alli, a former Chairman, Odu’a Investment Company Limited told journalists in Ibadan at the weekend that “the cost of living has reached an alarming rate and this calls for sober reflection on the part of Nigerian leaders. The mass of our people are groaning in silence as many are languishing in abject poverty with no hope of survival”.
“It is so sad that the Federal Government has failed to live up to its billing of providing responsible leadership to the hapless citizens. The situation becomes more intense and very unfavourable now that the Christmas and New year festivities are on. One wonders how we sunk to this sorry level with abundance of human and material resources God deposited in this land.
“The cost of buying goods in the market is so high and the resources to make a good living are not there. The parlous state of our economy today is threatening the survival of many. Why have we failed to learn from history and deliver laudable democratic dividends to the majority of our citizens?
“Do unto others what you will wish for yourself goes the injunction of Allah. Why are we so wicked and oblivious that we shall all account for our deeds in the hereafter? May God heal this land and grant us leaders who genuinely have the love of the people at heart.”
The chieftain of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who enjoined citizens to pray for a greater tomorrow where life will be in abundance for all, congratulated Christians on this year’s celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ.
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