Patience Jonathan lights national Christmas tree tomorrow in Abuja

First Lady Dame Patience Goodluck Jonathan will tomorrow light the first ever Nigerian National Christmas Tree in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

The national Christmas tree was initiated by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) with the aim of showcasing Nigerian culture to the world.

A statement issued by the special adviser on media and publicity to the minister of state for FCT, Oluyinka Akintunde, disclosed that the Christmas tree, which is 20.9 metres high, is located at the Unity Fountain Park beside Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja and designed in the national colours of green and white.

Prominent Nigerians expected to grace the first of its kind ceremony, according to the statement, are, members of the National Assembly, wives of governors, members of the Federal Executive Council, chairmen of Area Councils in the FCT and their wives, heads of ministries, departments and agencies of government, heads of secretariats, departments and agencies of the FCT administration, diplomatic corps and the media, among others.

According to the statement, Minister of State for the FCT, Oloye Olajumoke Akinjide have described the event as part of efforts to showcase Nigeria and the FCT to the world as a centre of tourism.

It reads, “The Christmas time is traditionally recognised and celebrated as a season of peace, goodwill and hope across national boundaries. It also offers us a unique opportunity to reinforce this same message of love, unity, reconciliation and peaceful coexistence.

“It is consequently our anticipation that an annual lighting of the Nigerian National Christmas tree will play a similar unifying role for our people,” Akinjide added.

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