Governors have enjoined Nigerians to continue to embrace peace, tolerance and sacrifice as the Christian community across the world celebrates this year’s Christmas.
Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State, in his Christmas message on Thursday, described the period as a season that reinforced the timeless values of love, peace, sacrifice and tolerance.
Governor Yahaya, who is the Chairman of the Northern State Governors Forum (NSGF), urged Christians to use the festive season to pray fervently for peace, unity, stability and prosperity across the region and Nigeria, especially at a time when collective resilience and shared responsibility were required to overcome economic, security and social challenges.
Also, Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, called on Christians in particular and all citizens of the state to use the period to embrace peace, love, tolerance and unity.
The governor charged citizens to reflect on their deeds, seek divine forgiveness and strengthen the bonds of love, respect and forgiveness.
In his Christmas goodwill message to the people of the state, the governor encouraged citizens to exchange visits, share gifts and promote harmony, including with adherents of other faiths.
In Kano State, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf congratulated the Christian community in the state and across Nigeria on the 2025 Christmas celebration.
The message was contained in a statement issued on Thursday by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa.
Governor Yusuf described Christmas as a season that embodied the values of love, sacrifice, compassion and peaceful coexistence, which he said were essential for harmonious living in a multi-religious and multi-ethnic society such as Kano State.
Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State called on the people of the state to use the Christmas period to pray for unity, peace and progress in the country.
In his Christmas message, the governor described the season as a time of love, sacrifice, peace and renewed hope.
Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State urged Christians to use the Christmas celebration to pray for security, economic growth and harmony among the people.
He said this in a statement on Thursday by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Monday Uzor.
He said the season emphasised the need for peaceful coexistence and to place the collective good above personal interests.
Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State assured residents of a seamless, peaceful and rancour-free transition at the end of his second term in 2027.
He gave the assurance on Thursday during a Christmas church service at St James’ Anglican Church, Iperu-Remo, in Ikenne Local Government Area.
Governor Alex Otti of Abia State urged residents to celebrate Christmas with gratitude, moderation and unity, while reflecting on the significance of the birth of Jesus Christ.
He said this on Thursday in a statewide broadcast in commemoration of the Christmas celebration, in Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area of the state.
Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa reminded Christians that Christmas, which commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ, also signifies hope and salvation to the world.
He said that the world would be a better place if the values and virtues reflected by the birth of Christ, were imbibed and practiced faithfully.
The Kwara Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has extended warm felicitations to the Christian community on Christmas, praying that the season brings joy, peace, and God’s abiding grace to all.
Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who also congratulated Lagos residents and Nigerians on the celebration of Christmas, urged them to embrace love, peace and compassion as true essence of the season.
Sanwo-Olu in a Christmas message issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Gboyega Akosile, urged residents to exhibit brotherly love to one another.
Governor Ahmed Ododo of Kogi State also urged Christians to pray for Nigeria’s unity, peace, and prosperity, at Christmas, and to support President Bola Tinubu’s reforms.
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, who equally felicitated Christians on Christmas, urged them to continue to live in love and harmony with one another and neighbours.
Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State urged Nigerians to radiate compassion and love as they celebrate Christmas.
Uzodimma gave the advice in his Christmas message delivered at the 2025 Christmas Carol held at Orlu.
The Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Gombe State chapter, Rev. Fr. Alphonsus Shinga, urged Christians to uphold the true meaning of Christmas by promoting love, generosity, gratitude and unity.
The Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Dr Dennis Otuaro, called for renewed commitment to peace, unity and communal harmony as the region celebrated the 2025 Christmas and prepared to enter the New Year.
Otuaro, who extended warm Christmas greetings to the people of the region in a message by his Special Assistant on Media, Mr Igoniko Oduma, thanked stakeholders, traditional rulers, ex-agitators, youths and communities across the region for their sustained support for PAP and for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.