Christians Should Use Christmas To Pray For Peace In Nigeria – Okowa

Delta State governor, Ifeanyi Okowa has come out to say that Nigeria and international communities can be at peace if Christians practise the virtues that Christ preached while on earth.

He recently revealed this in a Christmas message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Olisa Ifeajika.

According to him, virtues like peaceful coexistence, love, tolerance and sacrifice are needed during Christmas as Christians need to do more to emulate their personal Lord and Savior.

He added that Nigerian Christians should use this period to pray for greater peace, love, unity, tolerance and progress of our country.

His words, “As the world celebrates Christmas, the birth of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, on behalf of the government and people of Delta, I congratulate all Christians for witnessing yet another yuletide.

“This year’s celebration calls for absolute sober reflection in view of the COVID-19 pandemic and the many challenges Nigeria had to grapple with in the course of the year.

“As the world begins to record a rather painful second wave of the pandemic, I advise Deltans and Nigerians to shun elaborate celebrations, limit gatherings and use the festive period for total spiritual renewal as well as live peacefully and harmoniously with worshipers of other religions.

“As we celebrate, let us not forget to extend our hands of love and fellowship to our neighbours and the vulnerable in the society,” he said.

The governor added that: “We must not also forget that we are brothers by reason of being one Nigeria and as such, we must learn to tolerate other people’s religious beliefs, political leanings and cultural affiliations by living in peace and showing respect to one another.

“As I have always said, no meaningful development can take place in an atmosphere of insecurity as whenever there is a breakdown of law and order, funds that would have been deployed to building infrastructure and develop the economy have to be channeled towards procuring peace.

“Besides, it is common knowledge that insecurity stalls progress of ongoing projects in our cities and communities that are troubled.

“As Christians we must use this period to pray for greater peace, love, unity, tolerance and progress of our country.”