President Bola Tinubu has admonished Christians and indeed all Nigerians to be kind to those around during this season of the celebration of Christmas.
He also said his administration is implementing measures aimed at alleviating the hardship associated with some of the reform measures introduced to reposition the economy for good.
Tinubu gave the admonition on Sunday in a nationwide message he personally signed to mark this year’s Christmas celebration.
Below is the full text of the President’s message.
CHRISTMAS MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT OFĀ Ā THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA, HISĀ Ā EXCELLENCY BOLA AHMED TINUBU, GCFR.
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Fellow Nigerians,Ā
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Christmas is a special time of the year for all of us. ForĀ Ā Christians, this time of the year marks the birth of JesusĀ Ā Christ and celebrates the hope and redemption that areĀ the hallmarks of Christās life.Ā
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For people of all faiths, this is an opportunity to enjoy theĀ company of family, celebrate life, and delight in the giftsĀ of love and friendship that make life worthwhile.Ā Ā
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This is also a time to look out for each other because,Ā Ā amidst the festivities, this time of year for many will beĀ tinged with sadness: some mourning the loss of lovedĀ ones and others grieving the hopes that failed toĀ materialise and the dreams that fell short.Ā
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In the spirit of Christmas, reflecting the best of Christ, letĀ us all endeavour to extend the warm embrace ofĀ kindness to those around us who need it and let theĀ multiple acts of kindness serve as a light that guides usĀ into a happy and wonderful new year.Ā Ā
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This year has been a time of transformation andĀ relentless change in our country. And I am aware that the necessary reforms we are implementing to achieve a more prosperous, peaceful nation for all have imposedĀ unique sacrifices.Ā
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My administration will continue to implement palliativeĀ measures to ease the burden on the most vulnerable,Ā Ā address current hardships and alleviate the suffering ofĀ all our nationās people.Ā Ā
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Fellow Nigerians, as we navigate this transition to stability, prosperity, and Renewed Hope, I urge you onceĀ more to hold fast and rest assured of my commitment toĀ govern with vision, dedication, and empathy.Ā Ā
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Be confident that by the strength of our joint endeavour, we will shortly emerge into a new dawn of prosperity,Ā Ā peace, and irreversible progress.Ā
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As you celebrate this season, please spare a moment ofĀ remembrance and prayer for the men and women of our nationās armed forces, bearing arms in our names and ensuring our safety. My God protect them and bring them back to their families.Ā
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And let us together commemorate the memory of those who, in their service, have paid the highest price for our nation. May God bless their souls and comfort their families and loved ones.Ā
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Let the light of Christmas guide our paths as we bring this year to a close and usher in the new year.Ā Ā
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I wish you all a merry Christmas.
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BOLA AHMED TINUBU
President, Federal Republic of Nigeria
December 24, 2023