In a heartfelt Christmas message, a prominent figure within Nigeria's ruling party has extended festive greetings to Christians nationwide while issuing a powerful call for national unity and compassion.
Reflecting on the Christmas Spirit
Senator Ifeanyi Godwin Araraume, Ph.D., a senior chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), urged Christians and indeed all Nigerians to deeply contemplate the significance of Christmas. In a statement released to the press on 26 December 2025, he highlighted the birth of Jesus Christ as a universal symbol of redemptive hope.
Araraume encouraged citizens to use the festive period as an opportunity to recommit to the core values exemplified by Christ's birth: love, peace, sacrifice, and tolerance. He described the season as a profound reminder of the importance of selflessness, compassion, and dedicated service to humanity.
Commendation for National Leadership
The former senator directed specific praise towards the nation's leadership. He showered encomiums on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for implementing what he termed people-centred policies and programmes.
"I thank President Bola Tinubu for embarking on policies and programmes that have taken Nigerians from the doldrums and have seen substantial progress in the development of the country," Araraume's statement read. He further implored leaders at the sub-national level, including state governors and local government chairmen, to emulate the President's approach by directly improving the lives of people at the grassroots.
A Call for Compassion and Communal Duty
Moving beyond political commentary, Araraume's message carried a strong social charge. He admonished the more fortunate to remember the less privileged during the celebrations.
"We should take time to ponder the sufferings of the poor who are not privileged to celebrate," he stated, adding that Christians have a divine obligation to step out of their comfort zones to aid the needy, mirroring Christ's example.
He emphasized the need to strengthen familial and communal bonds, urging Nigerians to let the spirit of Christmas inspire peaceful coexistence, mutual respect, and a renewed sense of duty towards one another. His closing wish was for the occasion to bring peace, hope, joy, and the warmth of friendship and brotherhood to all.
"Once more, I wish Nigerians Merry Christmas and Happy New Year in advance," the statement concluded.
