In a heartwarming display of festive spirit, Lagos State lawmaker Desmond Olushola Elliot has called on Nigerians to actively spread joy and love during the Christmas season. The representative for Surulere Constituency 1 made this appeal while personally distributing gifts to his constituents as part of a special yuletide initiative.
Santa on the Street Initiative Brings Joy
The outreach, dubbed "Santa on the Street," commenced on December 24 and continued through the holiday period. On December 29, Elliot and his team traversed the Surulere area, visiting a wide array of locations to ensure the Christmas spirit reached many.
Clad in a full Santa Claus costume, the legislator was seen on the streets handing out a variety of items designed to bring comfort and celebration to residents. The gift packages included practical and festive goods such as:
- Bags of rice
- Live chickens
- Toys for children
- Monetary vouchers
A Message of Love and Sharing
Beyond the material gifts, Elliot emphasized the core message of the season. He reminded everyone that the act of sharing, regardless of scale, is what truly matters. "This is a joyful time, joy to the world indeed," Elliot stated. "Santa Elliott is in town this Boxing Day sharing love with everybody, just to share love and preach the gospel of love."
He further elaborated on the philosophy behind the gesture, connecting it directly to the Christmas story. "Basically, we are sharing love; we are trying to say that in the spirit of love, it is not about the quantity, it is about the sharing," he explained. "It doesn't matter what you have, please give to your neighbour. Make sure you share according to the gospel, which was the reason for which Jesus was born in the first place."
Widespread Reach Across the Constituency
The "Santa on the Street" program was meticulously planned to have a broad impact. The team did not limit their visits to public spaces but also entered institutions that serve the community year-round.
Their route included stops at hospitals and schools, bringing cheer to those in care and to students. In a notable demonstration of inclusivity, the team visited houses of worship across faiths. They made stops at the Saint Anthony Catholic Church in Gbaja, Surulere, the Surulere Central Mosque, and the Precious Stone Church (Ijo Okuta Iyebiye) on Ibidun Street.
The initiative also extended to popular Christmas party spots and the general streets of Surulere, ensuring that both organized groups and random passersby experienced the festive generosity. The sight of their representative dressed as Santa Claus handing out gifts successfully put smiles on countless faces throughout the constituency.
Desmond Elliot's annual yuletide program underscores a commitment to grassroots connection and the timeless values of charity and communal love, setting a poignant example for the season.
