Remember those displaced from their homes during Christmas, CAN president tells Nigerians

Daniel Okoh, president of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), says Nigerians should remember those displaced from their homes during Christmas celebrations. 

Okoh spoke on Tuesday at the 2023 service of nine lessons and carols held at the State House in Abuja.

He said this year’s Christmas would be special as it’s the first to be celebrated since Tinubu became president.

He said the Christmas celebration of Jesus Christ is a reminder of the length of the reconciliation with God, adding that “this is the time for citizens to come closer to God”

Okoh called on Nigerians to pray for the leaders, adding that he is confident that “things will be better”.

The CAN president said all believers should preach reconciliation rather than crisis and division, saying “we must love our enemies”.

“Jesus loved us while we were sinners and reconciled us to God. Reconciliation is not complete until we reconcile with all our enemies,” he said.

“As we celebrate Christmas, let’s not forget the poor and the poorest of the poor, the sick and those wounded spiritually and physically and those who have not eaten.

“Remember those in captivity and those displaced from their homes, so that they too may rejoice.”

In her Christmas message, Oluremi Tinubu, the first lady, said Nigeria would experience peace and take her place in the comity of nations in 2024.

Oluremi prayed for the nation at the service alongside Yakubu Gowon, former head of state, Goodluck Jonathan, former president and their wives, Victoria Gowon and Patience Jonathan.

“I want to appreciate you, we can only convert your prayers. I believe the best is now in Nigeria, we shall experience and see it. 2024 is the year of peace, Nigeria will take her place in the comity of nations,” she said.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Ekaetta, his wife, George Akume, the secretary to the government of the federation (SGF), Folashade Yemi-Esanalso, head of the service of the civil service of the federation, also joined the first lady in the service.

Others who joined the service included some members of the federal executive council (FEC), the diplomatic corps, traditional rulers, Adewale Adeniyi, comptroller general of customs, and Christopher Musa, chief of defence staff (CDS).