Christmas
By Yinusa Ishola
Omu-Aran (Kwara), Dec. 24, 2018 (NAN) Christians have been called upon to emulate the exemplary leadership qualities of Jesus Christ in order to gain the desired righteousness and eternal salvation.
Hon. Raheem Olawuyi, a member of the House of Representatives, made the call on Monday in a Christmas message released in Omu-Aran, Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara.
Olawuyi, representing Ekiti/Irepodun/Isin/Oke-Ero Federal Constituency of Kwara, said the birth of Jesus heralded selflessness, compassion and peaceful co-existence which should be emulated by Christians.
He said the birth of Jesus was very significant, noting that the purpose of his coming was to save humanity from sins.
Olawuyi, who urged Christians not to allow themselves to be carried away by worldly material gains, said Jesus lived and died for the sake of humanity.
The federal lawmaker advised religious leaders to always emphasise and preach the gospel of love, unity and tolerance among Nigerians.
”This is what Jesus lived for and such was the path every righteous and devoted Christian must follow in order to gain the desired salvation,” he said.
Olawuyi, who is also the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the constituency in the 2019 general elections, said his present and future representation would be transparent, purposely and impactful.
He urged the people to promote unity in order to ensure the desired socio-economic development envisioned for the constituency.
Similarly, Hon. Muyiwa Oladipo, the Chairman of Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara, urged Christians to allow their activities to be guided by the teachings and practices of Jesus as enshrined in the Holy Bible.
Oladipo, in his Christmas message released in Omu-Aran, stressed the need for Nigerians to return to God through prayers and devotion to His commandments.
”There is a need for us to retrace our steps away from sins and return to God in righteousness.
”It is only by being righteous and devoted that we can intercede on behalf of the leaders for the country to move forward.
”Our country, no doubt, is passing through a critical period especially with the ongoing electioneering processes which require stakeholders’ responsibility for survival,” he said.
The council boss praised the council workers for their loyalty, selflessness and perseverance in the face of enormous financial constraints arising from the inadequate payment of bonuses and allowances.
Oladipo, however, expressed his administration’s readiness to promote agriculture and entrepreneurship development, especially among the youths in the area.
He also called on eligible voters in the council who had yet to collect their Permanent Voters Cards to do so, insisting that the reported high number of uncollected PVCs in the council was unacceptable. (NAN)
ISHO/FF/OJO
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(Edited by Fela Fashoro/Mufutau Ojo)