Residents
By Reporters
Abuja, Dec. 25, 2018 (NAN) Some residents in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have taken advantage of celebrations to bond with family members and friends, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.
The residents who had fun at the Millennium Park, Abuja on Tuesday advised Nigerians, especially workers, to always create time to relax with their loved ones.
According to them, sit-outs and other forms of entertainment should not be only during festive periods.
One of the fun seekers, Mr John Alhassan, said Christmas Day is the birthday of Jesus Christ and it should be celebrated well as a season for love.
“It is a difficult year, full of expectations which has not been achieved but thank God for all his mercies.
“I am happy there was no fuel scarcity this year which means the government is working,” Alhassan said.
Another fun seeker, Mrs Favour Ogbona, said Jesus Christ’s birth brought joy and happiness, adding that people should find more time to stay with their families.
“I am happy at the turn up of people and some people at yet to come.
“Having fun also helps our kids to be educationally, morally and socially sound and should not be encouraged only during festivities,” she stressed.
Ogbona also urged the government to provide more facilities at the park to attract more fun seekers.
NAN recalls that the patronage at the park was higher in 2018 when compared to 2017.
Another fun seeker, Master Isaac Emmanuel, said that he was happy to be out on a day like this and encouraged other kids to tell their parents to take them out.
“Fun centres are not only meant for kids, parents can also use the opportunity to ease stress and bond with families,” he said.
Emmanuel said that having fun in places such as the Millennium Park would help promote peace and unity in the country.
In Gombe, clerics called on Christians to love one another, expressing optimism that better days await Nigerians in years ahead.
They said Christmas is a celebration of God’s love, so every Christian needs to show love.
Pastor Olayinka Olasehinde, Pastor in-charge of Winners’ Assembly Parish of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) said that love brings peace.
He therefore emphasised the need for Nigerians to love one another.
‘‘Christmas is a time for love. So my message to everyone is to show love irrespective of who the person is; whether he shares your belief or not. The Bible says love your neighbour as yourself.
‘‘If you declare your love to everyone whether they are Christians or not, Nigeria will be better. The problem we have in the country can only be solved if we love one another.
‘‘The genesis of Christmas is giving. Nigerians must learn to give. Give love, patience, tolerance, kindness, and forgiveness. If all these are considered, we will be in peace,’’ he said.
He said: ‘‘Nigerians must build Nigeria. We must pray and work for the progress of the nation, respect our leaders and seek God’s face at all times.’’
Olasehinde advised those who were yet to collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to collect them before the 2019 general elections.
Deacon Abraham Kayode of Love Assembly Parish of RCCG, Yola, Adamawa, who was on a visit, urged Nigerians to follow the path of righteousness.
He declared that righteousness would exalt the nation.
‘‘Christians should always be happy and let the birth of Jesus show forth in their life by expressing love to one another and live in peace,’’ he said.
Mrs Esther Olasehinde, a staff of the Federal Teaching Hospital, Gombe State said, ‘‘Christmas is a time for sober reflection and a time to show love.’’
Olasehinde lauded the governments at the federal and state levels for the peaceful atmosphere in the country, adding that the security in 2018 was better compared to the previous years.
NAN reports that residents of Yelenguruza Quarters in Gombe were seen gathered in various locations within their vicinity playing music and celebrating with family members and friends.
In Ile-Ife, Osun, the Superintendent, Christ Apostolic Church, (CAC), Iloro Zonal Headquarters, Pastor Timothy Bakare, admonished all Christians to contribute their quota to the second coming of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Bakare gave the admonition during the Christmas Service at the Church Auditorium in Ile-Ife on Tuesday.
He said that many people contributed both positively and negatively to the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ including Mary, the mother and Joseph, her husband.
According to him, King Herod has an impact in Jesus’ birth by trying to destroy Jesus so as to disturb God’s plan for the salvation of the universe.
He said that God saw holiness and faithfulness of Mary and Joseph, this led to their being chosen to bring forth Jesus Christ the saviour.
He stated that Christians should perform their own part in the second coming of Jesus by staying away from worldly things and focus on the hereafter.
‘‘Allow Holy Spirit to dwell and direct your path, persevere, separate yourselves from evil doing, control your tongues.
‘‘Ensure you emulate the attitude of Jesus when alive, so that eternity shall be yours at the end of your race on earth,’’ he advised. (NAN)
Reporters/MOL/IS
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Edited by Mustapha Lamidi/Ismail Abdulaziz