By Jemimah Wellington, JKNewsMedia Correspondent
RENEWED CALLS for peace and religious tolerance and national unity has been urged to mark this year’s Christmas message to Nigerians, with assurances of continued commitment to safeguarding security and freedom of worship across the country.
A message by the country’s President Bola Tinubu said Christmas was a period that extended beyond celebration and festivity, calling attention to the significance of the birth of Jesus Christ and the message of grace hope peace and goodwill to humanity.
He described the occasion as a reminder of salvation and the role of Jesus Christ as the Prince of Peace.
Also, the President conveyed goodwill to Christians in Nigeria and across the world, wishing them a Merry Christmas and expressing gratitude to God for the opportunity to serve as leader of the country.
Prayers were offered for peace in the land, with particular emphasis on harmony among people of differing religious beliefs.
The message reaffirmed a commitment to religious freedom, stating that every effort would continue to be made to protect people of all faiths from violence.
It said the responsibility of leadership included ensuring that no Nigerian was denied the right to worship freely or to live without fear because of religious belief.
He noted that as the nation marked the birth of Jesus Christ, there is need for reflection on the contributions Christians have made and continue to make to Nigeria’s progress.
It highlighted the influence of the Gospel and the love of Christ in inspiring acts of compassion, especially towards the vulnerable and less privileged in society.
Recognition was also given to individuals and groups who work to promote peace harmony and tolerance within their communities.
He stated that such efforts followed the example of Jesus Christ and deserved honour, particularly during a season centred on goodwill and faith.
His message also spoke directly to those facing hardship, stating that the season served as a reminder that God remained present despite daunting challenges describing Christmas as a time that brought hope and faith to people experiencing despair.
Reference was also made to the period since the assumption of office in 2023, during which Nigerians were repeatedly reassured of an unyielding commitment to safeguarding the security unity and stability of the nation.
However, he said this commitment remained steadfast under God and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
It also stated that all Nigerians had the right to live, worship and pursue their aspirations in safety and dignity stressing that no one regardless of ethnicity or belief should suffer for professing and practising their faith.
Shared values across faiths were emphasised, noting that love for God and love for humanity lay at the heart of all great religions.
These values were described as bonds that must continue to unite Nigerians as one indivisible and resilient people.
The President also referenced engagements held throughout the year with prominent leaders from the two major faiths in the country, noting that these interactions were said to be particularly important amid concerns about religious intolerance and insecurity.
He also stated that the discussions would be built upon to strengthen collaboration between government and religious institutions adding that the goal of such collaboration was identified as preventing conflict and promoting peaceful coexistence across communities.
Attention was also directed to public safety during the holiday season adding that as many Nigerians travel to reunite with family and loved ones, citizens were urged to exercise patience and maintain discipline on the roads.
He also extended well wishes to travellers, with prayers for their safe journeys and safe returns to their destinations during the festive period.
Wishing Nigerians a Merry Christmas and extended New Year greetings in advance. the President ended his speech with an expression of confidence in divine providence and collective national strength.
The President also assured Nigerians on the work of building a greater nation that would continue, with the aim of creating a country that future generations would be proud of.
PRESIDENT TINUBU’S 2025 CHRISTMAS GOODWILL MESSAGE
My Fellow Nigerians,
As we mark this year’s Christmas, may the love of Christ and his message of grace, hope, peace, and goodwill to humanity abide with us all.
Beyond the celebration and festivities of this season, Christmas reminds us to reflect on the significance of Jesus Christ’s birth and his message of salvation as the Prince of Peace.
On this Holy Day, I wish all Christians in Nigeria and around the world a Merry Christmas. I thank God for the opportunity to serve as the leader of our great country, and I pray for peace in our land, especially among individuals of differing religious beliefs.
As your President, I remain committed to doing everything within my power to enshrine religious freedom in Nigeria and to protect all people of different faiths from violence.
As we celebrate the birth of Jesus, let us also reflect on the many contributions that Christians in Nigeria, as followers of Christ, have made and continue to make toward the progress of our country.
The love of Christ and the message of the Gospel have inspired many Christians to care for the vulnerable and less privileged in our society. We honour those who, following the example of Jesus, work tirelessly to promote peace, harmony, and tolerance in their communities.
For those who bring hope and faith in the midst of despair, this season is a reminder that, despite daunting challenges, God is with us.
Since I assumed office in 2023, I have continually reassured Nigerians of our unyielding commitment to safeguarding the security, unity, and stability of our nation.
That commitment remains steadfast under God and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. All Nigerians have the right to live, worship, and pursue their aspirations in safety and dignity.
No one, regardless of ethnicity or belief, should be made to suffer for professing and practising his faith. The love for God and love for humanity is at the heart of all the great faiths. These shared values must continue to bind us together as one indivisible and resilient people of our blessed country.
Throughout the year, I have had the privilege of engaging with prominent leaders from the two major faiths in the country, particularly amid concerns about religious intolerance and insecurity. We will build on these conversations to strengthen collaboration between government and religious institutions, prevent conflict and promote peaceful coexistence.
As many Nigerians travel to reunite with family and loved ones during this holiday period, I urge all citizens to exercise patience and maintain discipline on the roads.
I wish all travellers a safe journey and a safe return to their destinations.
With confidence in divine providence and our collective strength, we will continue the work of building a greater Nigeria–one that future generations will be proud of.
I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a happy New Year in advance.
Bola Ahmed Tinubu,
President,
Federal Republic of Nigeria
December 24, 2025.
