Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has sent warm Christmas greetings to Christians, urging them to let love, peace and mutual understanding be the guiding light in their dealings with one another and their neighbours.
In a Christmas goodwill message released in Ibadan on Thursday, the governor reminded residents that the season is more than carols and celebration, describing it as a call to live out the values Christ stood for—love, humility and harmony.
Makinde noted that the birth of Jesus Christ remains the heartbeat of Christmas, stressing that the message of the season would be empty if not reflected in how people treat one another.
He encouraged Christians to be ambassadors of peace and goodwill, in line with Christ’s teachings.
The governor also appealed to residents to remain vigilant during the festivities, urging them to be mindful of their surroundings as celebrations peak across the state.
While reaffirming the government’s commitment to security, he stressed that safety is a shared responsibility.
He advised citizens to promptly report any suspicious activities to security agencies through the Citizen Emergency Number, 615, reminding them that the principle of “if you see something, say something” should not be taken lightly.
“This is to wish our Christian brethren and indeed, all residents of Oyo State and Nigeria,a Merry Christmas.
“Christmas, as we all know, symbolises love as exemplified by the miraculous but humble birth of the Lord Jesus Christ, thus we must live the message and the essence of the festival”, he said.
Makinde concluded by calling on residents to let peace reign during the celebrations, adding that when love leads the way, the state—and the nation—will be the better for it.
