Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, has called for renewal of commitments to peace, tolerance, and mutual respect among Nigerians as the world celebrates Christmas.
Governor Otti stated this on Sunday, at the International Conference Centre Umuahia, during the Festival of Carols 2025, organised by the state government, with a theme, “A Christmas To Remember”
The Governor, represented by his Deputy, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu enjoined all to carry the message of Christmas into their homes, workplaces, and communities.
“This is a special season that reminds us of the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, a season of love, hope, sacrifice, and goodwill to all.
“As we celebrate this season, I urge us all to extend love to one another, to remember the less privileged among us, and to renew our commitments to peace, tolerance, and mutual respect.
“Let us carry the message of Christmas beyond this venue, into our homes, our workplaces, and our communities”, Gov. Otti stated.
Governor Otti said that the Abia state government remains steadfast in its resolve to deliver people-oriented governance, promote inclusivity in development, and ensure that the dividends of democracy reach every corner of the state.
He maintained that, “Together, with faith and unity, we will continue to build an Abia state that works for all”.
The Governor, who commended the organisers of Abia Festival of Carols, the choir, musicians, clergy, and all partners for their dedication, used the opportunity to wish all Abians a happy Christmas celebration and a prosperous and peaceful New Year in advance.
Also speaking, the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Kenneth Kalu, described Christmas as a season of joy, hope, peace and love.
“While Christmas is a time set aside to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, it also means several things to several people.
“But nevertheless, as we come together this evening, we come with a message of peace and hope. And this message is central to the Christmas season.
“These values speak to our resilience and our capacity to overcome adversity, no matter how daunting.
“So when you look at the global challenges and the national issues, it’s different for us in Abia State.
“For us in Abia State, the message of Christmas resonates deeply. We are living witnesses to a remarkable transformation, one of renewal, one of new beginnings, and one of significant progress.
“Abia’s journey over the past 30 months of its legislative administration affirms that hope can be both powerful and transformational”, Prof. Kalu concluded.
In a vote of thanks, the Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Mr Matthew Ekwuruibe, thanked God for bringing Abians together again to celebrate His faithfulness in this year’s festival of carols.
Mr Ekwuruibe appreciated Governor Alex Otti for all his support towards the programme and saluted the commitment of the organisers towards the success of the event.
The Festival of Carols, which featured song renditions from various choirs from different churches and groups, including the Abia brass band, saw
Nollywood actors and actresses from Abia presenting a special gift to the Governor in appreciation of his giant strides in the state, attracted the presence of the wife of the Governor, Mrs Chidinma Otti, wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs Adaeze Emetu, Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Emeruwa, Chief Judge of Abia State, Justice Lilian Abai, Chief of Staff to the Governor Pastor Caleb Ajagba, Commissioners, the Head of Service, SSA on Religious Matters, Apostle Kenneth Wiper, other top government officials, clergy men among many other dignitaries, while nine lessons were read by a select individuals including the wife of the Governor, the Chief Judge, members of the clergy.
E-signed
DIVINE NWANKWO
HOD (INFORMATION)
GOVERNMENT HOUSE UMUAHIA
21 – 12 – 2025.
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