The Prelate of the Methodist Church Nigeria, His Eminence Oliver Aba, on Friday urged Nigerians to embrace selfless service, faith-fuelled unity and an “all hands on deck” approach to rebuilding trust and restoring hope amid the nation’s economic and security challenges.
Aba delivered the charge during his exhortation at the 2025 Service of Nine Lessons and Carols, themed “Emmanuel: God With Us,” hosted by First Lady Oluremi Tinubu at the State House, Abuja.
He described the Christmas message as a reminder of God’s abiding presence with the nation through seasons of uncertainty.
“Jesus did not come to be far away from us. He came to be present… God is with us in the valley, in the storms of life and in victory,” Aba said, assuring Nigerians that divine presence endures “in season and out of season.”
Drawing attention to inflation, insecurity and social divisions, the cleric called for collective responsibility and sacrificial leadership.
“As a people, as a nation, when you are worried, God is with you as a Prince of Peace. Today, the Prince of Peace is ready to give us peace,” he said, urging leaders and citizens alike to choose selflessness over narrow interests.
Aba anchored the theme Emmanuel on God’s closeness to humanity, stressing that national renewal requires love, peace and service modeled after Christ’s sacrifice.
Quoting John 3:16, he framed the season as an expression of God’s selfless love and challenged Nigerians to recommit to unity.
“We must come together so as we are celebrating Christ, Nigeria can be better,” he said.
The service, the third annual carol hosted by the First Lady, brought together past and present leaders, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo, making his first appearance at a State House function since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s inauguration, former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (retd), and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi.
Senior government officials, legislators, jurists and faith leaders were also in attendance.
The evening opened with the hymn Once in Royal David’s City, followed by a carefully sequenced order of lessons and carols led by national figures.
Gowon read the First Lesson from Genesis 3:8–12, reflecting on divine accountability, while Obasanjo delivered the Second Lesson from Genesis 22:15–18, underscoring obedience and covenantal blessing.
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, representing Senate President Godswill Akpabio, read the Third Lesson from Isaiah 9:6–7 on the Prince of Peace.
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, followed with Isaiah 11:1–4, while the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, read Luke 1:26–31.
Further readings were taken by the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Bolna’an Dongban-Mensem (Luke 2:4–7); the Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (retd) (Luke 2:10–14); and Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun (Matthew 2:9–12).
The host, Mrs Tinubu, concluded the lessons with John 1:1–14, affirming the Word made flesh.
Each lesson was interspersed with traditional and contemporary carols rendered by the mass choir of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), filling the venue with hymns including Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, Joy to the World and O Come, All Ye Faithful.
The service featured cultural expressions with traditional Elu Agogo rhythms, while CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, delivered the closing prayer and benediction, praying for peace, stability and protection throughout the Yuletide.
The evening ended on a jubilant note with We Wish You a Merry Christmas and reflective organ voluntaries, rounding off a service that blended worship, national reflection and a renewed call to service.
