Former Ekiti State governor and ex chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, Dr Kayode Fayemi, has urged Nigerians to hold on to hope and approach the Christmas season with sober reflection and restraint, as the country grapples with economic and social strain.
In a Christmas message released on Tuesday, Fayemi said the season offers Nigerians a moment to pause, reassess national priorities, and recommit to values that strengthen society. He described Christmas as a reminder of hope, love, peace, and sacrifice, values he said remain vital to Nigeria’s survival and renewal.
While acknowledging the pressures confronting citizens, Fayemi said Nigeria’s history shows a people capable of endurance and renewal when united by purpose.
“We cannot ignore the reality of the challenges before us, but we must not abandon faith in the future of our country,” he said. “Christmas reminds us that even in uncertainty, hope can be restored and light can break through.”
He urged Nigerians to celebrate responsibly, noting that current economic conditions call for moderation and empathy, particularly towards the less privileged. According to him, the season should inspire compassion rather than excess.
Fayemi said Christmas goes beyond festivity, describing it as a period rooted in sacrifice, humility, and shared responsibility, values he noted align closely with Nigeria’s communal culture.
“Christmas is not simply a time for merriment,” he said. “It speaks to hope, salvation, and the power of love. These are values we must apply deliberately if we are to rebuild the bonds that hold our nation together.”
Looking ahead to the New Year, the former governor expressed confidence in Nigeria’s resilience, urging citizens to face the coming year with resolve and collective action.
“We may be passing through a difficult season, but we are not a hopeless people,” he said. “With determination, shared effort, and God’s grace, Nigeria can emerge stronger and more prosperous.”
He ended the message by wishing Nigerians a peaceful Christmas and a New Year marked by security, productivity, and national progress.
