The Lagos State Government has urged residents to cultivate and maintain genuine love for one another in order to live in peace.
Mrs Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, the wife of Lagos State Governor, gave the advice on Thursday night during the 2021 Lagos State Christmas Carol of Nine Lessons.
According to Sanwo-Olu, the birth of Jesus Christ symbolized love, and thus Christians should emulate him.
“The birth of Jesus Christ perfectly represents God’s love for humanity.” Jesus came so that humanity would not perish, and there is no better way to show love than this.
“Christmas’ essence is such that it is a time for us to be reminded of the need to imbibe and sustain true love for one another.” This should be our daily mantra.
“As we celebrate, may we all be filled with Christmas joy, happiness, and blessings.”
“In the mighty name of Jesus, Lagos State will continue to wax strong, to enjoy peace and development, and, most importantly, to grow in leaps and bounds.” “Amen!” she exclaimed.
In his welcome address, Commissioner for Home Affairs Prince Anofiu Elegushi urged residents to emulate Jesus Christ’s virtues of humility and service to humanity.
Elegushi stated that residents have every reason to thank God, especially after surviving the many variants of the coronavirus disease.
“The Holy Bible says in Lamentations 3:22, “It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions never fail.”
“The end of the year is a season of serious contemplation, a time to take stock of all actions since the beginning of the year in order to show our thankfulness to the Most High for His divine intervention in Lagos State.”
“By His grace, we are still standing tall in the face of adversity.” I implore all of us to count our blessings and give thanks because He has been faithful.
“The theme of this year’s Christmas Carol of Nine Lessons, ‘The Amen,’ as stated in Revelations 3:14 in the Holy Bible depict Jesus Christ as the son of God,” he explained.
The commissioner, on the other hand, warned residents that, while they were looking forward to the Christmas and New Year’s celebrations, COVID-19 was still out there looking for someone to devour.
As a result, he urged residents to continue to follow the COVID-19 safety protocols, such as always wearing nose masks, maintaining social distance, and avoiding handshakes, while instilling the habit of washing hands intermittently.
Choir members from various churches were on hand to provide musical renditions, as well as special ministration by Efe Nathan and Nathaniel Bassey, among others.
The event was organized by the Lagos First Family and the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Mrs Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, the first lady of Lagos State, Mrs Remi Hamzat, the wife of the deputy governor, and Mr Cornelius Ojelabi, the state chairman of the All Progressives Congress, took Bible readings.