In a message of solidarity and hope, the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), a prominent northern socio-political group, has extended its warm felicitations to Christians across Nigeria and the globe on the occasion of the 2025 Christmas celebrations. The forum also conveyed its wishes for a happy and prosperous 2026 New Year to all Nigerians.
The statement, issued in Kaduna by the ACF’s National Publicity Secretary, Prof. Tanko Muhammad-Baba, transcends mere seasonal greetings. It serves as a poignant reflection on the nation’s current state and a heartfelt prayer for divine intervention and national renewal.
A Season of Celebration Amidst Profound Challenges
The ACF explicitly acknowledged that this festive period arrives against a backdrop of “severe economic, social and political challenges.” This candid admission highlights the reality for millions of Nigerians, particularly in the northern regions, where families are described as “struggling for survival” amidst “harsh living conditions.” The forum’s message intentionally connects the joy of Christmas with the empathy required for those suffering, urging citizens to “remain hopeful” despite these trials.
A Unified Call for Prayer and Leadership
Central to the ACF’s message is a call for national unity and spiritual solidarity. The forum appealed to all Nigerians, “irrespective of faith or political affiliation,” to join in praying for the return of peace, prosperity, and progress. This emphasis on transcending divides is significant, positioning collective prayer as a foundational step toward tangible national healing.
Furthermore, the ACF’s prayer for the nation’s leaders—both “temporal and spiritual”—to be endowed with “wisdom, empathy, love, truth and honesty” is a pointed commentary on the desired virtues for governance. It underscores a public yearning for leadership that is not only effective but also compassionate and morally grounded in its service to the people.
An Urgent Mandate for Security and a Vision for the Future
Moving beyond prayers, the statement contained a direct charge to the nation’s security apparatus. The ACF urged agencies to “renew their resolve” in combating the multifaceted threats of terrorism, criminality, and socio-political destabilization. This reflects a deep-seated public demand for decisive action and safety as a prerequisite for any meaningful development.
Concluding on an optimistic note, the forum expressed its hope that 2026 would herald a “more resilient, united and hospitable Nigeria.” This envisioned future is one where the benefits of citizenship are not predicated on “ethnicity, faith, political persuasion or social status.” The statement, therefore, frames the festive season as a symbolic turning point—a moment to collectively aspire for a nation where peace and security are not mere aspirations but lived realities for all.
“God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” the forum added, sealing its message with a benediction for the entire nation.
Source: News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)
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Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani
