In his official Christmas message delivered in Abuja on Thursday, December 25, 2025, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr. Nyesom Wike, extended warm felicitations to the Christian community while issuing a crucial call for vigilance and communal harmony during the festive season.
Minister Wike described Christmas as a profound season of “joy, giving, sharing, and good neighbourliness.” However, he paired this traditional message with a direct appeal for security consciousness. He urged all FCT residents to be “mindful of their security responsibilities” and to actively report any suspicious activities or breaches in their neighborhoods to the relevant agencies. This call to action is particularly significant in the context of heightened mobility and gatherings during festivities, which can present unique security challenges. [[PEAI_MEDIA_X]] The minister’s directive serves as a reminder that community safety is a shared responsibility, where citizen vigilance acts as a critical force multiplier for formal security apparatuses.
To bolster public confidence, Wike assured residents that the FCT Administration has made “necessary arrangements” to ensure the season is commemorated in a “safe, secure and joyful atmosphere.” He stated, “You should be rest assured that the FCT Administration is doing its best to ensure the security of lives and property all through the festive period and beyond.” This reassurance points to coordinated efforts likely involving the police, security services, and emergency responders, all operating on heightened alert.
Beyond security, the Minister framed Christmas as a time for “sober reflection” and spiritual renewal. He encouraged residents to use the occasion to rededicate themselves to the core virtues of “love, unity and peace,” which he identified as the recurrent themes of Jesus Christ’s message. Furthermore, he highlighted the period as a “unique opportunity to pray for our leaders, and indeed, our country Nigeria, that we may enjoy peace and progress in the coming years.” This aspect of the message connects the personal celebration of Christmas to broader national aspirations for stability and development.
[[PEAI_MEDIA_X]] The Minister also took the opportunity to present a brief account of his administration’s performance throughout 2025, expressing gratitude for the public’s cooperation. He listed specific achievements, including the renovation of schools, staffing and equipping of hospitals, construction of roads and bridges across all area councils, support for the judiciary, and enhanced security. “Indeed, it has been a year of remarkable achievements,” Wike remarked, framing these developments as a foundation for continued progress.
In closing, Minister Wike thanked President Bola Tinubu, along with various partners and stakeholders, for their support in developing the FCT. He concluded with a reassurance of his administration’s commitment: “[We] will continue to remain steadfast in its task of providing infrastructure and services that would positively impact residents in the territory.” This Christmas message, therefore, skillfully wove together seasonal goodwill, practical security advice, a call for civic reflection, and a report on governmental stewardship, addressing the FCT community as both celebrants and stakeholders in the territory’s future.
Reported by Philip Yatai for the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). Edited by Sandra Umeh.
