In his annual Christmas message, Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, has extended heartfelt felicitations to the Christian community while issuing a profound call for unity, compassion, and collective vigilance. The message, delivered on Thursday, December 25, 2025, in Ibadan, transcends seasonal greetings to address the core societal values essential for the state’s progress.
Governor Makinde, through a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Dr. Suleimon Olanrewaju, emphasized that the celebration of Christ’s birth is fundamentally a celebration of selfless love. He urged Christians, and by extension all residents, to internalize this principle, fostering harmony not only within their immediate circles but also with their neighbours. This call for “brotherly love” is framed not merely as a religious observance but as a foundational civic virtue necessary for social cohesion in a diverse state.
Beyond the spiritual message, the Governor adeptly linked the theme of peace to tangible security concerns. He reminded citizens that securing the state is a shared responsibility between the government and the governed. As festivities increase movement and gatherings, he advised residents to remain environmentally aware and security-conscious.
Governor Makinde provided a concrete, actionable step for public participation in safety: the use of the Citizen Emergency Number, 615. He reinforced the global security axiom, “if you see something, say something,” urging citizens to proactively report any suspicious activities to the authorities. This transforms the abstract message of “peace” into a practical community-based security strategy, empowering every resident to be an active stakeholder in maintaining order.
“This is to wish our Christian brethren and indeed, all residents of Oyo State and Nigeria, a Merry Christmas,” the Governor stated. “Christmas, as we all know, symbolises love as exemplified by the miraculous but humble birth of the Lord Jesus Christ, thus we must live the message and the essence of the festival.”
This dual-focus message—melding spiritual reflection with civic duty—highlights a modern governance approach where moral leadership and practical administration converge. Governor Makinde’s Christmas address serves as both a reminder of the season’s transformative love and a clear guideline for sustaining the peaceful environment required for that love to flourish every day.
