In a Christmas message that transcends seasonal goodwill to address Nigeria’s core societal challenges, Gombe State Governor, Alhaji Inuwa Yahaya, has issued a profound call to action. He urged all citizens, irrespective of faith, to actively adopt the foundational virtues taught by Jesus Christ as a practical blueprint for national harmony and resilience.
The governor’s message, delivered through his Director-General of Press Affairs, Mr. Ismaila Uba-Misilli, reframes the Christmas celebration as more than a religious observance. It is presented as a pivotal moment for collective introspection and a recommitment to the universal ethical principles that underpin cohesive societies.
“The celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ offers us an indispensable moment for reflection on the virtues that bind humanity together,” Governor Yahaya stated. He identified love, compassion, and selflessness not as abstract ideals, but as “central, actionable tenets” essential for sustaining peace and unity.
This call arrives at a critical juncture. Nigeria continues to navigate complex economic pressures, security concerns, and social fractures. The governor’s message implies that technical solutions from government alone are insufficient without a parallel moral and ethical renewal within the citizenry. The teachings of Jesus, particularly the Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37), provide a timeless example of compassion that transcends ethnic and religious lines—a direct model for contemporary Nigerian society.
Governor Yahaya emphasized that these values are the bedrock of “collective resilience and shared responsibility.” He called for fervent prayers for national stability and prosperity, framing such spiritual exercise as part of the active work of building a peaceful nation. Furthermore, he appealed for public commitment to government initiatives aimed at improving welfare, highlighting a symbiotic relationship between virtuous citizenship and effective governance.
In a move that translates principle into practice, the governor highlighted his administration’s tradition of providing tangible support to communities during festive periods. This effort, he noted, is designed to “ease the burden of celebration and promote solidarity and shared joy,” embodying the very spirit of compassion and communal care he advocates.
Ultimately, the governor’s Christmas message elevates a routine seasonal greeting into a strategic plea for social cohesion. It challenges Nigerians to look beyond the festivities and internalize virtues that can mend divides, foster mutual trust, and create a more unified foundation upon which the nation’s future can be securely built. The true celebration, the message suggests, lies not just in remembrance, but in the courageous application of these age-old teachings to modern national life.
