The appeal was made by His Eminence Oliver Aba, Prelate of the Methodist Church Nigeria, during the 2025 Service of Nine Lessons and Carols, themed “Emmanuel: God With Us.”
Hosted for the third consecutive year by Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the event lit up the State House with twinkling Christmas lights. A 100-member choir from the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) filled the venue with harmonious carols blending reverence and festivity.
The service opened with the hymn Once in Royal David’s City, followed by the Bidding Prayer and the jubilant carol Ding Dong! Merrily on High. Former Head of State General Yakubu Gowon read the first lesson from Genesis, while former President Olusegun Obasanjo, attending his first state function since President Bola Tinubu’s inauguration, read the second lesson.
Subsequent readings featured key national figures, including Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, President of the Court of Appeal Justice Bolna’an Dongban-Mensem, and Minister of Defence Gen. Christopher Musa (retd). Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun presented the eighth lesson, while the First Lady concluded the readings with the ninth lesson from John 1:1-14.
The service reached its spiritual high point during Prelate Aba’s exhortation, where he reflected on “Emmanuel” as God’s enduring presence amid Nigeria’s challenges, including inflation, insecurity, and social divisions. He urged Nigerians to act selflessly and unite for the nation’s renewal, emphasizing Christ’s personal presence in everyday life.
“Jesus did not come to be far away from us. He came to be present… He walks with us like our shadows,” Aba said, adding that the Prince of Peace is ready to bring comfort to the nation. Drawing from John 3:16, he framed the season as a reminder of God’s selfless love and challenged both leaders and citizens to embrace unity and goodwill.
The evening concluded on a festive note with traditional Elu Agogo rhythms and the choir’s vibrant rendition of We Wish You a Merry Christmas, leaving guests inspired to carry the message of peace and selfless service into the new year.
