President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has sent a Christmas message to Nigerian Christians for the 2025 celebration, urging citizens to embrace unity, peace, and mutual respect across religious and ethnic lines.
The message, released through his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, described Christmas as a period that reflects shared values capable of strengthening national harmony. Tinubu encouraged Nigerians to show compassion, care for the less privileged, and promote peaceful coexistence during and beyond the festive season.
He wrote, “My Fellow Nigerians, as we mark this year’s Christmas, may the love of Christ and his message of grace, hope, peace, and goodwill to humanity abide with us all.”
The President noted that the season goes beyond celebration, saying, “Christmas reminds us to reflect on the significance of Jesus Christ’s birth and his message of salvation as the Prince of Peace.”
Extending goodwill to Christians in Nigeria and abroad, Tinubu stated, “On this Holy Day, I wish all Christians in Nigeria and around the world a Merry Christmas. I thank God for the opportunity to serve as the leader of our great country, and I pray for peace in our land, especially among individuals of differing religious beliefs.”
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to freedom of worship, adding, “As your President, I remain committed to doing everything within my power to enshrine religious freedom in Nigeria and to protect all people of different faiths from violence.”
Tinubu also acknowledged the role of Christians in national development, saying, “As we celebrate the birth of Jesus, let us also reflect on the many contributions that Christians in Nigeria, as followers of Christ, have made and continue to make toward the progress of our country.”
Highlighting acts of service inspired by faith, he said, “The love of Christ and the message of the Gospel have inspired many Christians to care for the vulnerable and less privileged in our society.” He added, “We honour those who, following the example of Jesus, work tirelessly to promote peace, harmony, and tolerance in their communities.”
Speaking on national security and unity, the President stated, “Since I assumed office in 2023, I have continually reassured Nigerians of our unyielding commitment to safeguarding the security, unity, and stability of our nation.” He stressed that this commitment “remains steadfast under God and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
Tinubu emphasized that every citizen deserves safety and dignity, saying, “All Nigerians have the right to live, worship, and pursue their aspirations in safety and dignity. No one, regardless of ethnicity or belief, should be made to suffer for professing and practising his faith.”
He called for stronger unity, noting, “The love for God and love for humanity is at the heart of all the great faiths. These shared values must continue to bind us together as one indivisible and resilient people of our blessed country.”
The President revealed ongoing engagement with religious leaders, stating, “Throughout the year, I have had the privilege of engaging with prominent leaders from the two major faiths in the country, particularly amid concerns about religious intolerance and insecurity.” He assured that these discussions would be sustained to prevent conflict and promote peaceful coexistence.
As Nigerians travel for the holidays, Tinubu urged caution, saying, “I urge all citizens to exercise patience and maintain discipline on the roads.” He added, “I wish all travellers a safe journey and a safe return to their destinations.”
Concluding the message, the President expressed optimism about the nation’s future, stating, “With confidence in divine providence and our collective strength, we will continue the work of building a greater Nigeria, one that future generations will be proud of.”