Senator Kola Balogun has congratulated Christians on the occasion of Christmas celebration, urging Nigerians not to give up on their hopes and aspirations.
The former lawmaker, who represented Oyo South Senatorial District in the ninth Senate, stated this in his Christmas message to Christian faithful.
He said the birth of Jesus Christ, who is the reason for festive period, was not for fun, noting that God sent Christ to the world because He did not give up on humanity, in spite of all iniquities.
Senator Balogun stated that, while it is true that Nigerians are going through difficult times, there is still every reason for them to celebrate.
He said the essence of Christmas is to celebrate love, compassion, peace, humility, selflessness and the exemplary virtues demonstrated by Jesus Christ.
“My wife, Mrs Gbonjubola Kola-Balogun and I are rejoicing with Christian faithful in Oyo State and the entire country on this joyous occasion of Christmas celebration.
“It is a festive period that calls for celebration, though modestly because of the period we are, particular given the sad Children Christmas Funfair tragedy that befell the state recently.
“The tragedy, especially the loss of 35 innocent children to the stampede, indeed, calls for a moment of sober reflection, even as we celebrate the Christmas.
“May God Almighty grant the departed innocent souls a peaceful rest and comfort the bereaved families.
“Yes, it is true that we are passing through some difficult times; it is not without doubt that majority of Nigerians are passing through harrowing times, but we must not give up.
“We must not give up on our individual and collective dreams as a people and as a country. We must hold on firmly to the saying that when there is life, there is hope.
“Let us not despair but be optimistic that there is definitely a light at the end of the dark tunnel. We should prayerfully believe that Nigeria will, one day, become the land of our dream.
“We should not give up on the dreams of our founding fathers that Nigeria will become a country where all dreams, hopes and aspirations are individually and collectively fulfilled,” he said.
Senator Balogun however urged Christians and other Nigerians to use the opportunity of the Christmas celebration to pray for the peace, unity and progress of the country.
He particularly urged Christians to extend the spirit of love and peace, exemplified by Jesus Christ, to their fellow humans, particularly the less privileged in society.
He also called on Nigerians to embrace the spirit of togetherness, tolerance and understanding to foster a harmonious society, devoid of religious or ethnic colourations.
