You As Christians across Nigeria marked Christmas, state governors used the season to preach love, unity and peaceful coexistence, while the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) struck a more urgent tone—calling for fairness, collective resistance and an end to policies it says deepen hardship for ordinary citizens.
Across the states, governors framed Christmas as a moment for reflection, reconciliation and renewed commitment to national harmony, drawing from the values embodied in the birth of Jesus Christ.
In Delta State, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori congratulated residents on the 2025 Christmas celebration, urging them to embrace love, unity and Christ-like living as foundations for peaceful coexistence and sustainable development.
In a message issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Festus Ahon, the governor called on Deltans to reflect on the virtues of sacrifice, compassion and selfless service exemplified by Christ. He praised residents for their resilience and unity, noting that their cooperation had been central to the progress recorded under his administration’s MORE Agenda.
Oborevwori highlighted achievements in infrastructure, healthcare, education, youth empowerment, agriculture and security, pointing to ongoing road and flyover projects, improved health facilities and investments in human capital. He also cited gains in workers’ welfare, peacebuilding initiatives and social intervention programmes targeting widows, women and youths.
Looking ahead, the governor disclosed that the 2026 Delta State budget prioritises infrastructure expansion, job creation, education, healthcare and agriculture. “The 2026 budget consolidates our gains and addresses the pressing needs of our people,” he said, assuring residents that no community would be left behind.
In Katsina, Governor Mallam Dikko Radda extended Christmas greetings to Christians in the state and across Nigeria, urging them to reflect on Christ’s teachings of love, sacrifice and peace. In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Mohammed, Radda emphasised unity and tolerance as pillars of national progress, assuring Christians of his administration’s commitment to protecting their rights and ensuring freedom of worship.
Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, struck a more sombre note, urging residents to draw strength from faith amid personal and collective grief. In a Christmas message issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Alabrah, the governor referenced the recent death of his deputy, encouraging Christians to find hope in God’s grace. Quoting 2 Corinthians 12:9, Diri said divine strength often shines brightest in moments of weakness.
Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri, described Christmas as a symbol of hope and redemption, calling on citizens to practice love, unity and generosity despite prevailing economic and security challenges.
Ondo State Governor, Dr Lucky Aiyedatiwa, similarly urged residents to uphold tolerance and peaceful coexistence, expressing optimism about the state’s future.
In Sokoto, Governor Ahmed Aliyu challenged Christians to pray for peace and an end to insecurity, while highlighting steps taken by his administration to strengthen security infrastructure across the state.
While governors projected messages of hope and togetherness, organised labour used the season to spotlight the deepening economic pressures faced by Nigerian workers.
In a Christmas message, NLC President Joe Ajaero extended greetings to workers and citizens but acknowledged that the festive season comes against the backdrop of severe economic hardship.
“The weight of economic hardship, policies that inflict suffering, and forces that press our nation into the morass of servitude can make the present seem bleak,” the statement noted.
Despite this, the NLC insisted that hope remains alive—not as sentiment, but as collective resolve. According to the union, national renewal can only be achieved through unity and action.
“Our hope of a revival is not passive. It is built on a concrete foundation: our collective power and the action that it can potentiate,” Ajaero said.
Warning against divisions along ethnic, religious or regional lines, the NLC stressed that unity remains the most potent weapon against oppression. “Our strength lies in our unity. We must forge a coalition of the righteous—an indivisible movement committed to building a nation that serves the majority, not a privileged few,” the statement read.
The union also rejected what it described as unfair and regressive taxation, particularly ahead of new tax laws set to take effect on January 1. It warned that any tax system formulated without workers’ input remains unjust and unacceptable.
“Tax justice means the rich pay their fair share and regressive taxation is eliminated,” the NLC said, calling for broader social justice, improved governance and access to quality healthcare, education and security for all Nigerians.
As the Christmas season unfolds, the contrast between messages of goodwill from political leaders and the labour movement’s call for structural change underscores the competing realities shaping Nigeria’s present—and the urgent conversations likely to define its future.