By Sunday Apah
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has called on Nigerians to take advantage of the Christmas season—a time associated with joy and goodwill—to reflect on the core values of unity, peace, and selflessness, emphasizing their importance for the country’s sustainable development.
The governor made these remarks while addressing journalists following the Christmas service at the Living Faith Church in Asaba on Wednesday.
Joined by his wife, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori, and other family members, Governor Oborevwori stressed the necessity for citizens to prioritize national interests over personal or sectional ambitions to foster enduring progress and stability in Nigeria.
He reminded the public that the essence of Christmas is rooted in mutual love, sacrifice, and generosity, as exemplified by the birth of Jesus Christ. He urged everyone to embody these virtues in their daily lives, especially during these tumultuous times.
“I am delighted to celebrate this Christmas in Asaba. While I may not be the first governor to do so, I wanted to share this occasion with all of you here in the capital,” he said. “Last year, I celebrated in my village, but this year, I felt it was important to gather with the citizens of Asaba.”
The governor expressed his happiness at participating in the Christmas service, assuring Deltans that peace would prevail throughout the celebration. He expressed gratitude for the support he has received from the community.
“I recognize that these are challenging times, but I believe that 2025 will bring improvements, in Jesus’ name. Although crises arise globally, we are managing our situation in Nigeria effectively. What matters most is our unity, and our primary interest should be the well-being of Nigeria, not personal gains,” he stated.
Reflecting on recent events, he expressed condolences to those affected by recent tragedies, saying, “Mistakes happen everywhere, and we must empathize with those who have suffered losses. I pray for divine strength for them during this difficult period.”
He concluded, “As I mentioned earlier, 2025 will be a year of consolidation. I also pray for greater unity within Delta State and across Nigeria.”
Earlier, in his Christmas message entitled “Understanding the Purpose of the Coming of Christ,” Pastor Samuel Johns of Living Faith Church, Asaba, highlighted that Christmas signifies the celebration of salvation, noting that Christ’s arrival was to redeem humanity from sin.
Pastor Johns affirmed that Christ came to usher in a new chapter for mankind, restore joy, bring peace, and re-establish divine presence among people. He stated, “Christ offers us life at its fullest, combats the works of the devil, restores the supernatural to mankind, and grants Christians their rightful inheritance.”
He further emphasized that for Christians to fully experience the blessings associated with Christ’s coming, they must accept Him as their Lord and Savior, believe in the power of redemption, and adhere to the principles of faith and obedience to His teachings.
