A former Presidential Candidate and a frontline politician, Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim has urged Nigerians to show love to their neighbours while also felicitating Christian faithful in the country as they join the rest of the world in celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ.
In a statement made available to Church Times by his media team, Olawepo-Hashim urged Nigerians, to uphold the principles of love, tolerance, and sacrifice to sustain harmony, progress, and advance the cause of humanity.
Dr. Olawepo-Hashim added that the Christmas season represents joy, peace, hope, love, and goodwill, which are very much needed in our country facing diverse development challenges.
He said, “I celebrate with the Christian fold and enjoin all of us to remember the essence of Christmas. In the true spirit of the season, let’s show love to our neighbours, kindness to the less privileged and vulnerable, and tolerance to one another across the lines of faith, politics, and ethnicity; in the spirit of the unique sacrifice and teachings of our Lord, Jesus Christ.
“I urge fellow Nigerians to appropriate the hope that comes with Christmas and reinvest trust in God’s ability to restore the lost glory of Nigeria”
He equally admonished Nigerians to reflect on the lessons of the period and emulate Christ by fostering peace and unity in our Nation, while also tasking Nigerians on religious tolerance “since it is one way we as citizens can live in peace, harmony and love as taught by Jesus Christ, who is the reason for the season.”
“More importantly, as we observe Christmas this year, let us all imbibe the essential message of Christ’s ministry and truly begin to love our fellow Nigerians as we love ourselves,” Olawepo-Hashim added.