Buhari at Christmas: Better days ahead
President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed conviction that despite the current challenges, better days are ahead for all Nigerians. President Buhari said this on Saturday in his 2017 Christmas message to the nation.
“I am deeply convinced that better days lie ahead for us as a nation as we make progress on all the major fronts where we have set our energies to surmount the challenges,” he said.
The president felicitated with all Nigerians, particularly Christians, on the occasion of this year’s Christmas celebration.
According to him, “The commemoration of the birth of Jesus Christ is an important opportunity for us to show love to one another and encourage unity by spending quality time with our friends, families and the less-privileged.
“It is also an occasion to draw inspiration from the exemplary lifestyle and teachings of Jesus Christ, who constantly stood for what is right, true and honest.
“The Holy Book describes Christmas as a festival of peace, joy, healing, hope and fulfilment. It kindles great expectations in the heart, irrespective of the challenges of the moment.”
He said as Nigerians celebrate this Yuletide season, they should devote some time to pray and appreciate the sacrifices of members of the armed services to keep the nation safe and secure.
“By the same token, and keeping with the spirit of the season, our gallant troops serving in the frontlines in the fight against insurgency; those wounded, lying in the hospital, as well as civilians who have suffered the brunt of evil and wicked elements these past years, deserve our fervent goodwill and sustained prayers.
“The personal fortitude of these individuals will continue to inspire us to victory as we turn the tide against the enemy and annihilate those who work against the unity of our nation.
“In this season of hope, let us remember to provide refuge to those who cannot enjoy Christmas at home with their families, or have been driven from their homes by insurgency or violence, particularly the Internally Displaced Persons,” he stated.
The president noted that the country had witnessed an upsurge in the activities of trans-border syndicates luring the youth to modern slavery through irregular migration.
He said while his administration had stepped up efforts to halt this “wickedness against the upwardly mobile generation, and have evacuated some of our compatriots stranded abroad we appeal to them to shun the allure of embarking on such perilous journeys.”
President Buhari wished all Nigerians happy Christmas celebrations.