The Speaker of Delta House of Assembly, Mr Dennis Guwor  has urged Christians to imbibe the true spirit of Christmas celebration.

Guwor, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Nkem Nwaeke, on Wednesday in Asaba, reminded Christians that love, kindness and generosity remained the key elements of the Christmas celebration.

He reiterated the need for people to continue to support one another, uplift those in need, and strive for a more united and prosperous state .

Guwor, who is also the National Treasurer, Conference of Speakers of State Houses of Assembly in Nigeria, said he was proud of the progress that Delta had made as a state.

”I look forward to the dawn of a new year with great hopes and more positive vibes in Delta.

“I pray that this festive season brings to the state and its people peace, love, and happiness, ” he said.

According to him, we have worked tirelessly to build a brighter future for our state, and I am confident that our collective efforts will continue to yield positive results.

Guwor expressed confidence that the ‘MORE Agenda’ of Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori would continue to impact positively in the life of the people of the state..(NAN)

By Laide Akinboade, Abuja 

 Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), had urged Nigerians to use this Christmas celebration to continue to up to Jesus for hope for a better Nigeria 

This was contained in a statement issued by CAN , signed by Archbishop Daniel Okoh

President, CAN, and made available to journalists in Abuja.

The Archbishop extends his warm Christmas greetings to all Nigerians.

The statement reads, “Christmas is a time of joy and togetherness, celebrating God’s greatest gift to mankind, Jesus Christ, our Saviour and the Light of the World. As we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, we are called to reflect on His values and teachings, which provide hope, peace, and guidance, especially during challenging times.

“This Christmas comes with a mix of joy and sorrow for many Nigerians. The recent stampedes at charity events in Abuja and Anambra, where innocent lives were lost, have left us grieving as a nation. These heartbreaking incidents highlight the growing desperation among our people and the erosion of societal values such as patience, orderliness, and respect for one another. For those grieving or injured, I urge you to find strength in the love of Jesus Christ, whose birth we celebrate. He is the source of our comfort and peace in times of sorrow and our guide to a brighter future.

“The philanthropists involved in these events have, for many years, brought relief and joy to the less privileged during Christmas. Their intentions were noble, and their generosity is commendable and should not be discouraged in any way. However, this year’s tragedies remind us that as a society, we must revisit the values that bind us together. Nigerians must learn to embody Christlike virtues, such as patience, empathy, discipline, and dignity, particularly in times of collective need. It is only by returning to these values that we can prevent such unfortunate occurrences in the future.

“These incidents also highlight the urgent need for our government to prioritise food security. The desperation we witnessed reflects the harsh realities many Nigerians face daily. Jesus Christ, during His ministry, not only fed multitudes with compassion but also called for fairness and justice in meeting the needs of others. Our leaders must remain resolute in the fight against hunger and take decisive steps to ensure that no Nigerian is left hungry or in need. Strengthening the agricultural sector, reducing food prices, and addressing inequality must be at the forefront of governance.

“As we commemorate the birth of Christ, let this Christmas inspire us to be agents of change in our society. Citizens must commit to fostering peace and orderliness in their communities. Leaders must act with compassion and wisdom to create a nation where every individual’s basic needs are met. And as individuals, let us strive to live out the teachings of Jesus by showing love, patience, and care to those around us.

“May this Christmas remind us that Jesus Christ is the foundation of hope and order, and may His light guide us in building a united and prosperous Nigeria. Together, as we look to Him, we can overcome our challenges and usher in a brighter future for all.

“May the joy, peace, and hope of Christmas fill your hearts and homes. Merry Christmas!”.

The Directorate of Road Transport Services (DRTS) in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has warned motorists against speeding.

DRTS Director, Abdulateef Bello, gave the warning in an interview on Wednesday in Abuja.

He spoke against the backdrop of the ongoing road construction projects in the territory.

According to the DRTS boss, road accidents associated with speeding, drunkenness and other vices are common during the Yuletide.

He noted that the Christmas and New Year holidays had often led to influx of visitors from other states.

Bello warned that it was important for such persons to drive with extreme caution as they might not be familiar with the FCT.

“There are no excuses for driving with expired drivers licence or none at all, overloading and use of rickety vehicles that could be harmful to passengers,” he said.

Bello added that operatives of the directorate had commenced road surveillance within the territory to ensure safety compliance by motorists.(NAN)