Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has described the theme of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Christmas Carol “Prince of Peace” as a reminder that the true strength of any political party lies in its people.
Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by his deputy, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, spoke on Sunday at the third edition of the annual All Progressives Congress (APC) Christmas Carol of Nine Lessons, themed “Prince of Peace,” held at the party’s secretariat in Lagos.
According to the governor, peace has remained the cornerstone of the APC administration in Lagos State.
“It is a thing of joy to gather here for this Christmas Carol of Nine Lessons. The theme, Prince of Peace, serves as a powerful reminder that the true strength of any party comes from the people,” he said.
“For us in the APC, peace has always been our cornerstone peace in our state and in our party. Peace has kept Lagos State thriving, and for this, we give glory to Almighty God. Our party is a shining example of loyalty.”
Sanwo-Olu expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his leadership, praying for continued strength and wisdom for the President.
He urged Nigerians to use the Christmas season to forgive one another and share love, stressing that the essence of Christmas is love.
“Here in Lagos, our administration remains committed to advancing security, infrastructure development, and the welfare of Lagosians, irrespective of where they come from. As we celebrate Christmas, may the Prince of Peace be with us, and as we step into the new year, may God bless our leaders and make us more prosperous,” he added.
In his opening remarks, the Chairman of the APC in Lagos State, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, called on Lagosians and Nigerians to embrace renewed hope and eschew bitterness and hatred toward one another.
Ojelabi also urged party members to uphold the spirit of unity that binds the APC together, stressing that sustained unity is essential for the party to continue delivering prosperity to Lagos State and the nation.
He further appealed to Nigerians to continue supporting President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and Governor Sanwo-Olu’s THEMES Plus Agenda.
Speaking on the theme of the event, Prince of Peace, Ojelabi said it was chosen in recognition of the special place of Jesus Christ as the Prince of Peace.
“The theme of this Christmas Carol is in recognition of the special place of our Lord Jesus Christ as the Prince of Peace. In the true spirit of devotion that Christmas represents, we have gathered to celebrate His birth. All those entrusted with leadership must act with wisdom and justice. Let us embrace renewed hope for all Nigerians, love one another, and eschew bitterness and hatred so that we can be more prosperous. It is only a united APC that can continue to bring prosperity to Lagos State.”
He commended President Tinubu’s commitment to national unity and economic revitalisation, urging Nigerians to join hands with the government to sustain the Renewed Hope Agenda.
In his goodwill message, the Senate Majority Leader and Senator representing Ekiti Central Senatorial District, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, charged participants to be Christ-like in their attitudes to life.
“In every situation, we must ask ourselves, ‘What would Jesus do?’ before taking any decision,” he said.
Bamidele described Christmas as a season with a purpose, reminding Christians that Jesus Christ remains the reason for the season.
“As we celebrate Christmas, let us remember the power of the resurrection that lives in Jesus Christ. If we constantly ask ourselves what Jesus would do, our attitude to life will be different. Let us remove every stone in our lives, the stones that represent stumbling blocks to our prayers and progress,” he added.
The event brought together party leaders, the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, members of the State Executive Council, the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, members of the National and Lagos State Assemblies, traditional rulers, chiefs, and party faithful from across the state.
The programme also featured prayers for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a peaceful nation, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and members of the executive, legislative, and judiciary arms of government, as well as the APC in Lagos State.
The prayers were led by the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Lagos State chapter, Stephen Adegbite.