By Precious Oluwole
Ondo State Governor, Dr Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has called on residents of the state to embrace faith, unity and compassion as guiding values for peaceful coexistence and sustainable development.
The Governor made this call on Tuesday at the 2025 service of carols and nine lessons, held at the International Culture and Events center, The Dome, in Akure.
Governor Aiyedatiwa described the annual gathering as more than a cultural or ceremonial tradition, noting that it serves as a deep spiritual moment to awaken collective consciousness to God’s unfailing love and faithfulness to humanity.
He reminded the gathering that Christ was born to save the world, stressing that the essence of the season lies in remembering God’s mercy, forgiveness and the hope revealed through the incarnation of Jesus Christ.
According to him, the commemoration is a powerful reminder that even in difficult and uncertain times, God remains present and near to His people, offering reassurance, restoration and hope to a suffering world.
Governor Aiyedatiwa noted that the message of Christmas represents one of the most radical expressions of hope known to mankind, as God took human form to heal human fragility and restore confidence in the future.
Reflecting on the challenges confronting the world, including economic pressures, social tensions and security concerns, he said faith remains a critical anchor for individuals, institutions and nations navigating complex times.
He commended religious leaders for their role as moral guides, describing them as vital pillars in sustaining peace, promoting civic values and nurturing unity across diverse communities.
He also highlighted the importance of good governance anchored on justice, fairness and institutional integrity, noting that collaboration among the executive, legislature and judiciary remains crucial for stability, development and public trust.
The Governor disclosed that efforts had been intensified to strengthen security through enhanced collaboration among security agencies, improved intelligence gathering and rapid response mechanisms, resulting in a reduction in violent crime in several parts of the state.
Emphasising social responsibility, he urged citizens to show kindness to the needy and support initiatives aimed at improving the welfare of vulnerable groups, describing compassion as a core Christian virtue.
He admonished citizens to combine joy with wisdom, urging moderation, peaceful conduct and safety during the festivities, while reflecting the virtues of humility, self-control and unconditional love exemplified by Christ.
He reaffirmed the commitment of government to inclusive development, peace and the protection of citizens’ rights, assuring that governance would continue to be guided by compassion, unity and a deep sense of responsibility to the people.
In his sermon, the Catholic Bishop of Ondo Diocese, Most Rev (Dr) Jude Ayodeji Arogundade, urged Christians to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas, describing it as a time to celebrate God’s love and humility through the birth of Jesus Christ.
The Bishop said the gathering of civil, church, and traditional leaders demonstrated the pervasive impact of the gospel in society. He emphasised that the season carries a responsibility to embrace and enact the message of Christ in everyday life.
“Christmas is the proclamation of the dawn of our salvation, and an invitation to dedicate ourselves to the gospel of Christ,” he said, stressing that the incarnation proves God’s unconditional love. Citing Romans 5:8, Galatians 4:5, and John 3:16, he described the birth, life, passion, and death of Jesus as the centrepiece of Christian faith, underlining the importance of love, truth, and peace in public service.
Bishop Arogundade urged believers to demonstrate wisdom through sacrificial service to God and their communities, stating, “When we find Jesus, we no longer value gifts alone but the meaning they represent, peace, truth, and love.”
He further linked Christian values to societal development, warning against greed and a “culture of death” in Nigeria. According to him, Yoruba values of righteousness, communal responsibility, and respect for human dignity align with Christ’s teachings and should guide leadership and governance.
The Bishop highlighted that participatory governance could create wealth and promote the common good but cautioned against abuses that undermine accountability. He asserted that Ondo State, despite challenges, possesses the natural and human resources to become one of Nigeria’s richest states if citizens commit to collective sacrifice and service.
Acknowledging ongoing insecurity in the country, he emphasised faith, determination, and unity as tools to overcome adversity. He called on all residents to support the government, work together, and build “the Ondo State of our dreams,” invoking Christ as the guiding light.
The service featured carol songs by schools and church choirs, and Bible readings by the wife of the governor, Mrs Esther Oluwaseun Aiyedatiwa; Chief Judge of Ondo State, Justice Ayedun Odusola; Head of Service, Mr Bayo Philip; Mrs Funke Akeju; Speaker, Ondo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji; Secretary to the State Government, Dr Taiwo Fasoranti; The Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye; Bishop Ayodeji Akomolafe; and the ninth lesson by Governor Aiyedatiwa himself.
In attendance were Deputy Governor Dr Olayide Adelami; members of the State Executive Council; members of the Ondo State House of Assembly; former deputy governors Ali Olanusi and Omolade Oluwateru; State Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Rev. Anselm Ologunwa; religious leaders; heads of security agencies; political appointees; and other top government functionaries.
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