Nigerians have been urged to embrace selfless service and adopt an “all hands on deck” approach to rebuilding trust, strengthening national unity and supporting citizens grappling with the country’s economic and social challenges.
The call was made by the Prelate of the Methodist Church Nigeria, His Eminence Oliver Aba, during the 2025 Service of Nine Lessons and Carols, hosted by the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, at the State House, Abuja.
The annual event, now in its third year, was themed “Emmanuel: God With Us.” It was held under a festive ambience illuminated by Christmas lights, as the 100-man mass choir of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) filled the venue with rich harmonies that blended reverence with celebration.
The service opened with the hymn Once in Royal David’s City, setting a tone of humility and reflection, followed by the Bidding Prayer and the joyful carol Ding Dong! Merrily on High.
Former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (retd.), read the First Lesson from Genesis 3:8–12, recalling humanity’s encounter with divine accountability. The choir followed with Hark! The Herald Angels Sing.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo delivered the Second Lesson from Genesis 22:15–18, highlighting God’s covenant of blessing through obedience, after which the congregation sang Brightest and Best of the Sons of the Morning.
The Third Lesson, from Isaiah 9:6–7, was read by Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, proclaiming the coming of the Prince of Peace, followed by The First Noel.
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, read the Fourth Lesson from Isaiah 11:1–4, paired with the carol Still the Night, Holy the Night!.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, read the Fifth Lesson from Luke 1:26–31, recounting the angel Gabriel’s message to Mary, accompanied by O Come, O Come Emmanuel and Joy to the World.
The Sixth Lesson, from Luke 2:4–7, was read by the President of the Court of Appeal, Hon. Justice Bolna’an Dongban-Mensem, detailing the humble birth of Christ, followed by While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks by Night.
The Seventh Lesson from Luke 2:10–14 was delivered by the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd.), describing the angels’ proclamation to the shepherds, with the choir rendering Cradled in a Manger, Meanly.
Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, read the Eighth Lesson from Matthew 2:9–12, focusing on the wise men’s journey, followed by Christians, Awake, Salute the Happy Morn.
The host of the event, First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, delivered the Ninth Lesson from John 1:1–14, affirming the Word made flesh dwelling among humanity. The congregation then rose for the hymn O Come, All Ye Faithful.
The service reached its climax with an exhortation by His Eminence Oliver Aba, who explained “Emmanuel” as God’s abiding presence amid Nigeria’s challenges, including inflation and insecurity. He called for faith-driven unity and selfless action as pathways to national renewal.
“Jesus did not come to be distant,” the Prelate said. “He came to be present, involved in our everyday affairs. God’s love is near and personal. Even in loneliness and uncertainty, the Lord is with us.”
He assured worshippers that God’s presence remains constant, even in uncontrollable circumstances.
The statement was signed by Busola Kukoyi,
Senior Special Assistant on Media to the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,
Friday, December 12, 2025.
