Obasanjo, Gowon, Ooni Grace Aso Rock as First Lady Hosts 2025 Christmas Carols, Cleric Calls for Selfless National Renewal
Former Heads of State, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and General Yakubu Gowon, alongside the Ooni of Ife and other national leaders, joined Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, at the 2025 Service of Nine Lessons and Carols, where Nigerians were urged to embrace selfless service, unity, and collective responsibility in rebuilding the nation.
The annual Christmas service, themed “Emmanuel: God With Us,” was held at the State House, Abuja, under an atmosphere of reverence and festivity. The event, now in its third year, featured a 100-man mass choir of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), whose rich harmonies filled the venue adorned with twinkling Christmas lights.
Delivering the exhortation, the Prelate of the Methodist Church Nigeria, His Eminence Oliver Aba, called on Nigerians to adopt an “all-hands-on-deck” approach to addressing the country’s economic and social challenges, stressing that national renewal must be rooted in selflessness and faith-driven unity.
The service commenced with the hymn Once in Royal David’s City, followed by the Bidding Prayer and the joyful carol Ding Dong! Merrily on High. General Yakubu Gowon read the First Lesson from Genesis 3:8–12, reflecting on divine accountability, while the choir rendered Hark! The Herald Angels Sing.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, making his first appearance at a state function in the Presidential Villa since the inauguration of President Bola Tinubu, read the Second Lesson from Genesis 22:15–18, highlighting obedience and covenantal blessings. This was followed by Brightest and Best of the Sons of the Morning.
Other lessons were read by prominent national leaders, including Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele (Isaiah 9:6–7), Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu (Isaiah 11:1–4), Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume (Luke 1:26–31), President of the Court of Appeal Justice Bolna’an Dongban-Mensem (Luke 2:4–7), Minister of Defence General Christopher Musa (retd.) (Luke 2:10–14), and Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun (Matthew 2:9–12). Each lesson was complemented by traditional Christmas carols.
The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, read the Ninth Lesson from John 1:1–14, affirming the incarnation of Christ as the Word made flesh. The congregation rose in unison to sing O Come, All Ye Faithful.
In his message, Prelate Aba described “Emmanuel” as a reassurance of God’s abiding presence amid Nigeria’s challenges, including inflation, insecurity, and social division.
“Jesus did not come to be distant from us. He came to be present, involved in our everyday affairs. God is with us in the valley, in the storms of life, and in victory,” he said.
Drawing from John 3:16, Aba emphasised that Christmas represents God’s selfless love for humanity, urging Nigerians—leaders and citizens alike—to reflect that same selflessness in nation-building.
He challenged the audience to choose unity over division, stressing that peace, love, and collective action are essential to achieving a better Nigeria.
The service concluded on a celebratory note with traditional Elu Agogo rhythms and a rousing rendition of We Wish You a Merry Christmas.
The event was attended by top government officials, religious leaders, and dignitaries from across the country.
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