The Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Aliyu Umar Yusuf, has urged Christians to take advantage of the Christmas festivities to pray for peace and unity in Nigeria.

In a press statement released in Lokoja by his Chief Press Secretary, Yabagi Mohammed, the Speaker emphasized the significance of Christmas as a time for both Christian faithful and humanity at large to contemplate the essence of sacrifice and prayer. He stressed that there is no better moment to pray for Kogi State and the entire nation than the present.

Umar, referring to Kogi State as the heartbeat of Nigeria, urged Christians to look beyond the glitz and glamour of the season and remember the timeless messages that resonate within true believers. He highlighted that Christmas serves as a period for congregating and praying for a more cohesive society, emphasizing the beauty of selflessness and generosity. The act of giving, whether through thoughtful presents, warm embraces, or simple acts of kindness, embodies the true spirit of the season, the Speaker emphasized.

According to Umar, Christmas serves as a profound reminder that joy is discovered not only in receiving but also in giving, fostering a sense of community, shared humanity, love, and compassion. He drew attention to the core message of the Nativity, which underscores the power of unconditional love and the significance of compassion, urging people to reach out to those in need, empathize with the struggles of others, and promote a spirit of understanding and goodwill.

Furthermore, the Speaker highlighted the value of family and togetherness during this period, encouraging everyone to prioritize meaningful connections and foster bonds that transcend time and distance.

In conclusion, the statement urged everyone to carry forward these lessons into the coming year, allowing the spirit of giving, love, togetherness, hope, faith, and gratitude to permeate their lives, guiding them toward a brighter and more compassionate future for the inhabitants of Kogi State.