Wednesday December 24, 2025
www.thenewsdesk.ng
Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu has said that no one in Nigeria, regardless of ethnicity or belief, should be made to suffer for professing and practising his faith.
President Tinubu said this on Wednesday, December 24, in his 2025 Christmas goodwill message to Nigerians, as released by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
“My fellow Nigerians, as we mark this year’s Christmas, may the love of Christ and his message of grace, hope, peace, and goodwill to humanity abide with us all,” Tinubu said.
“Beyond the celebration and festivities of this season, Christmas reminds us to reflect on the significance of Jesus Christ’s birth and his message of salvation as the Prince of Peace.
“On this Holy Day, I wish all Christians in Nigeria and around the world a Merry Christmas. I thank God for the opportunity to serve as the leader of our great country, and I pray for peace in our land, especially among individuals of differing religious beliefs.
“No one, regardless of ethnicity or belief, should be made to suffer for professing and practising his faith. The love for God and love for humanity is at the heart of all the great faiths. These shared values must continue to bind us together as one indivisible and resilient people of our blessed country.”
Tinubu said as president, he remains committed to doing everything within his power to enshrine religious freedom in Nigeria and to protect all people of different faiths from violence.
“As we celebrate the birth of Jesus, let us also reflect on the many contributions that Christians in Nigeria, as followers of Christ, have made and continue to make toward the progress of our country,” the president added.
Speaking further, Tinubu said that the love of Christ and the message of the gospel have inspired many Christians to care for the vulnerable and less privileged in our society.
As such, the president said: “We honour those who, following the example of Jesus, work tirelessly to promote peace, harmony, and tolerance in their communities.
“For those who bring hope and faith in the midst of despair, this season is a reminder that, despite daunting challenges, God is with us.”
He stated that since he assumed office in 2023, he has continually reassured Nigerians of the unyielding commitment of his administration to safeguarding the security, unity, and stability of the nation.
That commitment, Tinubu said, remains steadfast under God and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, arguing that all Nigerians have the right to live, worship, and pursue their aspirations in safety and dignity.
He stated that throughout the year, he has had the privilege of engaging with prominent leaders from the two major faiths in the country, particularly amid concerns about religious intolerance and insecurity.
“We will build on these conversations to strengthen collaboration between government and religious institutions, prevent conflict and promote peaceful coexistence,” he said.
“As many Nigerians travel to reunite with family and loved ones during this holiday period, I urge all citizens to exercise patience and maintain discipline on the roads.
“I wish all travellers a safe journey and a safe return to their destinations. With confidence in divine providence and our collective strength, we will continue the work of building a greater Nigeria, one that future generations will be proud of. I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a happy New Year in advance.”