By Chidinma Ewunonu-Aluko
As Christians celebrate Christmas worldwide, the Oyo State Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has urged Nigerians to cooperate with security agencies to ensure peace during the yuletide and beyond.
The Oyo State CAN Chairman, Apostle Joshua Akinyemiju, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN ) in Ibadan on Monday.
Akinyemiju urged all to readily cooperate with security agencies to ensure that peace and security were sustained in every nook and cranny of the state, and the nation at large.
He said “to be security conscious at all times is very important, as we are the best security officers of ourselves.
“So, even as we celebrate, we should shine our eyes and when we see something, we must say something. Criminals must not be encouraged or given any opportunity to strike in our neighborhoods.”
The CAN Chairman advised Christians to embrace the humility of Jesus Christ and celebrate modestly by cutting their coat according to their clothes.
He said “as we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, may we begin to see the world in the light of the knowledge and understanding the Lord gave us.
“May God preserve us from all evil, preserve our souls and preserve our going and coming in, in Jesus name,” he prayed.
The Oyo CAN boss added that “the celebration is reaffirming our faith in the Lordship of Jesus Christ as the way, the truth and the life.
“There mustn’t be any celebration without the celebrant.
“Christian families should pray together at Christmas, they should go to church, pray and worship God. It is a season to show and share love among families, friends and neighbours.
“The entire Christian world should be filled with joy and peace. Believers should remember that Christmas is also a time to offer God a sacrifice of thanksgiving; and pay their vows unto the Most High.
“So we have to use the period to appreciate God most sincerely for what He has done, what He is doing and for what He will do going forward.”
He also enjoined politicians to be God fearing and always remember that there would be a day of reckoning when everyone will stand by the judgment throne of God (2 Cor 5:10).
Akinyemiju advised individuals holding political positions to realise that they are on the various seats of power in trust for God Almighty and they would be accountable to Him someday.
“They should be conscious of promises made to the electorate and be readily disposed to helping the less privileged in their constituencies.
“The principles of justice, fairness and equity should be their mantra and watchword in the delivery of dividends of democracy,” Akinyemiju stressed. (NAN)
