In a poignant Christmas message released on December 25, 2025, Senator Ede Dafinone, the distinguished representative of Delta Central Senatorial District in the Nigerian Senate, has extended warm festive greetings to the people of his constituency and the broader Urhobo Nation. The message, titled "Merry Christmas to the People of Delta Central," emphasizes not only the joy of the season but also the profound need for introspection, gratitude, unity, and forward-looking reconciliation as Nigeria navigates the opportunities and hurdles of the year ahead.
Senator Dafinone, a chartered accountant-turned-politician from a prominent Urhobo family—son of the late Chief David Dafinone, a former senator himself—has been a steady voice for development in Delta State since assuming office in 2023 under the All Progressives Congress (APC) platform. His 2025 Christmas address aligns with his consistent style of leadership: deliberate, people-centered, and rooted in cultural and spiritual values. Drawing from the rich heritage of the Urhobo people, who form the majority ethnic group in Delta Central and are known for their vibrant communities in the Niger Delta region, the senator's words resonate deeply with a population that has faced both triumphs and trials in recent times.
Christmas, as Senator Dafinone aptly describes, transcends mere festivities; it is a profound period for reflection. "As we celebrate Christmas 2025, I urge us all to reflect with gratitude on the many blessings God has bestowed upon us," he stated. This call comes at a fitting moment, as 2025 has been a year of mixed fortunes for Delta State and Nigeria at large. On the positive side, the region has witnessed notable strides in infrastructure and empowerment initiatives. For instance, Senator Dafinone himself has been instrumental in securing funding for the revitalization of the historic Sapele Seaport, a project expected to boost economic activity and create jobs in the coming years. Additionally, his sponsorship of large-scale medical outreaches, such as the Delta Central Diabetes Sensitisation program in October 2025, and agricultural training partnerships with federal ministries have directly impacted thousands, promoting health awareness and economic self-reliance among constituents.
These achievements reflect broader progress in Delta State under Governor Sheriff Oborevwori's administration, which has prioritized human capital development and infrastructure. The state's hosting of events like the National Youth Games and investments in digital innovation through initiatives such as Delta Tech Week highlight a push toward modernity and youth empowerment. Nationally, while economic reforms under President Bola Tinubu have aimed at long-term stability, local efforts in the Niger Delta—home to significant oil resources—continue to address historical challenges like environmental degradation and community development.
Yet, Senator Dafinone wisely balances gratitude with acknowledgment of difficulties. "We should reflect on the gains we have recorded as a people—especially as Urhobo people, as Deltans, and as Nigerians in 2025, and also on the challenges we encountered in the course of the year." This duality is particularly relevant in the Niger Delta, where oil exploration has long brought both wealth and ecological strain. Issues such as flooding, youth unemployment, and occasional security concerns persist, reminding residents of the resilience required to overcome them. The Urhobo Nation, with its population of over two million spread across local government areas like Ughelli, Sapele, and Udu, has a storied history of adapting to such adversities, from pre-colonial riverine lifestyles to modern advocacy for equitable resource distribution.
Central to the senator's message is the spiritual essence of Christmas: the unparalleled love of God manifested in the birth of Jesus Christ. "Christmas symbolises love, the undying love of God revealed through Jesus Christ. God gave His only begotten Son to redeem humanity and reconcile us to Himself." This theological reminder serves as a catalyst for human action. Senator Dafinone urges his people to emulate this divine love by extending kindness, compassion, and support to one another. "This powerful act of love should inspire us, especially in this season, to extend love, kindness, and compassion to one another."
In a direct appeal to communal values deeply ingrained in Urhobo culture—where family ties, community solidarity, and mutual aid are paramount—the senator calls for individuals to become "our brother’s keeper." He encourages bearing one another's burdens, fostering understanding, and reinforcing the unbreakable bonds that define families, villages, and the nation at large. "Let us bear one another’s burdens, show understanding, and strengthen the bonds that unite us as families, communities, and people. This, indeed, is the true meaning of Christmas."
This exhortation extends into the realm of reconciliation, a theme that holds particular weight in Nigeria's diverse and sometimes polarized political landscape. "Let this Christmas be a season of reconciliation, among family members, friends, and political associates. Let us seize this opportunity to heal old wounds, forgive one another, and move forward together with renewed vigour, fresh hope, and clarity of purpose." With eyes toward the future, including the political horizon of 2027—when elections may reshape alliances and aspirations—Senator Dafinone's words promote healing and unity as foundational for progress.
The Urhobo people, known for their cultural richness, including festivals, masquerades, and a strong sense of identity, stand to benefit immensely from such unity. As one of Nigeria's major ethnic groups in the oil-rich Delta State, their collective strength has historically driven advocacy through bodies like the Urhobo Progress Union. Recent recognitions, such as the Integrity Award bestowed on Senator Dafinone in December 2025 by the Urhobo People Integrity Organisation for effective representation, underscore the appreciation for leaders who prioritize peace-building and development.
Concluding his message on an optimistic note, Senator Dafinone wishes "the entire people of Delta Central and my beloved Urhobo Nation a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year." Signed as "your Senator," the address reaffirms his commitment to service, echoing his ongoing efforts in healthcare, education, and economic empowerment.
In a nation where Christmas messages from leaders often blend festivity with calls for national cohesion—mirroring broader appeals from figures like President Tinubu and Governor Oborevwori for love, peace, and perseverance—Senator Dafinone's words stand out for their localized warmth and cultural resonance. As families gather amid the challenges of economic pressures and security vigilance, this message serves as a beacon: gratitude for blessings received, reflection on journeys traveled, and hope for a united path ahead.
As 2025 draws to a close, the people of Delta Central can draw inspiration from their senator's call to embody the Christmas spirit year-round—fostering love that bridges divides and reconciliation that paves the way for shared prosperity. In the words of Senator Ede Dafinone, may this season ignite renewed vigor, fresh hope, and clarity of purpose for all.
