.as Lagos APC holds Xmas, New-yr thanksgiving service

By Olasunkanmi Akoni

The Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Chairman of the state chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, among other speakers have on Nigerians to support the Renewed Hope developmental agenda of President Bola Tinubu- led administration, and state governments as they strive to make life better for the people.

They also called on Nigerians, irrespective of religious beliefs, region, sex, class to love one another and live in peace among one another.

Sanwo-Olu and Ojelabi, made the remarks in a separate address at the second Christmas Carol and End of the Year Thanksgiving Service, held at the ACME road Lagos APC Secretariat on Sunday evening.

According to Sanwo-Olu who was represented by the state Commissioner for Home Affairs, Ibrahim Layode, “Let us continue to support President Bola Tinubu- led Administration with the renewed hope developmental agenda.

“We should continue to persevere with various transformation efforts on-going in the country both at the Federal and state levels in the quest to make life better for our people. I assure Nigerians there is light at the end of the tunnel.”

“Christmas is a time that touches our hearts and renews our spirits. If reminds us of the power of compassion and the beauty of giving. If calls us to set aside our differences regardless of our backgrounds and embrace the shared humanity that binds us as one family in God.

“It is a time to renew our commitment, to love one another, to support one another, and to serve one another, just as Christ teaches us. This evening, as we sing carols and hear the timeless story of the birth of Christ, let us reflect on its deeper meaning. It is not just a story from long ago; it is a reminder that in the midst of challenges, light always finds a way to shine through.

“Here in Lagos, we have seen that light. Despite the hurdles we faced this year, our state has continued to stand tall, driven by the resilience of our people and our collective determination to make Lagos better for everyone.

“As your governor, I am deeply humbled by the trust you have placed in me and my team. Together, we have made strides in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and economic empowerment. Yet, I know there is more to do. This Christmas, I pledge that we will continue to work tirelessly to fulfill our promises, ensuring that every Lagosian feels the impact of good governance.

“Let us also remember those who need our support, most especially families who may not have much to celebrate this season. The spirit of Christmas calls on us to reach out to them, to share what we have, and to make their burdens lighter, so that os many as possible can experience the joy of this season.

“To my dear members of the APC, let this evening serve as a reminder of the values that unite us. We are a party rooted in service, progress, and the betterment of all Nigerians. As we celebrate, let us renew our commitment to these ideals, knowing that we are stronger together.”

Earlier, Ojelabi said: “Christ, the one we are celebrating his birth this period, enjoins us to love honestly and unconditionally so that we can live in peace and harmony.

“We are better off as one happy family in Christ by embracing love and respecting each other’s boundaries.”

The former Commissioner for Rural Development in the state also called on political office holders to, “in the spirit of Christmas, show love and mercy to their fellow citizens as God has shown mercy to you as well as support government programmes at all levels, Federal, States and councils.”

Several prominent personalities read lessons from the Holy Bible at the event. They include; Wife of the Chief of Staff to the President, Mrs. Salamotu Gbajabiamila; Wife of the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Mrs. Oluremi Hamzat; a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Temitope Adewale; former Deputy Governor of Lagos State and Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire (represented); and the Secretary to the State Government, Barrister Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin.

Others in attendance include: the state Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso; his counterpart in the Ministry of Tertiary Education, Mr. Akibu Tolani-Sule; the state Commissioner for Basic Education, Jamiu Tolani Alli-Balogun; the state Women Leader of APC, Jumoke Okoya-Thomas; Secretary of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC) and Southwest representative in the North East Development Commission (NEDC), Mutiu Are; former Deputy Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Princess Adefunmilayo Tejuoso; former Deputy Governor of the state and member of the Federal Civil Service Commission, Princess Sarah Adebisi Sosan and state executive members of the APC, among others.