Soun greets Christians in first Christmas message, charges Nigerians on hope
Yinka ADETUNJI
Soun of Ogbomosoland His Imperial Majesty Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye Orumogege III has congratulated Christians on the birth anniversary of the Lord Jesus Christ being celebrated throughout the world today, December 25.
In his First Royal Christmas Message to the people of Ogbomosoland and Nigerians as a whole, the newly crowned King urged that the lessons embedded in the birth of Jesus Christ be imbibed with earnest determination to live a Christ-like life.
According to a press release signed by the palace secretary Toyin Ajamu, Oba Olaoye said, “the birth of Jesus Christ represents a significant milestone in the history of the world, a spiritual watershed. He is born to fulfill the purpose of God for mankind, which is salvation. As we celebrate His birth today let us reverently imbibe the lessons and teachings inherent in it, which encompass love, humility, selflessness, compassion and all that is good.”
Expressing gratitude to his subjects and all Nigerians home and abroad for the love and affection and the huge support accorded him during his coronation last week he encouraged Nigerians to remain steadfast, trust God and continue to believe in governments at different levels.
He added, “The situation of things might be hard due to the ravaging economic repression but we should not lose hope, we should continue to have faith in government and especially in God who gave mankind His only begotten Son, whose birth we are celebrating today.”
The Oba reiterated his devotion to affect lives positively towards bequeathing landmark legacies not only in Ogbomoso but throughout Oyo state and Nigeria as a whole, noting, “with strong faith, the can-do spirit exemplified by the birth of Jesus Christ, a new Nigeria can be birthed. We need to be propelled by an unwavering hope, consistent prayer and hard work.”
The message also states, “I join Nigerians of all religious faiths in the celebration of the Yuletide in the spirit of unity of faith and I pray that we shall be granted the grace to celebrate many more of it in peace and happiness and in prosperity. I pray Nigeria will get better. Let’s continue to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, let’s stand stoutly by our visionary governor in Oyo state, Engr, Seyi Makinde and our local governments chairmen, starting from the chairman of Ogbomoso North Local Government, Hon. Kabir Ayoade Akanji and his colleagues in Ogbomoso zone. That is the way we can overcome this misery assailing us. I wish all Merry Christmas and prosperous New Year in advance.
