The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has enjoined Nigerians to pray for the nation and also remember the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the spirit of the season.
In a statement by the agency on Monday, its Director General, Dr. Garba Abari, admonished Nigerians to show kindness to the less privileged, especially IDPs, by sparing some foods, clothing and other relief materials for them so they too can have a sense of belonging during this season.
He noted that Christmas represents God’s love for mankind, manifested in the incarnation of Christ to save man; hence helping IDPs, whose plight is not their making, is one way to reflect that divine love.
Abari also urged Nigerians to show love to their nation by using the season to pray for sustained peace, unity and progress of the nation ahead of the 2019 elections.
He however asked Nigerians, in the light of the coincidence of the festive season and Nigeria’s electioneering season, to beware of fake news and hate messages with political undertones that could be disguised as season’s greetings during the yuletide, adding that such messages should be discouraged.
While wishing Nigerians a merry Christmas and a prosperous new year in advance, the NOA Director General advised Nigerians to observe all safety precautions as they travel during the season because of increased mobility.