In his Christmas and new year message, the governor also advised Nigerians to use the period to pray for peace and unity of the country.

He said Nigerians must always project the virtues of humility, self denial and brotherliness which are the hallmarks of the teaching of Christianity and other religions.

“Nigeria at this period and always, needs God’s favour which we can get through fervent prayers, show of compassion for others and unity against hatred and avarice. These are the lessons we should imbibe this festive season and make enduring”, the governor said.

He commended Christian leaders in the State for promoting religious harmony through their preaching with a charge that they should increase the tempo this season and beyond.

The Governor assured the people of Kwara State that his administration remains committed to fairness and equity to all adherent of faiths as well as the realization of the objectives of the Shared Prosperity programme designed to transform the State into one of the most industrial and economically virile State in the country.

In his own message, Senator Abubakar Bukola Saraki rejoiced with Christians in Nigeria and all over the world adding “as we celebrate, it is imperative to reflect on the events that have defined us as people as it relates with the teachings of Christ; the reason for the season.

“The Spirit of the season must keep our optimism unshaken, we must remain one indivisible entity in spite of daunting challenges in Nigeria’s political and economic spheres. I urge every Nigerian to remain very strong and optimistic, believing our bright days are here. In this season of service and love, it is important to note that, our love for Nigeria can only be experienced through love and service  for our neighbors regardless of religion, ethnicity and social status.

“Beyond this season, we should let its virtues be ingrained as our national culture. As we celebrate, we should remember the sick, elderly, our service men and women who stay awake and travel miles away from their families to keep us safe and together as a nation, particularly those who lost their lives in the course of serving this great nation of ours.

“I want to thank Nigerians for their strong faith in the dream and aspirations of our founding fathers especially, the good people of Kwara State and those of my constituency- Kwara Central Senatorial District for their sheer resilience and contribution for the development of our Nation.

“Finally, it is my promise, as always that the interests of our beautiful country and our talented people will always be my number one priority; this, I will continue to champion with all my strength and every resource at my disposal.

“On behalf of my family and I, I wish you all a reflective peaceful Christmas in good health and prosperous New Year in advance.”

In another development, “the Northern States Governors Forum has called on Christians to spread the virtues of peace, love and charity, which underscored Christ’s mission on earth as they celebrate Christmas.

In a Christmas message issued in Minna, the forum’s Chairman and Governor of Niger State, Babangida Aliyu, called on Christians to use the opportunity to pray fervently for an end to the numerous challenges confronting the nation.

The forum’s statement that was signed by Gov. Aliyu’s Chief Press Secretary, Danladi Ndayebo, said there was no better time to preach and internalise Jesus Christ’s mission on earth than now owing to increasing intolerance in the country.

He urged the faithful to continue to co-habit peacefully with non-Christians so as to engender sustainable peace that was needed for the growth and development of the nation.

He urged political leaders to remain committed to the promotion of their citizen’s welfare under their watch, irrespective of ethnic, religious or political affiliations.

Aliyu wished Christians a joyful celebration and prayed for the warmth of God’s love to fill every home during the festive season.

Meanwhile, Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Barrister Razak Atunwa urged Christians to use the period to demonstrate love, tolerant, kindness and perseverance as exemplified by Jesus Christ to make Nigeria