Yakubu Gowon, the former head of state, and former President Olusegun Obasanjo were among dignitaries present at the 2025 service of nine lessons and carols held at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja.
The annual Christmas service, held on Friday and hosted by First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, was themed ‘Emmanuel: God With Us’.
Obasanjo, who has rarely attended a state function in Aso Rock since President Bola Tinubu assumed office, read the second lesson from Genesis, which focused on obedience and divine blessing.
Gowon had delivered the first lesson, setting the tone for the service with a reading centred on accountability and humanity’s relationship with God.
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Oluremi read the ninth lesson from John 1:1-14, affirming the Christian belief in the incarnation of Christ as the word made flesh.
Oliver Aba, prelate of the Methodist Church Nigeria, in his exhortation, urged Nigerians to embrace selfless service, unity and collective responsibility as pathways to national renewal.
“God is with us in the valley, in the storms of life and in victory, he is the Prince of Peace amid inflation, insecurity and social divisions,” Aba said.
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Other dignitaries at the service include Adeyeye Ogunwusi, the Ooni of Ife; Opeyemi Bamidele, senate leader; Benjamin Kalu, deputy speaker of the house of representatives; and George Akume, secretary to the government of the federation.
Also in attendance were Bolna’an Dongban-Mensem, president of the court of appeal; Christopher Musa, minister of defence; and Dapo Abiodun, governor of Ogun state.
A 100-member choir from the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) led carol renditions throughout the service, which concluded with traditional rhythms and the singing of ‘We Wish You a Merry Christmas’.
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