By Suleiman Abubakar Rimi Uku Lafia
The Speaker of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, Dr. Danladi Jatau, has urged Christians and Nigerians at large to embrace love, peace, unity and almsgiving as essential virtues for national development.
Dr. Jatau made the call in his Christmas message during a church service at ECWA GoodNews Church, Garaku, in Kokona Local Government Area of the state.
According to him, Christmas, which commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ, is a season of gratitude, prayer, renewal of faith and practical demonstration of love, especially towards the less privileged in society.
“On behalf of the Nasarawa State Government and the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, I bring you warm greetings and congratulations on the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. Christmas is a period for us to show love, affection and give to the needy.
This will give them a sense of belonging and improve their standard of living,” the Speaker said.
Dr. Jatau further called on religious leaders to continually pray for divine guidance for leaders at all levels, noting that peace remains a critical ingredient for sustainable development.
In support of church development, the Speaker donated 1,000 US dollars, equivalent to about ₦1.46 million, for infrastructure development at the ECWA GoodNews Church, Garaku.
“What I am doing,
I am doing it for the sake of God, and my reward will come from heaven. I will continue to appreciate God, because when you are with God, there is no need for panic,” he stated, assuring of continued support to the church.
The Speaker also appealed to the people of Kokona Local Government Area and the entire state to sustain their support for Governor Abdullahi A. Sule, whom he described as passionate and committed to development.
“His Excellency, Engr. Abdullahi A. Sule has done a lot for Kokona LGA and the state at large. Let us continue to support him to succeed so that our people can enjoy more dividends of democracy,” he added.
Earlier in his sermon, the Reverend-in-Charge of ECWA GoodNews Church, Garaku, Rev. Bitrus Kaya, urged Christians to love one another, drawing his message from John 3:16. He emphasized that love,
forgiveness and giving to the needy are key requirements for inheriting the kingdom of God.
“This season is about love and giving. As Christ loved us, we should also love one another and give to the needy in order to receive God’s blessings,” the cleric said.
Special prayers were offered for the Speaker, his family, leaders at all levels and the nation at large.
In a related development, Dr. Jatau paid a Christmas homage to the First Class Traditional Ruler of Toni, Abaga Toni, HRH Lawrence Ayih, who prayed for God’s abundant blessings upon the Speaker and his leadership.
