The Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty Oba (Dr) Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja (Arusa I), the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Council, and the Chairman, Oyo State Local Government Service Commission, Bashorun Akinwale Akinwole (Wolekanle), have extended warm Christmas greetings to Christians, urging them to use the season to pray for peace, unity and development in Oyo State and Nigeria at large.
In a Christmas message issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Chief Ayoade Solomon Olugbemiga, the Olubadan congratulated Christians across the world on the 2025 Christmas celebration, expressing gratitude to God for sparing his life and granting him wisdom, sound health and a peaceful reign as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.
The paramount ruler admonished Christians to emulate Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, by promoting love, tolerance and unity across religious, ethnic and social divides. He also called for fervent prayers for Nigeria in view of challenges such as insecurity, economic hardship, unemployment and infrastructural deficits, while urging security agencies to intensify efforts to safeguard lives and property during the yuletide. The Olubadan further advised residents to celebrate the season with moderation.
Similarly, the Oyo State Council of the NUJ, in a Christmas message jointly signed by its Chairman, Comrade Akeem Abas, and Secretary, Dayo Adu, congratulated journalists, media practitioners and residents of the state, describing Christmas as a season that reflects love, sacrifice, peace and hope. The union commended journalists in the state for their resilience and dedication despite socio-economic challenges, and urged them to continue upholding professionalism, truth and accountability in the discharge of their duties.
The NUJ also appealed to government, corporate bodies and well-meaning individuals to strengthen support for the media through improved welfare, capacity building and a safer working environment, stressing that a free and responsible press remains vital to democratic governance and sustainable development.
In the same vein, the Chairman of the Oyo State Local Government Service Commission, Bashorun Akinwale Akinwole, felicitated Christians on the Christmas celebration, calling on them to use the occasion to pray for Oyo State and Governor ‘Seyi Makinde’s administration.
He noted that prayers, unity and collective support are essential for sustaining peace, good governance and development across the state.
The leaders collectively expressed optimism that the Christmas season would usher in renewed hope, peace and prosperity, while wishing Christians and residents of Oyo State a joyous celebration and a fulfilling New Year.
