Ondo State Governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, has enjoined Christians in the state to remain committed to the ideals of Christmas as such is the only way to accord proper meaning to the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. He also enjoined them to see the celebration of Christmas as an opportunity to share and exhibit love for one another, even as he implored the people to sacrifice more “so that our nation can become the place of comfort we desire”.

In his goodwill message to the people of the state, Dr Mimiko said love and sacrifice are vital ingredients in the establishment of a good nation, adding that it is out of love for humanity and sacrifice that God gave His only son as ransom for the sins of the world.

Mimiko advised that the earlier Christians begin to recommit themselves to the ideals of Christmas the better. He implored the citizens to look to the New Year with optimism, submitting that with love and total dedication by Nigerians, “we will overcome our challenges.

“As we celebrate this Christmas, let us celebrate with moderation. “We must, at all times, remember the whole essence of the birth of Jesus Christ who, despite the fact that He is the son of God chose to be born in a dirty manger. It is this classic case of humility and self-denial which hallmarked the entire life of Christ that we should emulate today and always as we celebrate,” he said.

 Mimiko also charged Nigerians to see themselves as one another’s brother’ keeper “so that genuine love will form the basis of a united and prosperous Nigeria nation that we are aspiring to have”

Wishing all a merry Christmas and a happy new year in advance, Governor Mimiko implored all to strive towards a peaceful nation where the citizens can co-habit in genuine love and work together to move the nation forward