Augoye preaches love, unity at Christmas

Chief James Augoye, former Delta State Commissioner for Works has called on Nigerians, especially Deltans to imbibe the spirit of love and togetherness always.

Chief Augoye, a frontline governorship aspirant for the 2023 elections under the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta, made the call in a statement to mark 2021 Christmas celebrations.

Augoye urged Nigerians and indeed Deltans to show love to one another, adding that the spirit of Christmas requires people to rededicate themselves to friendship, kindness and compassion.

According to the frontline governorship aspirant, the essential message of Christmas is that Christ came to earth to live and die for the purpose of reconciling us to God.

Quoting John 3 verse 16, Augoye stressed that being recipients of such good tidings, everyone should appreciate the divine sacrifice by being reconciled with each other and living in togetherness during this Yuletide season and beyond.

“As we mark the 2021 Christmas, I join Christians all over the world to celebrate the birth of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. I thank God Almighty for the divine gift of Jesus.

“As we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, who the Prophet Isaiah heralded as the Prince of Peace and Wonderful Counselor, I believe it is very appropriate that we all, Christians and non-Christians alike, reflect more deeply on the virtues and ideals, which the Messiah espoused during his mission on earth.

“To me, there is no doubt that the greater internalization of the virtues of love for our fellowmen, tolerance, Godliness, honesty, fairness to others, selflessness, and peaceful co-existence with others, by all adult Nigerians, and the inculcation of the same in our youth, will definitely help our dear State and nation to overcome most of our present challenges.

“Peace and love for others, especially, were a constant refrain in the Messiah’s teachings and admonitions to mankind. Therefore, as we celebrate his birth, I urge everyone to offer special prayers for a greater manifestation of divine peace in our State and country, and the vanquishing of all demons of hatred, agents of divisiveness and disunity in our midst.

“Let this year’s celebration of the birth of Christ the Messiah rekindle, strengthen and reaffirm our faith in our national ability to overcome all challenges, with God on our side. I wish you all very happy Christmas celebrations,” the statement reads.