Prominent Nigerian leaders, including former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Yakubu Gowon, joined the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, at the 2025 Service of Nine Lessons and Carols, where a cleric called on Nigerians to embrace selfless service and collective responsibility to rebuild the nation.
The third annual carol service, themed “Emmanuel: God With Us,” was held at the State House, Abuja, and featured dignitaries from across the country’s political, judicial, religious and cultural spheres. The event was enlivened by a 100-man mass choir drawn from the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), whose renditions of classic Christmas hymns blended reverence with celebration.
In his exhortation, the Prelate of the Methodist Church Nigeria, His Eminence Oliver Aba, urged Nigerians to adopt an “all hands on deck” approach to addressing the country’s economic and social challenges, stressing that unity, compassion and selfless leadership were essential to national renewal.
Interpreting the theme Emmanuel, Aba assured worshippers of God’s abiding presence despite inflation, insecurity and social divisions. He said Christ’s coming symbolised closeness and involvement in the everyday lives of people, noting that God remains present “in the valley, in the storms of life and in victory.”
“Jesus did not come to be far away from us. He came to be present and involved in our everyday affairs,” the cleric said, encouraging Nigerians to find hope and peace in Christ amid uncertainty.
He further called on leaders and citizens alike to demonstrate sacrificial love, drawing from John 3:16, and challenged Nigerians to choose unity over division in the pursuit of a better country.
The service followed the traditional order of the Nine Lessons and Carols, beginning with the hymn Once in Royal David’s City. Former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (retd), read the First Lesson from Genesis, while former President Obasanjo delivered the Second Lesson, marking his first appearance at a state function in the Presidential Villa since the inauguration of President Bola Tinubu.
Other readings were taken by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele; Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu; Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume; President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Bolna’an Dongban-Mensem; Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (retd); and Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun.
The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, who hosted the event, read the Ninth Lesson from the Gospel of John, affirming the message of the Word made flesh. The congregation rose in unison to sing O Come, All Ye Faithful.
The evening also featured cultural performances, including traditional Elu Agogo rhythms, and concluded on a festive note with the carol We Wish You a Merry Christmas.
The annual carol service has become a fixture of the Christmas season at the State House, bringing together faith leaders and national figures to reflect on peace, unity and hope for Nigeria.