Christmas
By Adeyemi Adeleye
Lagos, Dec. 25, 2025 (NAN) Sen. Adetokunbo Abiru (APC–Lagos East) has felicitated Christians and Nigerians on Christmas, urging unity, tolerance and peaceful co-existence across the country.
He said the season offered a timely opportunity for reflection, reconciliation and renewed commitment to shared national values and collective progress.
Abiru, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance and Other Financial Institutions, expressed confidence in Nigeria’s improving economic trajectory.
The senator said recent policy reforms had begun yielding results, assuring citizens that economic recovery was gradually taking shape.
Abiru made the remarks in a goodwill message issued on Thursday in Lagos for the 2025 Christmas and New Year celebrations.
He described Christmas as a season that promotes love, sacrifice, humility and compassion, values critical to national cohesion and stability.
According to him, Nigeria’s diversity should be harnessed as a strength rather than allowed to fuel division or mistrust.
Abiru urged Nigerians to rise above ethnic, religious and political differences in pursuit of sustainable nation-building.
“I celebrate with the esteemed constituents of Lagos East, Lagos State, and indeed all Nigerians on the commemoration of Christmas.
“I urge Christian faithful to embody Christ-like traits emphasising sacrifice, love, nation-building, peaceful co-existence and unity.
“Christmas is a solemn reminder of the power of shared values in strengthening national harmony,” the senator said.
Abiru expressed optimism about Nigeria’s economic outlook under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu.
“I am convinced that the worst is behind us. Key economic indicators now point to recovery, stability and renewed investor confidence,” he said.
He said the administration’s reforms were bold but necessary to address deep-rooted structural challenges in the economy.
Abiru attributed progress to fuel subsidy removal, foreign exchange unification, fiscal discipline and ongoing tax reforms.
He said Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product growth had strengthened to above 3.5 per cent, driven largely by non-oil sectors.
The senator listed services, agriculture and technology as major contributors to the improved economic performance.
Abiru said foreign exchange reforms had enhanced liquidity, transparency and investor confidence across key markets.
He noted that foreign reserves had recorded steady recovery, reflecting improved external balances and policy coordination.
The senator added that food inflation pressures were easing due to improved harvests and targeted agricultural interventions.
He said the banking and financial services sector remained resilient, supported by better capitalisation and stronger regulatory oversight.
Abiru said the reforms were critical to correcting long-standing distortions and laying foundations for inclusive economic growth.
“Relief is in sight, and with patience, unity and collective effort, Nigeria will emerge stronger,” he said.
The senator reaffirmed commitment to policies that strengthen the economy and protect vulnerable citizens.
He wished Christians a joyful Christmas and prayed for peace, progress and prosperity for Nigeria in the coming year. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
AYO/KTO
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Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo