Speaking at the event tagged “Let there be light”, Nigeria’s first lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, urged Nigerians to embrace peace, unity and love during the Christmas season.
The Christmas Tree, which is 21 metres high, is strategically located at the Unity Fountain Park, besides the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja and adorned in the national colours of green, white and green.
The lighting of the First Nigerian National Christmas Tree by the Wife of the President was witnessed by the Minister of State for FCT, Oloye Olajumoke Akinjide; Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, John Onaiyekan; members of the National Assembly, wives of some Ministers, heads of ministries, departments and agencies of government, heads of secretariats, departments and agencies of the FCT Administration, diplomatic corps and the media, among others.
Mrs Jonathan urged Nigerians to live in peace and harmony as she noted that Christmas was a season for peace, reconciliation and love.
She also advised Nigerians to support the present Administration to realise its transformational agenda for the nation.
She said, “The significance of this ceremony will best be appreciated when we take into account that the Christmas season is a season of peace, goodwill and hope.
“As we light up this Christmas Tree, it is a symbol that peace is possible. We will leave here this evening with a message across the nation that peace is possible. Indeed, we can transform our weapons of destruction into instruments of nation-building to make our nation great again,” said the Mother of the Nation.
Earlier in her welcome address, the Minister of State for FCT, Oloye Olajumoke Akinjide, stated that the lighting of the Christmas Tree had come to be recognised across the world as an opportunity to express and share the message of love, peace and goodwill to all men and women.
“The Christmas time is traditionally recognized and celebrated as a season of peace, goodwill and hope across national boundaries. It also offers us a unique opportunity to reinforce this same message of love, unity, reconciliation and peaceful coexistence.
“It is consequently our anticipation that an annual lighting of the Nigerian National Christmas Tree will play a similar unifying role for our people,” Ms Akinjide noted.
Cardinal Onaiyekan, who delivered the homily, urged Nigerians to banish all fears and put their trust in God.
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