ABIA SSG URGES CHRISTIANS TO USE CHRISTMAS SEASON TO RENEW THEIR FAITH IN GOD

The Secretary to the Abia State Government (SSG), Prof. Kenneth Kalu, has called on Christians to use the 2025 Christmas season as an opportunity to deepen their faith in God and reaffirm their commitment to humanity.

Prof. Kalu made the appeal on Saturday at the Michael Okpara Auditorium, Umuahia, during the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols organised by his office to usher in the Christmas celebrations.

He emphasized that Christmas should inspire acts of compassion, especially toward the less privileged in society.

“On this Christmas, ladies and gentlemen, may we renew our faith in the Almighty God and strengthen our commitment to one another, irrespective of our differences, real or imagined. This is a duty we owe ourselves and our society,” he said.

The SSG noted that Abia State is experiencing a season of renewal and progress under the leadership of Governor Alex Otti, describing the state’s transformation over the past 30 months as “profound, powerful, and impressive.”

According to him, the positive changes witnessed across the state have restored hope to a people who had long endured the effects of bad leadership.

“Abia is specifically different. Abia is on the move for good. Let us collectively reaffirm our hope for a better tomorrow, for our state, our nation, and the global community at large,” he added.

Speaking to journalists, the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, described Christmas as a season of joy, reflection, and gratitude. He said the period offers individuals and governments an opportunity to take stock of their achievements and chart a course for the future.

Prince Kanu commended Governor Alex Otti for the peaceful and welcoming atmosphere in the state, which he said has continued to attract investors, professional bodies, and organisations to host their national events in Abia.

In his sermon, the guest preacher and former Principal Clerk of the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria, Rev. Dr. Uma Agwu Onwunta, said that the birth of Jesus Christ represents God’s gift of love to humanity. Preaching on the topic “The Birth of a Child and the Gift of Sons” from Isaiah 9:6, he stressed that anyone entrusted with leadership must reflect God’s values in service.

He praised the developmental strides of Governor Otti, describing him as a blessing to Abia State, especially through his infrastructural initiatives and people-focused governance.

The Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols featured Bible readings by top government officials, including the SSG, Prof. Kenneth Kalu; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba; Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu; Commissioner for Works, Engr. Otunchechere Oti; and Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Prof. Uche Emeh Uche, among others. The congregation also joined in singing classic Christmas carols.