The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), Bishop Stephen Adegbite, has delivered a pointed message urging Christians to return to the core values of humility, love and service, even as the nation confronts social and economic headwinds.
In a Christmas goodwill message issued in Abuja on Tuesday, Bishop Adegbite framed the birth of Jesus Christ not just as a sacred event, but as a powerful lesson in leadership and character for modern society. According to him, the circumstances surrounding Christ’s birth carry enduring significance for today’s world. “Jesus Christ, despite His divinity, was born in a manger in Bethlehem,” the NCPC boss noted, describing the event as a divine statement against pride, arrogance and social exclusion.
He said the story of Christmas exalts the poor and calls believers to a life of humility and compassion.
Bishop Adegbite challenged Christians to go beyond celebration and symbolism, urging them to emulate Christ’s virtues in their daily lives and to consciously avoid actions that distance them from God. The NCPC chief executive stressed the importance of peaceful coexistence, calling on believers to use the festive season to extend love and fellowship to people of other faiths.
He described Christmas as a season anchored on “grace, joy, love and peace,” values he said are critical to national harmony.
On national leadership, Bishop Adegbite called on Christians to pray for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima and the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, asking for divine guidance as they steer the affairs of the country. He said despite Nigeria’s current challenges, he still has confidence in the nation’s future, stating that the country would overcome its trials and emerge stronger.
He identified prayer as Nigeria’s enduring anchor, describing it as “the sustaining grace of the nation.”
He concluded by wishing Christians a peaceful, hitch-free Christmas celebration and a prosperous New Year, urging them to carry the spirit of the season into 2026. …. By Alex Daniel
