Obasanjo, Gowon, Ooni join First Lady Tinubu at 2025 Christmas Carols as cleric urges selfless service to humanity

*Prelate of the Methodist Church Nigeria, His Eminence Oliver Aba, at the 3rd annual event hosted by Nigerian First Lady (Senator) Oluremi Tinubu in the State House, Abuja, urges Nigerians to embrace selfless service, and join forces to rebuild trust, fortify national unity, and extend a lifeline to those reeling from the country’s economic and social challenges

Alexander Davis | ConsumerConnect

Nigerians have been urged to embrace selfless service and rally with an “all hands on deck” spirit to rebuild trust, fortify national unity, and extend a lifeline to those reeling from the country’s economic and social challenges.

Prelate of the Methodist Church Nigeria, His Eminence Oliver Aba, stated this during the 2025 Service of Nine Lessons and Carols with theme, “Emmanuel: God With Us”.

Cross-sections of the 100-Man mass choir of the Christian Association of Nigeria in the State House, Abuja

This 3rd annual event hosted by Nigerian First Lady (Senator) Oluremi Tinubu, unfolded under a canopy of twinkling Christmas lights, with the 100-man mass choir of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) filling the State House, Abuja, FCT, with harmonious carols that blended reverence and festivity.

The evening’s meticulously structured order of service began on a majestic note with the opening Hymn: ‘Once in Royal David’s City’, setting a tone of royal humility.

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This flowed into the Bidding Prayer, invoking divine presence, followed by the jubilant Carol: ‘Ding Dong! Merrily on High’, its bells-like melody lifting spirits.

General Yakubu Gowon (Rtd.), ex-Head of State and elder statesman, read the First Lesson from Genesis 3:8-12, recounting humanity’s early encounter with divine accountability. The choir responded with the triumphant Hark!

The Herald-Angels Sing, proclaiming the angels’ announcement of Christ’s birth.

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Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, making his first appearance at a state function in the Presidential Villa, Abuja,  since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s inauguration read the 2nd Lesson from Genesis 22:15-18, emphasising God’s covenant of blessing through obedience.

The assembly sang “Brightest and Best of the Sons of the Morning”, a carol celebrating the star of Bethlehem.

The procession of readings continued with profound national representation. Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, read the 3rd Lesson from Isaiah 9:6-7, prophesying the Prince of Peace, after which the choir sang The First Noel the Angel Did Say.

Hon. Benjamin Kalu, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, followed with the 4th Lesson from Isaiah 11:1-4, evoking the righteous reign of the Messiah, paired with the serene Still the Night, Holy the Night!

Senator George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), read the 5th Lesson from Luke 1:26-31, narrating the angel Gabriel’s visit to Mary.

This was enriched by dual carols: O Come, O Come Emmanuel and Joy to the World; The Lord is Come, stirring anticipation of salvation.

Hon Justice Bolna’an Dongban-Mensem, President of the Court of Appeal, read the Sixth Lesson from Luke 2:4-7, detailing the humble birth in Bethlehem, as the choir intoned while Shepherds Watched Their Flocks by Night Gen. Christopher Musa (Rtd.), Honourable Minister for Defence, conveyed the 7th Lesson from Luke 2:10-14, the angels’ joyous proclamation to the shepherds, followed by the tender Cradled in a Manger, Meanly.

Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State presented the 8th Lesson from Matthew 2:9-12, on the wise men’s guided journey and worship, with the choir’s vibrant Christians, Awake, Salute the Happy Morn, urging awakening to the Saviour’s light.

The host of the evening, First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, read the 9th Lesson from John 1:1-14, affirming the “Word made flesh dwelling among us. The congregation rose for the resounding Hymn: O Come, All Ye Faithful.”

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