By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja
The Rector of Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, Professor Usman Salisu Ogbo, has extended Christmas greetings to Christian faithful within and outside the institution, calling on Nigerians to embrace peace, unity, and compassion during the 2025 Christmas celebration.Professor Ogbo made the call in a goodwill message released on behalf of the Governing Council, Management, Academic Board, staff, and students of the polytechnic to mark the annual Christian festival commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ.
In the message, the rector described Christmas as a season of reflection and renewal, urging Christians to draw inspiration from the life and teachings of Jesus Christ in their daily interactions and responsibilities to society.“ As we commemorate the birth of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, it is my earnest prayer that we continually draw inspiration from His life and teachings,” Ogbo stated. He encouraged members of the academic community and the wider society to demonstrate unconditional love, empathy, tolerance, and compassion in their relationships, stressing that these virtues remain essential to peaceful coexistence and national development.
Professor Ogbo further noted that the Christmas season provides an opportunity for individuals and institutions to reflect on their collective responsibilities toward fostering unity and promoting the common good, particularly in a diverse society such as Nigeria. He called on Nigerians to use the festive period to strengthen bonds across religious, ethnic, and social divides, emphasizing that peace and mutual respect are critical to the country’s progress.“ I also urge us to use this solemn and joyful season to reflect deeply on our collective responsibilities towards fostering peace, unity and the overall advancement of humanity,” the rector said. The Kogi Poly rector highlighted the role of educational institutions in promoting values that encourage harmony, understanding, and moral uprightness, noting that academic communities must continue to serve as models of tolerance and responsible citizenship. According to him, the enduring message of Christmas—love, sacrifice, and service to humanity—should guide actions not only during the festive period but throughout the coming year.
Professor Ogbo expressed optimism that the lessons of Christmas would inspire renewed commitment to peaceful living and shared prosperity among Nigerians, regardless of religious affiliation.“ May the eternal love, peace and compassion exemplified by Jesus Christ remain our guiding light now and always,” he added. He concluded by wishing Christian faithful a joyful Christmas celebration and praying for God’s abundant blessings throughout the Yuletide season and the new year.“ Once again, I wish you all a Merry Christmas and God’s abundant blessings throughout the Yuletide and the coming year,” the message read. The Christmas message from the Kogi State Polytechnic rector comes amid ongoing calls for national unity and moral reflection, as religious and community leaders across the country urge citizens to uphold values that promote peace, understanding, and sustainable development.
