On the occasion of the 2024 Christmas, the National President of Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), HON. Bello Lawal Yandaki has called on Nigerians to show love, have hope and embrace peace for the country to move forward.
In a message released by ALGON Media Officer, Orji Obiora on Wednesday, Hon Yandaki said: “I extend warmest greetings and felicitations on behalf of my family and the leadership of ALGON” to Christians and other Nigerians in the 774 , local government areas of the country.
“As we commemorate this joyous occasion, I am reminded of the profound significance of Christmas in the lives of Christians and others.
“This festive season is a poignant reminder of the values that Jesus Christ embodied: love, compassion, kindness, and selflessness. As we celebrate, let us not forget the millions of rural dwellers who face unimaginable hardships, including poverty, disease, hunger, and social insecurity.
“My heart goes out again to the families affected by the recent palliative mishaps in Okija, Ibadan, and Abuja. I offer more emotional and sincerest condolences while appreciating the goodwill of the donors. May their kindness inspire us to emulate the virtues of Jesus Christ especially at this season.
“As we reflect on the challenges confronting our nation with particular reference to those at the grassroots, I urge us to draw lessons from our experiences”, the ALGON boss said.
He went further to urge that “We must adopt both proactive and inclusive approach to addressing hunger, intensifying efforts to deliver service within the limited resources available as either elected or appointed to serve, we must domesticate our gesture and decentralize the dividends of democracy to affect the vulnerable greater majority residing in the communities.
“The event of Christmas impresses it on us to rely on God’s saving help but with visible and impactful hard work.
“On this auspicious Christmas celebration, I encourage us to rekindle our commitment to the values that unite us as a people. Let us pray fervently for the less privileged, the vulnerable, and those affected by insecurity and economic hardship and those in authority especially at the rural level for God’s directions.
“As the 12th ALGON National President, I pledge to align my policy thrust to promote a sustainable coordinated culture of advocacy aimed at internalising formal social security in LGAs that caters to the needs of the rural populace.
“With my Exco, we will strive to consolidate on the gains recorded in the Association by the past leaders to build a strong, mutually beneficial local government development-driven community that respects the rights of all individuals to participate in economic social-cultural development, enjoy legal rights and privileges for community development, and peace building.
“To our Christian brothers and sisters, I urge you all to remain steadfast in your faith and to continue living exemplary lives and as source of inspiration to our shared diversity.
“May the light of Christmas illuminate our community, ecosystem, landscape, cities, towns, villages, our genuine strength for survival-bringing joy, peace, and prosperity to our people”, Yandaki said.
