Former Governor of Anambra State and two-time Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige, has extended his greetings to Nigerians on the occasion of the Christmas celebration.

Ngige urged Christians in particular to use the period of the commemoration of the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, to pray fervently for the nation to overcome all its present challenges, no matter how difficult they may appear.

According to him, the holiness and solemnity of the period also offer an opportunity for quiet reflection by Nigerians on their individual lives and the life of the nation.

He made these remarks, Tuesday, in a Christmas message released through his media office in Abuja.

The former Minister appealed to Nigerians to pray for God’s guidance for their leaders at all levels and arms of government, to ensure that they succeed.

Ngige described Christ as good news worth celebrating globally, year after year, regardless of the challenges faced by humanity almost everywhere in the world, including bloody conflicts, wars and catastrophic natural and man-made disasters.

According to him, notwithstanding that Jesus Christ was born under humble circumstances, He remained a phenomenal figure in the history of Christendom and humanity in general, bringing love to the unloved, care to the uncared-for and hope to the hopeless.

The former Minister urged Christians to emulate Christ and use the period of His birth to show care, compassion and love to others, especially the less privileged in society.

He also enjoined the Christian faithful to make use of this period to pray for the peace, progress and prosperity of Nigeria and for our dear nation to overcome all its challenges.

He called on all Nigerians to imbibe peace and to learn to live in harmony with one another, irrespective of creed and tribe.

He said: “On this occasion of Christmas, I extend my warmest thoughts and best wishes to Christians and indeed, all Nigerians.

“May our homes be filled with love and warmth during this period. May the Christmas brighten our faces, irrespective of whatever challenges confronting us as individuals and as a nation.

“May we feel joyful and may all our dreams come to fruition this Christmas.”