Obasanjo, Gowon join First Lady’s carols as Aba urges selflessness

Seated on the front row L-R Ogun state Governor Prince, Dapo Abiodun, former President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo,former Head of state General Yakubu Gowon, First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, wife of the Speaker House of Representatives Hajia Fatima Tajudeen Abass, Deputy Speaker Hon Benjamin Kalu during the 2025 service of nine lessons and carols with the theme Emmanuel, God with us, held at the State House banquet Hall on Friday 12th December 2025.

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The Prelate of the Methodist Church Nigeria, Oliver Aba, on Friday said Nigeria must embrace selfless service and an all-hands-on-deck spirit to rebuild trust, fortify unity and lift citizens buffeted by socioeconomic headwinds.

Aba spoke at the 2025 Service of Nine Lessons and Carols, which was hosted by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, at the State House, Abuja.

The third annual carol service under the Tinubu administration was themed ‘Emmanuel: God With Us,’ and drew former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (retd.); ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, among other dignitaries.

Friday night was Obasanjo’s first appearance at a state function in the Villa since President Bola Tinubu took office in May 2023.

In his exhortation, Aba pressed home the theme, describing ‘Emmanuel’ as God’s unwavering presence amid Nigeria’s storms.

He urged faith-fuelled unity and selfless deeds as the nation’s path to renewal.

“Jesus did not come to be far away from us. He came to be present. He came to be closer and more involved in our everyday affairs.

“The almighty’s love is not distant. He’s near. He’s personal to us, and he walks with us like our shadows. If you feel lonely? The Lord is with us,” he said.

Aba assured that divine presence endures “in the valley, in the storms of life and in the victory, that means in season and out of season, Jesus has decided to live among us.”

Speaking on national struggles such as inflation, insecurity, etc., the cleric called for collective action, saying, “As a people, as a nation, when you are worried, God is with you as a Prince of Peace. Today, the Prince of Peace is ready to give us peace.”

Echoing John 3:16, Aba framed the season as God’s selfless love, noting that “It’s about the love of God for humanity, and that is why Jesus had to go on the cross. For God so loved the world [He gave His only Son].”

He challenged leaders and citizens on allegiance and selflessness, stating, “Nigerians and non-Nigerians. The doctrine that is that of selflessness, which side are you, as people of one nation?

“We must come together so that as we celebrate Christ, Nigeria can be better.”

He also urged meditation on Christ’s peace and service.

“As we rise from this place and go back home, what will you meditate on?

“The peace that Jesus brought into this world, the love that he has portrayed if all of us and everything around us shall stand for good, how many of us are ready to be on the Lord’s side for somebody to use?” he stated.

Part of the service was songs by a 100-man Christian Association of Nigeria mass choir.

The service opened with the hymn, Once in Royal David’s City, followed by the Bidding Prayer and the jubilant carol, Ding Dong! Merrily on High.

Gowon read the First Lesson, Genesis 3:8–12, on humanity’s early encounter with accountability, after which the choir answered with Hark! The Herald-Angels Sing.

Obasanjo took the Second Lesson, Genesis 22:15–18, on the covenant of blessing through obedience, and the assembly rendered Brightest and Best of the Sons of the Morning.

Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele read the Third Lesson, Isaiah 9:6–7—prophecy of the Prince of Peace—before the choir’s The First Noel the Angel Did Say.

Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu followed with the Fourth Lesson, Isaiah 11:1–4, paired with Still the Night, Holy the Night!.

Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, delivered the Fifth Lesson, Luke 1:26–31, on Gabriel’s visit to Mary; the choir responded with O Come, O Come, Emmanuel and Joy to the World; The Lord Is Come.

President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, read the Sixth Lesson, Luke 2:4–7, on the humble birth in Bethlehem, answered by While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks by Night.

Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (retd.), gave the Seventh Lesson, Luke 2:10–14, the angels’ proclamation to shepherds, followed by Cradled in a Manger, Meanly.

Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, presented the Eighth Lesson, Matthew 2:9–12, on the Magi’s guided worship, with the choir’s Christians, Awake, Salute the Happy Morn.

The host, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, read the Ninth Lesson, John 1:1–14, affirming the Word made flesh. The congregation rose for O Come, All Ye Faithful.

With three years of experience, Stephen, The PUNCH correspondent, has been covering Nigeria’s presidency, politics, security, immigration and trafficking in persons

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