‘I Remain Committed To Enshrining Religious Freedom’ — Tinubu Declares At Christmas

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to enshrining religious freedom and protecting all Nigerians, regardless of faith, as Christians across the country marked the 2025 Christmas celebration.

In his Christmas goodwill message on Wednesday, the president said the season offered an opportunity for reflection on the birth of Jesus Christ and his message of peace, hope, and goodwill to humanity, noting that these values remain critical to Nigeria’s unity and stability.

The nation’s number one citizen said Christmas goes beyond celebration and festivities, describing it as a reminder of the significance of Christ’s message as the Prince of Peace, especially in a country of diverse religious and ethnic identities.

“I remain committed to doing everything within my power to enshrine religious freedom in Nigeria and to protect all people of different faiths from violence,” the president declared, adding “No one, regardless of ethnicity or belief, should be made to suffer for professing and practising their faith.”

He further asserted that “the love for God and love for humanity is at the heart of all the great faiths. These shared values must continue to bind us together as one indivisible and resilient people of our blessed country.”

The president acknowledged the contributions of Christians to Nigeria’s development, saying the love of Christ and the message of the Gospel have inspired many to care for the vulnerable and less privileged, and to promote peace, harmony, and tolerance in their communities. 

“We honour those who, following the example of Jesus, work tirelessly to uplift the less fortunate and promote harmony in society,” he said.

Tinubu said his administration has continued to reassure Nigerians of its unyielding commitment to safeguarding the security, unity, and stability of the country since he assumed office in 2023, adding that this commitment remains steadfast under God and the constitution.

He also disclosed that throughout the year, he engaged leaders of the country’s major faiths amid concerns over insecurity and religious intolerance, promising to build on those conversations to strengthen collaboration between government and religious institutions in preventing conflict and promoting peaceful coexistence. 

“Dialogue and mutual understanding are key to fostering peace in our diverse nation,” the nation’s leader emphasized.

As Nigerians travel to reunite with family and loved ones during the holiday period, the president urged citizens to exercise patience and discipline on the roads, wishing travellers safe journeys and safe returns.

He expressed confidence that with divine providence and collective resolve, Nigeria would continue on the path of building a nation future generations would be proud of, while wishing Nigerians a Merry Christmas and a happy New Year in advance.