The Governor of Rivers State South-South Nigeria, Siminalayi Fubara, has called on residents of the state to embrace peace, tolerance, and unity as the true essence of the Christmas season, describing them as vital ingredients for collective progress and sustainable development.
In a heartfelt Christmas message to the people of Rivers State, the governor joined Christians in celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, whom he described as the Prince of Peace and an eternal model of love, humility, sacrifice, and compassion.
He congratulated citizens for witnessing what he termed a beautiful season of hope, renewal, and thanksgiving.
The Governor noted that Christmas represents a profound expression of God’s boundless love and His gift of peace to humanity.
He urged residents to reflect on these enduring values and allow them to shape their interactions with one another and he emphasised the importance of religious tolerance and encouraged citizens, regardless of faith, to recommit themselves to the responsibility of being their brother’s keeper, even in the face of prevailing socio-economic challenges.
According to the governor, “The progress of Rivers State is firmly rooted in unity and harmony, he reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to the Rivers First agenda, stressing that peace and inclusive development remain at the core of his administration’s vision.
“Only a united and stable Rivers State can effectively develop critical infrastructure, strengthen the economy, and secure a prosperous future for all residents. To this end, he appealed to citizens to replace discord with dialogue and to choose understanding over division.”
Governor Fubara also urged residents to remain security-conscious, noting that safeguarding the state is a shared responsibility that requires vigilance, cooperation, mutual respect, and collective support.
As the festive season continues, the governor prayed for joy in every home and love that transcends ethnic and religious boundaries, he wished the people of Rivers State a peaceful and harmonious Christmas celebration and a smooth transition into a prosperous 2026 marked by purpose, progress, and breakthroughs.