The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, has called on residents of the FCT, particularly Christians, to celebrate Christmas with love, peace, and unity, while also praying for Nigeria and its leaders.
In his 2025 Christmas message, delivered on Thursday, Wike described the festive season as a time for joy, giving, sharing, and showing goodwill towards others. He said the season offers an opportunity for reflection, rededication to moral values, and fostering harmony within communities.
“I felicitate with Christians in the FCT as they celebrate Christmas and urge them to see the period as one of sober reflection, ensuring that they share good tidings and goodwill towards fellow residents in the Territory, thereby creating the peace, harmony, and prosperity desirable in the nation’s capital,” Wike said.
He further encouraged residents to pray for the country and its leaders, emphasizing the importance of spiritual engagement in national development.
“The occasion also offers us a unique opportunity to pray for our leaders, and indeed, our country Nigeria, that we may enjoy peace and progress in the coming years,” the Minister said.
Wike also took the opportunity to thank residents of the FCT for their cooperation and support for the administration throughout the year. He highlighted that 2025 had been a year of notable achievements across various sectors.
“It is an indisputable fact that monumental developments have taken place in the last 12 months in every sector. Schools have been renovated, hospitals staffed and equipped, roads and bridges constructed in every area council, the judiciary supported, and security enhanced. Indeed, it has been a year of remarkable achievements, and we thank residents for their cooperation,” Wike said.
The FCT Minister commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support towards the development of the territory. He also acknowledged the contributions of partners, stakeholders, and the management and staff of the FCT Administration in ensuring successful implementation of projects.
He reassured residents that the FCT Administration remains committed to improving infrastructure and public services that positively affect the lives of citizens.
“The FCT Administration will continue to remain steadfast in its task of providing infrastructure and services that will have the greatest positive impacts on the lives of residents in the FCT,” Wike said.
On the issue of security, the Minister urged residents to remain vigilant during the festive period. He reminded them to be cautious and report any suspicious activities to security agencies, emphasizing that personal responsibility is critical for maintaining safety.
“I urge all FCT residents to be mindful of their security responsibilities during the festivities as they go about their lawful duties. Please report suspicious activities within your environment to the security agencies. You should rest assured that the FCT Administration is doing its best to ensure the security of lives and property all through the festive period and beyond,” Wike said.
He assured residents that all necessary arrangements had been made to guarantee a safe, secure, and joyful Christmas celebration in the FCT.
“Once again, on behalf of the Federal Capital Territory Administration, I wish FCT residents a Merry Christmas. Happy celebrations,” the Minister added.
The Federal Capital Territory, which includes Abuja, the nation’s capital, is home to a diverse population of residents, civil servants, and foreign diplomats. Security, infrastructure, and provision of social services have been top priorities for the FCT Administration under Wike’s leadership.
In recent years, the FCT Administration has focused on upgrading schools, hospitals, roads, and bridges to improve living standards for residents. In addition, security remains a key concern, especially during festive periods when public gatherings increase.
Christmas is one of the most widely celebrated occasions in the FCT, with residents participating in church services, family gatherings, and recreational activities. Authorities in the territory have consistently collaborated with security agencies to ensure that the festive season is safe for all residents, including Christians and other religious groups.
The FCT Minister’s call for prayer and unity is in line with broader national efforts to promote peace and stability. Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, has faced various challenges including economic pressures, insecurity, and political tension. Leaders often use festive occasions to urge citizens to embrace peace, tolerance, and collaboration.
By highlighting the administration’s achievements in 2025, Wike’s message aims to reassure residents that progress is being made in education, healthcare, infrastructure, and security. Such statements also reinforce the government’s commitment to service delivery and public welfare, encouraging citizens to support ongoing initiatives.
The Minister also highlighted the importance of collective responsibility in maintaining security and promoting harmonious living. Residents were reminded that safety requires the cooperation of individuals, communities, and law enforcement agencies.
Community leaders and religious organizations often play an important role in supporting government initiatives during the festive season, including advocating for peaceful celebrations and encouraging citizens to abide by rules and guidelines.
Wike’s Christmas message also underlined the broader significance of the festive season for national unity and development. He encouraged residents to reflect on the values of compassion, tolerance, and social responsibility while celebrating with friends and family.
“Christmas is not just a time for celebration, but also for sober reflection, sharing, and promoting the virtues that strengthen our communities and nation,” he said.
The Minister’s highlights on praying for Nigeria and its leaders aligns with the belief that collective spiritual engagement can contribute to the nation’s progress. It reflects an approach where citizens are encouraged to be mindful of their social responsibilities while celebrating holidays.