*Preaches forgiveness, kindness
The Nigerian Navy through the Naval Officers Wives Association (NOWA) at the weekend celebrated its Christmas Carol & Night of Nine Lessons in Abuja with the wife of the Chief of Naval Staff, Hajiya Nana Aisha Gambo urging officers and the wives to rekindle the spirit of love and kindness.
Mrs Gambo was represented at the event by the wife of Rear Admiral Lassa, Mrs. Lovelyn Lassa.
This Year’s special edition of Naval Officers Wives Association Christmas Carol Service held at the main auditorium of the National Defence College (NDC), was tagged ‘The King is Born’.
According to Mrs. Gambo, “I also want to use this opportunity to thank the Almighty God for His mercies and protection and granting us the grace to witness this day.
“Our Special Guest of Honour, distinguish guests, ladies and gentlemen, Christmas season is a special period celebrated worldwide, that reminds us of God’s love for mankind, it is a time to remember that God fulfilled His promise and sent His son to the earth, it is a time to remember His generosity. It is a time to remember the less privileged, the vulnerable ones, families and friends but still keeping God in the centre of all these. It is also a time to actually slow down, reflect and not get carried away with the traditions of bustling holiday packed full of lights and gifts, and lose the focus of what is being celebrated, “the King that was born”.
“Christmas period is a time to forgive, worship andthank God. A time to reflect on the Year 2022 with all its rigors and activities, which are gradually coming to an abrupt end.
Let me also emphasize that the significance of Christmas should not end with this period but must always be brought to bear in our daily lifes, especially in this present world, filled with greed, hatred, vengeance and hypocrisy. We sincerely need to always show love and kindness not only during this period but always and as a way of life. I enjoin us all to keep the spirit of love and kindness rekindled so that we uphold the reason of this special season in all our endeavours.
“I want to use this opportunity to express sincere appreciation to all those that have made this day a reality particularly, my darling Husband, Vice Admiral (Dr) Awwal Zubairu Gambo, Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic, Admiralty Medal, for always being there for Association. We are truly indebted. Thank you, Sir. I will also not forget the ever-supportive, principal staff officers at the Naval Headquarters, flag officers commanding, commanders, commandants and commanding officers of various ships and establishments as well as officers, men and civilian staff of the Nigerian Navy, we truly appreciate your kindness to the Association through the Year 2022. You are all part of our success story.
“A New Year is the glittering light to brighten dream-line pathway of the future. As we approach 2023, I encourage us all to be optimistic on a bright year, sustain a positive attitude and remain passionate with our dreams. The year 2023 is a new book about to be written in our personal lives and that of NOWA. I pray that God grants us long life, good health, vision and verve to be blessings to everyone around us.”
Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo who was represented by the Chief of Naval Administration, Rear Admiral Jason Gbassa noted that Christmas season is a special period celebrated worldwide as it reminds us of God’s love for mankind.
“It is a time to remember that God fulfilled His promise and sent His only son to the earth for the atonement of our sins. It is indeed a time to remember His generosity. As we celebrate the season, it is very apt to remember the less privileged, the vulnerable ones, families and friends but still keeping God in the centre of all these.
“The season is a time to actually slow down, reflect and not get carried away with the traditions of bustling holiday packed full of lights and gifts, and lose the focus of what Is being celebrated, which is the birth of the King of Kings. Christmas period is therefore a time to forgive, worship and thank God.
“Let me also emphasize that the significance of Christmas should not end with this period but must always be brought to bear In our daily lives, especially in this present world, filled with greed, hatred, vengeance and hypocrisy. We sincerely need to always show love and kindness not only during this period but always and as a way of life. I therefore enjoin us all to keep the spirit of love and kindness rekindled so that we uphold the reason of this special season in all our endeavours.
“Therefore, as we join the world to celebrate this auspicious season, I want to sincerely appreciate the Naval Officers Wives \ssociation, for organizing this edition of the Carol Night. I must not fail to commend the zeal and commitment exhibited by the Association at sustaining this all important and special activity annually. We appreciate you and pray that the blessings of the season will never depart from our respective families in Jesus Name, amen.”
The officiating priest and Director, Directorate of Chaplain Services Roman Catholic, Very Rev Father RE Okparaji urged Nigerians to learn to forgive one another and give generously to the poor.
His words: “The message of Christmas is simple, where we are today, can we be celebrated by our friends, our enemies, our surbodinates when our positions are taken aways from us? Jesus is being celebrated for His care for the poor. We should learn to celebrate one another, share with one another, reach out to the less privileged. We thank the Almighty God for giving us a beautiful year despite the security challenges.”