“A Season of Peace for All”: Tinubu Reaffirms Religious Freedom and Unity in 2025 Christmas Message

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reiterated his administration’s commitment to religious freedom, peaceful coexistence, and national unity, using his 2025 Christmas goodwill message to reassure Nigerians of all faiths that their right to worship and live without fear remains a core priority of his government. The President’s message, delivered at a time when the nation continues to grapple with security challenges and social tensions, struck a conciliatory tone, emphasizing hope, tolerance, and shared responsibility.

Describing Christmas as a sacred season of reflection, President Tinubu highlighted the birth of Jesus Christ as a symbol of peace, love, and goodwill to humanity. He extended warm Christmas greetings to Christians across Nigeria and around the world, acknowledging the spiritual significance of the season and its enduring message of compassion and reconciliation. According to the President, Christmas offers not only an opportunity for celebration but also a moment to pause and recommit to values that bind communities together, regardless of religious or cultural differences.

In a strong affirmation of constitutional principles, Tinubu stated that as President, he remains firmly committed to enshrining religious freedom in Nigeria and protecting people of all faiths from violence. He stressed that no Nigerian should be harmed, intimidated, or discriminated against because of their beliefs, underscoring that freedom of worship is a fundamental right guaranteed under the law. The President’s words were aimed at reassuring citizens amid lingering concerns about religious intolerance and insecurity in some parts of the country.

The President also expressed gratitude to God for the opportunity to serve the nation, offering prayers for peace and stability, particularly among people of different religious backgrounds. He emphasized that Nigeria’s diversity, rather than being a source of division, should be its greatest strength, noting that mutual respect and understanding are essential for national progress. Tinubu’s message called on Nigerians to look beyond differences and focus on shared values that promote harmony and collective growth.

Reinforcing his stance, Tinubu declared that Nigerians of all backgrounds have the right to live, worship, and pursue their aspirations in safety and dignity. He added that no one should suffer persecution or fear for openly professing or practicing their faith. This assurance comes as part of broader efforts by the administration to address insecurity and rebuild trust among communities affected by violence and unrest.

The President took time to acknowledge the contributions of Christians to Nigeria’s social, educational, and economic development. He noted that the love of Christ and the teachings of the Gospel have inspired countless individuals and organizations to care for the vulnerable, support the less privileged, and promote acts of kindness across the country. According to Tinubu, faith-based initiatives have played a vital role in strengthening communities, providing social services, and fostering resilience in difficult times.

Commending Christians who actively promote peace, harmony, and tolerance within their communities, the President described Christmas as a powerful reminder that God remains with the people, even in moments of hardship and uncertainty. He encouraged citizens not to lose hope, stressing that challenges, though significant, are not insurmountable when approached with unity, faith, and collective resolve.

Tinubu reiterated his administration’s commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s security, unity, and stability under God and the Constitution. He assured Nigerians that efforts to improve security and protect lives and property remain ongoing, adding that peace is essential for economic growth, social development, and national cohesion. The President emphasized that security is a shared responsibility, calling on citizens to support government initiatives and contribute to maintaining peace in their respective communities.

In a notable disclosure, the President revealed that he engaged leaders of Nigeria’s two major faiths during the year, amid growing concerns over insecurity and religious intolerance. He pledged to strengthen such engagements, describing dialogue and cooperation among religious leaders as crucial tools for fostering understanding and preventing conflict. Tinubu said these interactions are part of a broader strategy to ensure that faith continues to be a force for unity rather than division.

As the holiday season ushers in increased travel across the country, President Tinubu urged Nigerians to exercise patience and maintain discipline on the roads. He appealed to drivers and commuters to prioritize safety, obey traffic regulations, and show consideration for one another, wishing travelers safe journeys and safe returns. The message reflected an awareness of the heightened risks associated with festive travel and the need for collective caution.

Looking ahead, Tinubu expressed optimism about Nigeria’s future, calling on citizens to remain confident in divine providence and the nation’s collective strength. He reiterated his belief that through hard work, unity, and mutual respect, Nigeria can overcome its challenges and continue the task of nation-building. According to the President, the goal remains to build a greater Nigeria—one that future generations will be proud to inherit.

The Christmas message, while rooted in religious reflection, carried broader national significance, serving as a reminder of the values of tolerance, coexistence, and shared humanity. In a country as diverse as Nigeria, Tinubu’s reaffirmation of religious freedom and unity resonated as a call for calm, hope, and renewed commitment to peaceful living. As Nigerians mark the festive season, the President’s words underscore the enduring belief that despite difficulties, the nation can move forward together, guided by faith, understanding, and a common vision for peace.