A cleric, Rev. Fr. Benson Irabor, has advised Nigerians to see Christmas as a time to demonstrate love to others and not a time to hike transport fares.
Irabor, serving in Iseluku Catholic Diocese, Delta, spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria at the end of the annual Christmas Carols of Nine Lessons held at Saints Joachim and Anne Catholic church in Ijegun, Ikotun on Sunday night.
NAN reports that the carol was themed, “For unto us a Child is born”.
According to the cleric, some people use the period to extort Nigerians without any just cause, in the name of festival season.
He said that the reason for the season was overtaken by worldly pleasures and gains demonstrated by hike in goods and transport fares, especially the interstate transportation.
“Nigerians think Christmas should be a time to make excess money through dubious means like tripling the cost of goods and services.
” This is completely a wicked action by citizens; whether fuel is increased or not, it has become a tradition.
“This act is completely against the reason for the season. God’s mission for Christmas is to spread the spirit of love to everyone who believes,” he said.
According to the parish priest in Ijegun, Rev. Fr. Andrew Abhulime, Christians should emulate the virtues of sharing good tidings with the needy and physically challenged during the season.
He urged those who can afford it to share food and clothes with the poor as a demonstration of love and care.
“Christ expects us to demonstrate our love for him by giving alms, sharing food and clothes instead of buying excess things for ourselves just to show off.
Also speaking to NAN, the music director, Echie Israel, an author and organist, told NAN that the season should bring forth joy and hope, especially for the downtrodden.
Trending
- Mohbad: Father reacts to story quoting him as saying Falana, Omowunmi want to kill him
- Ogun: Kidnappers attack family opening house gate, whisk away wife
- Dana Air: NSIB releases preliminary report on incident
- N90b Hajj Subsidy: Atedo Peterside slams FG
- Intimate Affairs: Intimate spiritual due diligence, by Funke Egbemode
- 2027 polls: I may support Peter Obi or contest — Atiku
- AGN leadership, A-List actors absent as Junior Pope is buried + Photos, video
- Court convicts cosmetic surgeon over client’s death in Lagos