In the spirit of Christmas, The Metropolitan Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, His Grace, Most Rev Dr. Alfred Adewale Martins has tasked Christians and Nigerians in general to demonstrate true love to their neigbours just as Christ enunciates in his teachings.

Martins believes strongly that by so doing, the true essence of Christmas as a period of joy can better be felt and appreciated by all and sundry.

Felicitating with Nigerians ahead of the yuletide festivity, he  noted that the present economic reality in the country has made it imperative for all to show more love and charity, especially to the less privileged as a way of bringing succour to them.

He however assured the less privileged not to be of the opinion that God has abandoned them even in this trying times.

Archbishop Martins further urged Nigerians not to give up hope despite the trying times.

He also called on President Muhammadu Buhari to work towards stabilising the ailing economy within the shortest possible time. The cleric urged Buhari to put his house in order and infuse fresh blood where necessary not leaving out finding alternative means in solving the problem of  the Fulani herdsmen crisis ongoing in Southern Kaduna.

In his 2016 Christmas Message made public through the Director, Social Communications, Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos, Msgr. Gabriel Osu, Archbishop Martins stated that: “Christmas is a season of love, joy and hope. It is a period when Christ our Saviour left the comfort of his heavenly home to dwell in our midst in order to redeem us from sin. We all know that many people have lost their means of livelihood as a result of the economic meltdown. And so we have a situation whereby so many people are likely to go hungry this yuletide except they receive help.

“This is why I am calling on all to remember the less privileged during this season. The best way we can appreciate God for the great gift of Christmas is to share with our neighbours, especially the less privileged. I urge you to embark on acts of charity during this season by feeding the hungry, visiting those in prisons, those in hospitals and putting smiles on the faces of those in despair. That is the essence of Christmas.”