By Naomi Sharang
The Senior Pastor of the Cherubim and Seraphim Movement Church, Daki-Biyu District, Kubwa, Abuja, Pastor Alex Ogundipe, has called on Nigerians to embrace peace for national development.
Ogundipe made the call during the church’s 2025 Carol Service of Nine Lessons held on Sunday in Abuja, with the theme “Great Mercy.”
He said that no birthday in history had been celebrated in the manner of Jesus Christ, noting that this singular honour underscores Christ as the true essence of Christianity.
Speaking on the 2026 budget recently passed by President Bola Tinubu, Ogundipe observed that the largest sectoral allocation was made to defence and security, stressing that peace remained crucial for national progress.
“From the budget, you can see that the government is spending the highest amount of money on security,” he said.
“The money being spent to address insecurity could have been invested in development.
“So my message to everyone is that we should embrace peace so that more funds can be channelled towards development.
“That is when we can truly begin to enjoy the dividends of governance. The more money we spend on security, the less we have for development, happiness and the provision of basic needs,” he added.
On the carol theme, Ogundipe said that regardless of how bleak the world might seem, hope could only be found in Christ.
“The world has always faced challenges, but to find joy and enjoy peace, you must know God. And you cannot truly know God without Jesus Christ. That is what we are celebrating.
“Christ is the fulfilment of God’s promise to mankind, and we are encouraging everyone to embrace Him,” Ogundipe said.
Earlier, the Chairman of the 2025 Carol Committee, Mrs Omolara Oyinbo, said the theme “Great Mercy” was chosen to remind members of the sacrifice Jesus Christ made for humanity.
“God’s mercy endures forever. What we received through the sacrifice of Jesus is something we do not deserve, but because of God’s mercy, He gave us His Son,” she said.
Oyinbo urged Christians to emulate the humility, kindness and forgiving spirit demonstrated by Jesus Christ.
Also speaking, a church member, Mrs Funto Babarinde, said the carol service provided an opportunity to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ and reflect on its significance.
“The Nine Lessons summarise the birth, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, reminding us of the great price paid for our salvation,” she said.
The event featured carol songs and prayers for Nigeria.