Yuletide: Oku Ibom Ibibio Calls On Christians To Imbibe the Life Of Christ
The Oku Ibom Ibibio and Patriarch of Ibibio Land, His Eminence, Nteyin (Dr.) Solomon Daniel Etuk has felicitated with Akwa Ibomites, Nigerians and foreign nationals residing in the state as the yuletide season sets in.
The eminent traditional ruler, who is the President-General of Ifim Ibom Ibibio (Supreme Council of Ibibio Traditional Rulers Council) and the Chairman, Akwa Ibom State Council of Chiefs, says the season offers Christians and the world at large the opportunity to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ as well as reflect on the lessons of his life and times.
In his Xmas and New Year message, Nteyin Etuk called on Christians to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ which centres on love, righteousness, togetherness, honesty and selflessness.
He said, “We have come to the season of celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, our Lord and saviour; who is the son of God. As believers, we have to imbibe his teachings, exemplify it in our daily conduct and live in peace and love with one another so that the world can be a better place for us all.
“This season reminds us that we are gradually moving towards the end of the year. Yet more significantly, we are reminded that Christmas is here again.
“Accordingly, this season reverberates on our minds the real essence of Christmas; the excellent form of love shown to us by our father in heaven for sending his beloved son to us to sacrifice his precious life on our behalf. “Clearly, love is therefore the essence of the season hence it is expected of us to express love to one another beyond the boundaries of families and friends.”
According to the monarch, who is also the Chancellor of Akwa Ibom State University, “love will make us put behind our dialectical differences, tribal sentiments and political differences in other to work hard to build our beloved state and nation.”
Nteyin Etuk admonished Akwa Ibomites and other faithful to be very sober and to avoid vices during the yuletide season.
“May we not during the celebration of the season engage in vices that will destroy us or our brothers. Let the celebration of our Saviour brings to us more opportunities to celebrate our unity and peace as a state,” he advised.
The Patriarch appealed to the well to do in the society to assist others, emphasizing that the season is most appropriate for politicians to show love to their constituents and not to wait until electioneering period.
Nteyin Etuk called for tolerance and forgiveness for peace, development and tranquility to ensue in the society as we enter the near year.
