I welcome you to the 2017 Christmas Carol Service, as we prepare for the victory and redemption that the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ represents.

At this sacred period, when we welcome Our Lord Jesus Christ into our midst, we raise our voices in rendition of joyful, spiritual and soul lifting melodies, revealing the inherent goodness of Christianity. Just as this Carol service affirms our firm conviction that salvation is near, the Birth of Our Lord Jesus Christ – the Christmas we celebrate – brings renewed hope for better future and much joy to the World.

Christmas is a season that explains the depth of God’s love for mankind and exemplary sacrifice that we should emulate in our relationship with our neighbours irrespective of status and creed. This season is another opportunity to increase our acts of kindness and touch the less privileged in our society.

The theme of our celebration “The Chosen One” is symbolic of the role intended for our Lord Jesus as the saviour of mankind; to redeem and restore us to the path of glory in the sight of God.

In the last twelve months, we have experienced different situations which combined to make us better and stronger as individuals and as a State. It is our strong belief that our situation can only get better as we move with renewed optimism into the New Year.

Our hope is based on our unshaken faith in the grace of God, the solid foundation which we have laid in terms of infrastructure development and renewal, as well as the policies and programmes which we have put in place to positively impact on the social and economic well-being of our people.

In the spirit of the season, we shall continue to embrace peace, in emulation of Our Lord Jesus Christ. We shall continue to pray for continued peace in Lagos; we shall continue to pray for increased prosperity of our people; we shall not relent in our prayers for Lagos to continue in its path of accelerated and unprecedented growth; and we shall look forward to more of your prayers, now, in the New Year and beyond.

Our government appreciates the spirit of tolerance and cooperation which has provided the enabling environment for growth and development in Lagos State. We will continue to promote healthy community relations with economic opportunities and empowerment prospects for all.

I urge you all to join the government of Lagos State in thanking God for his goodness and protection over the affairs of our State and our people. Let us all join voices in singing songs of praise with passion to God for the blessings received in 2017 and expectations for a more glorious, profitable and productive 2018 in all areas of our lives.

I thank the organising committee and everyone that has contributed to making this Christmas Carol Service a beautiful event. I thank you all for coming and I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a very prosperous 2018.

Itesiwaju Ipinle Eko Lo Je Wa L’Ogun!!!