Abuja: Senior Pastor of the Cherubim and Seraphim (C and S) Church Movement, Pastor Alex Ogundipe, has urged Nigerians to embrace and promote peace among one another, for national progress. Ogundipe made the call during the church’s 2025 Service of Nine Lessons and Carols, held on Sunday in Abuja. The event carried the theme ‘Great Mercy.’
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Ogundipe highlighted that no birthday in history had been celebrated like that of Jesus Christ, emphasizing this as a testament to Christ’s significance in Christianity. He pointed out that the 2026 budget’s largest sectoral allocation to defense and security indicates the critical need for peace to foster national progress. ‘So my message to everyone is that we should embrace peace so that more funds can be channelled towards development,’ he stated.
On the theme of the carol, Ogundipe expressed that despite the world’s challenges, hope is 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, Mrs. Omolara Oyinbo, Chairman of the 2025 Carol Committee, explained that the theme ‘Great Mercy’ was selected to remind members of Jesus Christ’s sacrifices 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 Jesus Christ’s humility, kindness, and forgiveness.
Also speaking, Mrs. Funto Babarinde, a church member, noted that the carol service allowed for celebrating Jesus Christ’s birth and reflecting on its significance. ‘The Nine Lessons summarises the birth, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, reminding us of the great price paid for our salvation,’ she said.