Lagos to decentralise this year’s Christmas celebration

The Lagos State government has said that this year’s Christmas celebration will be decentralised and celebrated in all the 20 Local Government Councils and 37 Local Government Development Councils.

The state’s Commissioner for Home Affairs, Dr. Abdullateef Abdulhakeem, stated this on Friday while speaking to journalists shortly after receiving an award from the Christian Conscience Group of Nigeria on behalf of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, as the ‘Best Performing Governor on Christian Pilgrimage in 2017’.

The commissioner added that the move was targeted at boosting bonding among residents and enhancing community participation in governance in Lagos.

He said decentralisation of the Christmas celebration would be in keeping with the all-inclusive governance mantra of the Ambode administration, saying that the strategy is to ensure that the grassroots will be heavily involved in the Yuletide celebration this time around.

Abdulhakeem said, “The governor has decided to ensure that the Christmas celebration is fully decentralised to the grassroots. This year, we are going to have the celebration in all the local government councils to ensure that all residents and churches come out to celebrate.”

He, however, urged residents to troop out enmasse for the celebration, adding that it was a moment for all to give glory to God.

The Commissioner also commended the group for the award, saying it was evidence that the religious sector was dear to the governor and that the government would continue to partner religious and faith-based organisations in matters pertaining to the development of the state.

“I believe this is to ensure that we continue to rise above the common standard of excellence. The governor believes that enhancing the welfare and safeguarding the security of Lagosians is a duty that must be discharged whether they are within or outside the state.
He said all these had ensured that the pilgrims concentrate on their spiritual reasons for going to Jerusalem.”

The Daily Times recalls that the National Hajj Commission had earlier in the year presented an award to the Lagos State government as the best state in Hajj performance.

Earlier, Chairman of the group, Chief Enoch Ajiboso, said the government had provided enabling environment for the service delivery and organisation of pilgrimages. According to him, the group deemed it fit to present the award to spur the governor to do more in terms of good governance.

He explained further that the award was bestowed on Ambode following ongoing transformation embarked upon by his administration.

He said, “This is visible in the infrastructural development, tourism, job creation and economic endowment. Aside these, the peaceful coexistence witnessed among major religions in Lagos state.

“The administration has also provided enabling environment for service delivery and organisation of pilgrimages within the time spent.”

Benjamin Omoike