As Christians worldwide plan to celebrate on Monday, the Bishop of Ibadan Anglican Diocese, Most Rev. Joseph Akinfenwa, has advised Nigerians against going into debt to mark Christmas.

“Jesus came to set us free. We should not enter into the bondage of debt because we want to commemorate His birth,” the bishop stressed.

Mr Akinfenwa stated this in his Christmas message issued on Sunday in Ibadan.

He also called on leaders at all levels to imitate Christ’s leadership style, adding that divine reward awaits those who defend the cause of the masses.

“To our political officeholders, leadership is a trust. There shall be a day of reckoning. Let all who are in power today conduct themselves in a way that on the last day, they shall not be disgraced,” said Mr Akinfenwa.

In the light of the current economic realities in the country, Akinfenwa urged Nigerians to celebrate the yuletide with moderation. He particularly urged Christians to avoid running into unnecessary debts because of Christmas.

The cleric also expressed sympathy for those who were affected by violent conflicts across the world, especially the Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Hamas wars.

“We pray for divine comfort for families of the dead and divine help for those presently suffering because of these conflicts. May God guide the heart of all leaders in the world toward the path of peace,” Mr Akinfenwa explained.

Mr Akinfenwa also prayed that 2024 would be a year of peace and progress for Nigeria and the masses.

“In 2024, may our economy bounce back and may the scourge of insecurity truly become a thing of the past,” he said.

(NAN)