‘The Reign of the Messiah’: Lagos Holds Annual Christmas Carol

‘The Reign of the Messiah’: Lagos Holds Annual Christmas Carol
The annual Carol of Nine Lessons remains one of Lagos State’s major end-of-year spiritual gatherings
Ogunsanya also praised Governor Sanwo-Olu, Deputy Governor Hamzat, and their spouses for their consistent support

The Lagos State Government has hosted the 2025 Christmas Carol of Nine Lessons at Lagos House, Ikeja, in celebration of the birth and reign of Jesus Christ.

Contents

EDITOR’S PICK
FURTHER READING

Eko Hot Blog reports that the annual event, now in its 19th edition, was themed “The Reign of the Messiah” and was attended by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

EDITOR’S PICK

Also present were the First Lady, Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu; Deputy Governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, and his wife, Oluremi; Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa; Head of Service, Mr Bode Agoro; Chief of Staff, Mr Tayo Ayinde; members of the State Executive Council; serving and former public office holders; as well as political, religious, and traditional leaders.

During the service, the First Lady read the 9th lesson, while the Deputy Governor, his wife, and the Speaker read the 8th, 7th, and 4th lessons, respectively. They also extended Christmas goodwill messages to Lagos residents.

Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Home Affairs, Ibrahim Layode, commended the state government for sustaining the Christmas carol tradition as part of its commitment to religious harmony.

According to Layode, the theme of the carol reflects the joy, peace, and divine upliftment brought by Jesus Christ, describing the gathering as a moment of worship, thanksgiving, and celebration.

“As is customary in Lagos State, we are gathered not merely for music or ceremony, but for worship, reflection, and proclamation of Jesus Christ, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords,” he said.

“Often, during Christmas, we focus on the ‘Baby in the Manger’ and forget the ‘King on the Throne.’ Tonight, we celebrate the Prince of Peace who still reigns today and the Messiah who has come to save humanity.”

He added that regardless of the challenges or successes of the year, the lessons and carols serve as a reminder of hope, love, and a kingdom that will never end.

In his address, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Adewunmi Ogunsanya, acknowledged President Bola Tinubu and the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for initiating the Carol of Nine Lessons tradition, which he said has endured over the years.

‘The Reign of the Messiah’: Lagos Holds Annual Christmas Carol

Ogunsanya also praised Governor Sanwo-Olu, Deputy Governor Hamzat, and their spouses for their consistent support of the ministry’s programmes, as well as religious leaders for their guidance. He further commended the choir and instrumentalists for enriching the celebration.

The annual Carol of Nine Lessons remains one of Lagos State’s major end-of-year spiritual gatherings, reinforcing messages of unity, faith, and hope during the Christmas season.

This year’s celebration featured special ministrations by the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM) Choir, the Pacelli School for the Blind, and gospel artistes Kent Edunjobi and Kenny St Brown, whose performances added depth and colour to the event.