By Leonard Okachie
Brig.-Gen. Nsikak Edet, Commander, 14 Brigade Nigerian Army, has urged both the military and civilians to continue to work together towards the peace and unity of the nation.
He made the call on Saturday during the Christmas Carol of Nine Lessons held at the Goodluck Ebele Jonathan (GEJ) Barracks, 14 Brigade Nigerian Army Ohafia, Abia.
Edet, represented by the Brigade’s Chief of Staff, Lt.- Col. John Timbuak, urged the people to continue to maintain peace and build trust, regardless of ethnic and religious differences.
He described the carol as a time of reflection, thanksgiving and “looking forward to what the next year has for us.”
“It also helps us to aspire not just to be religious, but also righteous people.
“Therefore, in the spirit of this season let us consider ways that we can help one and another and for the peace and unity of our dear nation,” he said.
Speaking with journalists, Rev. Fr. (Capt.) Chukwudi Onumajuru, the Brigade Chaplain (Catholic Church), re-emphasised the importance of peace and unity through military-civil relationship.
Onumajuru who thanked the Brigade Commander for providing the platform for the event, said the festival was an opportunity to express gratitude to God for the “nativity of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.”
Also, Rev. Canon (Capt.) Anderson Uzor, the Brigade Chaplain (Protestant), said the festival provided an avenue for both Christians and Muslims in the barracks to celebrate as one family.
He said that the event further demonstrated unity in diversity and purpose, which he explained as a symbol of the Nigerian Army.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the carol was graced by top military personnel, religious leaders and different denominations.
The invited choirs from Ohafia and Umuahia, including Presbyterian, Anglican Church, St Anthony’s Catholic Church, The Redeemed Church, Combined Mass Choir GEJ Barracks, and others electrified the venue with their beautiful renditions.
Timbuak read the 9th lesson taken from the Gospel of John 1:1-14, on behalf of the Commander, Brig.-Gen. Edet, which captured the story of Jesus as the “Promised Saviour.”
Major John Ishaya read the 8th lesson taken from the Book of Luke 2:1-20, on behalf Timbuak and it was about the “Birth of Jesus.”
The Brigade’s Garrison Commander, Lt. Col. Luke Adejo, read the 7th lesson, taken from the Gospel of Matthew 2: 1- 12, which told the story of the “Three Wise Men from the East.”
Mrs Mercy Adejo, the Brigade’s Acting Coordinator, Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives, read the 1st lesson taken from the Book of Genesis 3:8-15, which narrated the story of the “Disobedience of Man.”
Other prominent persons also read the remaining lessons that were each followed by songs and entertainment to the delight of everyone present.
(NAN)
