Lagos 2025 Christmas Carol of Nine Lessons showcases spiritual strength at Ikeja
L-R: Commissioner for Home Affairs, Hon. Ibrahim Layode; Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat; his wife, Oluremi; Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu; First Lady, Dr. (Mrs) Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu and Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa during the 2025 Lagos State Christmas Carol of Nine (9) Lessons Service, at the Lagos House, Ikeja, on Thursday, December 18, 2025.
On Thursday Lagos State showed its identity as a beacon of faith, unity and religious harmony as the government hosted the 2025 Christmas Carol of Nine Lessons at Lagos House, Ikeja, drawing top political, religious and traditional leaders together in a solemn celebration of the birth and reign of Jesus Christ.
The 19th edition of the annual carol service, was themed “The Reign of the Messiah,” and was attended by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, his wife and First Lady, Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, Deputy Governor Dr Obafemi Hamzat and his wife, Oluremi, alongside Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, members of the State Executive Council, serving and former public office holders, as well as political, religious and traditional leaders.
Aside its ceremonial appeal, the event projected Lagos’ enduring commitment to peaceful coexistence and interfaith understanding, with leaders using the platform to reflect on governance, compassion and moral responsibility.
The First Lady, Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, read the ninth lesson, while the Deputy Governor, his wife and Speaker Obasa took turns reading the eighth, seventh and fifth lessons, respectively, all extending Christmas goodwill to Lagos residents.
In a powerful address, the Commissioner for Home Affairs, Hon. Ibrahim Layode, praised the state government for sustaining the Carol of Nine Lessons as a symbol of Lagos’ devotion to religious harmony and spiritual reflection. He said the theme spoke profoundly to the peace, hope and renewal brought by Jesus Christ.
“This gathering is not merely about music or ceremony, but about worship, reflection and the proclamation of Jesus Christ as King of Kings,” Layode said, adding that the carol traced the journey of a Messiah who reigns with grace, compassion and enduring authority.
He urged residents to look beyond the familiar image of the baby in the manger and embrace the deeper meaning of Christmas, describing Christ as the Prince of Peace whose reign brings hope to the weary and stability in uncertain times.
Layode said the service served as reassurance to all, regardless of the challenges faced during the year, that the Messiah remains in control and that His kingdom is everlasting.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Mr Adewunmi Ogunsanya, acknowledged President Bola Tinubu and First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu for initiating the Carol of Nine Lessons tradition, which he said has endured as a defining spiritual event in Lagos’ calendar.
He commended Governor Sanwo-Olu, Deputy Governor Hamzat and their spouses for their consistent support of the ministry and its programmes, while also applauding religious leaders for their spiritual guidance and the choir and instrumentalists for elevating the atmosphere of worship.
The service was enriched by stirring ministrations from the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries Choir, the Pacelli School of the Blind, and gospel artistes Kent Edunjobi and Kenny St Brown, whose performances added depth, colour and spiritual intensity to the celebration.
