Northern Elders Invoke Qur’an and Bible in Christmas Appeal for Unity and Peace
The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) has cited passages from both the Holy Qur’an and the Holy Bible in its Christmas message, calling on Nigerians to uphold unity, peace and mutual understanding as the country celebrates the festive season and prepares to usher in a New Year.
In a statement released on Wednesday and signed by the forum’s spokesperson, Professor Abubakar Jika Jiddere, the NEF extended warm Christmas greetings to Christians in Northern Nigeria and across the country, while also conveying goodwill to all Nigerians as the year draws to a close.
The forum described Christmas as a period of deep reflection, spiritual renewal and a reaffirmation of values such as love, peace and sacrifice.
According to Jiddere, the season provides an opportunity for individuals and nations alike to pause, look inward and recommit to the ideals that sustain peaceful coexistence.
Quoting the Holy Bible, the statement recalled the message: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men” (Luke 2:14), noting that the passage reflects the shared aspiration of Nigerians for harmony and mutual respect.
In the same spirit, the forum referenced a verse from the Holy Qur’an which states: “O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another.
Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you” (Qur’an 49:13). The NEF said the verse underscores the sanctity of human dignity and affirms that Nigeria’s religious, ethnic and cultural diversity is a divine trust that must be preserved through tolerance and understanding.
The Elders urged Nigerians to use the festive season as a time for sincere national reflection, stressing that the country is at a critical juncture where unity, love and shared responsibility are essential.
They called on citizens, leaders, institutions and communities to rise above division, reject hate and recommit to peaceful dialogue and collective progress.
The forum also placed strong emphasis on safety during the yuletide period, particularly as families travel to celebrate with loved ones.
It appealed to all road users to exercise caution, patience and responsibility, while urging security agencies and community leaders to remain vigilant in safeguarding lives and property throughout the festive season.
According to the NEF, no celebration is complete if human life is lost or endangered.
Looking ahead to the New Year, the Northern Elders Forum expressed hope for a Nigeria guided by wisdom, justice and compassion.
It said that with sincere leadership and responsible citizenship, the nation can overcome its challenges and move steadily toward peace, stability and shared prosperity.
The forum concluded by praying that Christmas would bring comfort to every home and that the New Year would usher in renewed hope, National healing and a stronger sense of brotherhood among Nigerians.
