As part of festivities to mark the holiday season, the General Officer Commanding 81 Division Nigerian Army (NA) Major-General Obinna Ajunwa hosted the 81 Division Christmas Carol of the Nine Lessons to celebrate with senior security agencies commanders, business people, and troops’ families within the Division. Former Nigerian Ambassador to Brazil Ambassador Christopher Okeke, Chairperson of NAOWA 81 Division Chapter Dr. Ada Ajunwa, Corps Commander NA Supply and Transport Major-General Erema Akeredola, Deputy Commandant of the Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Center Major-General Parker Undiandeye, Managing Director of Zenith Bank PLC Mr. Ebenezer Onyeagwu, and Chief Security Officer of Global Financial Services attended the Carol that was held.
Other dignitaries and military families include the representative of the Naval Doctrine Command, the Assistant Inspector General of Police Zone 2, the General Manager of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, and Commanders and Principal Staff Officers of the Division.
Major-General Obinna spoke about how the wise men were guided to the Savior by the star after reading the ninth lesson from Matthew Chapter 2: 1–12. The GOC urged Christians to embrace the principles of good neighborliness while making personal sacrifices that reflected God in his Christmas Goodwill message. He declared that now is a time to express affection and honor people who have the best interests of the country at heart.
General Obinna claims that the majority of the soldiers are engaged in combat, leaving their wives in charge of the home front. General Ajunwa revealed that this has made it necessary for him to spend time with the wives of his soldiers in order to recognize their contributions while their individual spouses are fighting to maintain peace in the nation at the front lines. In turn, Reverend Father F Yateghteg urged Christians to do their part to improve their surroundings while conveying the Christmas Message.
Christ was born in order to improve society. In a similar way, we may improve upon our society and environment. Christmas is about love, giving, connecting with others, and being honest with one another, as previously mentioned. He also emphasized the need to forgive the enemy, have faith in friends and allies, be tolerant of opponents, provide consumers with good service, be faithful to one’s spouse, respects oneself, and love one another. The GOC added.
The joint mass choir of the 81 Division Chaplain Services and the Women Fellowship sang various songs during the carol. The first Noel, Once in Royal David’s City, Away in a Manger, and Silent Night were among the tunes. Other songs include Joy to the world, Unto us a Child is Born, Little Town of Bethlehem, While Shepherd guarded their flocks by night, See amid the Winter, and Little Town of Bethlehem.
The recessional carol was seamlessly integrated into the time of thankfulness, followed by prayers and blessing delivered by Lieutenant Colonel Venerable A Amuluche and the mass choir before the chorus of Hallelujah.
