Nigerians have been urged to make the ideals of peace, harmony, tolerance, love and goodwill to all manifest more in their interactions during the yuletide.

In a statement containing his Christmas message to Nigerians, President Goodluck Jonathan emphasised the need for all Nigerians to rededicate themselves to the virtues and ideals which Jesus Christ preached and exemplified during his earthly ministry.

“It remains my sincere belief that no height of human accomplishment is beyond us as a nation, if we can overcome our differences, such as they are, and forge a binding national consensus to put the progress and well-being of the country above all other considerations.

“My administration will do all within its powers and abilities to ensure that when representatives of our people assemble for the forthcoming national conference next year, they will have every opportunity and encouragement to make very significant contributions towards forging the required consensus for sustained national peace, unity and progress,” the statement read.

The president expressed optimism that the proposed national conference would contribute in no small measure towards the urgent resolution of contentious issues which currently hinder Nigeria’s progress as a nation.

“With God Almighty as our Guide, Strength and Enabler, My Administration will continue to implement its Agenda for National Transformation in furtherance of its avowed commitment to improving the living conditions of all Nigerians.

“We will continue to count on the prayers, support and cooperation of all patriotic Nigerians in the coming year as we consolidate and build on our achievements in several sectors including national security, power supply, communications, transportation, health and education,” President Jonathan stressed.

He called on all Nigerians to make personal sacrifices for the good of others by showing greater love for others, being fairer and more honest in their dealings with others, being ever-willing to forgive those who had offended them and by always extending goodwill towards others.