Governor Mukhtar Ramalan Yero has felicitated with the Christian community in Kaduna State on this year’s Christmas celebrations.

In a goodwill message signed by Ahmed Maiyaki, Director General, Media and Publicity to the Governor, Yero called on Christians to use the period for sober reflection on God’s special gift of salvation to mankind through the birth of Jesus Christ.

His words “As a special day when Christians all over the world mark the birth of Jesus Christ, it is imperative at Christmas to reflect on the basic teachings of Christianity anchored on good tidings of peace, love and unity for the whole mankind.”

Yero urged Kaduna people to use the period to forge greater unity, peace and love among the diverse people of State. “Let’s use the opportunity provided by Christmas to extend hands of fellowship to one another irrespective of difference in religion or ethnic groups,” he said.

The governor also called on Muslims and Christians in the state to pay each other friendly visits and engage each other in social interactions during the holiday period, in order to further cement the existing atmosphere of peace and unity in the state.

He appealed to the people, especially the youths, to desist from acts detrimental to peace during the Christmas celebrations, saying: “Young people should not engage in acts that could breach peace, such as indulging in the use of illicit drugs, street fighting, use of fire crackers and other forms of social vices.”

Yero assured of adequate security arrangements to ensure a hitch free Yuletide period. He wished all Christians peaceful Christmas celebrations and a Happy New Year 2014 in advance.

•Photo shows Governor Yero.