Imota LCDA holds Christmas carol, calls for unity, love and peaceful coexistence
By Emmanuel Daniji
The Chairman of Imota Local Council Development Area, Benson Sunday Ayodele, has renewed his call for unity, peaceful coexistence and accelerated development across the LCDA, urging residents to uphold shared values that bind the community together.
He made the appeal on Monday, December 8, 2025, at the 2025 Christmas Carol and Thanksgiving Service, an interdenominational gathering that brought together staff, Christian leaders and top government officials in a show of harmony and inclusiveness.
The theme of the event, “Thanksgiving,” set the tone for an inspiring message delivered by the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Imota Chapter, Pastor Adebayo Samuel, who highlighted Christ’s birth as the ultimate expression of God’s love and the foundation of salvation for mankind. He spoke on God’s unwavering love for humanity, emphasising that even when man strays, God always seeks to restore him.
Welcoming guests, Benson said Christmas represents the enduring values that hold the community together—beyond tribe, religion or political differences. He thanked dignitaries, pastors, council officials, staff, friends and residents for joining in the celebration, assuring them of his administration’s resolve to continue transforming Imota LCDA.
“The purpose of this gathering is to show that when we unite, great things happen,” the Chairman said. “Whatever we achieve individually, we can achieve much more when we stand together. Irrespective of tribe, politics or any perceived divide, there is beauty in unity. Better days are ahead for our community.”
He expressed gratitude to the organising committee and everyone who contributed to the success of the ceremony, urging residents to minimise factors that cause division and instead embrace shared ideals that strengthen the LCDA.
Benson also used the occasion to address the ongoing continuous voter registration (CVR) exercise. He encouraged eligible residents—especially those who recently registered, transferred their voting location or updated their details—to verify their information, report errors or raise concerns about ineligible or deceased entries.
He further appealed to residents yet to collect their PVCs to do so without delay.
Reaffirming earlier commitments, the Chairman reminded the audience of his pledge to award bursaries to tertiary institution students and scholarships for those pursuing PhDs, stating his ambition to produce at least 12 PhD holders within his tenure.
He also announced that road grading—a major infrastructural intervention expected to boost local development, farming and economic activities—will commence soon. The project will run for ten days in each of the four wards of the LCDA, improving accessibility and safety by reshaping unpaved routes, addressing potholes and enhancing drainage.
Council Manager Ayeni Olumuyiwa also addressed the gathering, expressing appreciation to attendees and noting that the carol service marked the official start of Christmas celebrations in Imota. He described Christmas as a season defined by love, hope and generosity—values that unite people irrespective of background.
The 2025 Imota Christmas Carol Service featured spirited worship, joyful singing and vibrant participation from the congregation. Choir renditions filled the air as residents danced and celebrated in a warm atmosphere of fellowship.
Scriptural readings were taken by the Chairman, Vice Chairman, Deputy Leader of the House, Council Manager and Legal Officer as the programme drew to a graceful close.
Notable attendees included the Vice Chairman, Princess Abisoye Omowunmi Jimoh; Leader of the House, Hon. Oluwole Adesina; Deputy Leader, Hon. Aberuagba Sunday; Majority Leader, Hon. Jelili Busayo; Chief Whip, Hon. Saidat Orewale; Chief of Staff, Hon. Kamilu Ogunnowo; NULGE Chairman, Comrade Olatayo Hassan; members of the Council Executive, Christian council executives, women groups, youth representatives and several others who added colour to the event.
