Patience Jonathan To Light First Ever National Christmas Tree In Abuja

The first ever National Christmas Tree is to be lit tomorrow in Abuja, the nation’s capital by the first lady, Dame Patience Jonathan.

Patience-Jonathan

The initiative which was berthed by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), is aimed at showcasing Nigerian culture to the world.

A statement issued by the special adviser on media and publicity to the minister of state for FCT, Oluyinka Akintunde, disclosed that the Christmas tree, which is 20.9 metres high, is located at the Unity Fountain Park beside Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja and designed in the national colours of green and white.

It reads, “The Christmas time is traditionally recognised and celebrated as a season of peace, goodwill and hope across national boundaries. It also offers us a unique opportunity to reinforce this same message of love, unity, reconciliation and peaceful coexistence.

“It is consequently our anticipation that an annual lighting of the Nigerian National Christmas tree will play a similar unifying role for our people,” Akinjide added.

Prominent Nigerians expected to grace the epoch making ceremony, according to the statement, are, members of the National Assembly, wives of governors, members of the Federal Executive Council, chairmen of Area Councils in the FCT and their wives, heads of ministries, departments and agencies of government, heads of secretariats, departments and agencies of the FCT administration, diplomatic corps and the media, among others.