At a point, estatic participants trooped to the floor and danced to the highly captivating and prayerful songs of guest artistes like Solomon Lange, Kaestrings from Jos, Helen Samson from Kaduna, and Debora Owolabi among others.
The Combine Christian Women Fellowship also thrilled the audience with a carol song in their native language. A playlet was presented by a Drama Unit from Area Command of the Nigeria Police Force.
The gospel readings at the nine lessons were read by service Chiefs, Chief of Defence Intelligence, Inspector General of Police, DEPOWA, and NAOWA Presidents.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt General Taoreed Lagbaja in his goodwill message disclosed that the Christmas season is unique in many ways because of what it symbolizes which is about love, hope giving and sharing, giving praise that the gift of Christ to the world is borne out of God’s Love for humanity.
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Lagbaja said, “As military men and women our lives are one of sacrifice and duty. it is because we stay awake as guidance of our land for some people who sleep at night in peace and joy which is paid for with blood, limbs and family pressure, we choose to sacrifice.
“For our warriors in the frontline, and their families back in units, I must say I quite understand what you feel this season. Because I have served in many Theatres of operations and I have been away from my family and loved ones in a time like this.
I” understand the loneliness that the military family endured and the whole sickness our troops in the frontline battled.
He added that “it is part of the sacrifices you make for the love of our nation and humanity, i am proud to say, that your bravery, service and dedication serve as an example to many out of uniform and I convey the gratitude of our government and people for all you do.
“It is In the light of feeling the gap created by deployment away from loved ones that the army headquarters and other services headquarters organise an event such as this Christmas Carol Service and other social together for us to create a sense of belonging for our military families at home and our troops in the frontline.
The COAS thanked troops for their services to the Nigerian army and the nation at large as they celebrate the season away from their loved ones even as he urged troops to share joyful moments with colleagues and extend love by giving to the less privileged around them.
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“Let us find solace in the camaraderie that bonds us together as a formidable force against adversaries. Remember you are not alone in this fight, the entire nation stands behind you supporting you at every step to defeating our adversaries,” he noted
The army Chief ended his Christmas goodwill message with a merry Christmas song after which the Armed Forces Mass Choir in unison and harmony delivered the Hallelujah Chorus.
