Christmas: A Time For Hope And Renewal —Kennedy Kanma
“Hope is not a passive wish, but an active commitment to renewal and change.”
—Kennedy Kanma
AS we celebrate the joy of Christmas, I extend my heartfelt greetings and best wishes to the people of Delta North Senatorial District and Nigerians everywhere.
For Christians, Christmas is a sacred season that reminds us of the enduring values that bind humanity together—love, compassion, justice, shared responsibility and unity. It is not merely a festive period, but a time for deep reflection, gratitude and renewed hope for a better tomorrow.
This year, Nigerians have faced extraordinary challenges, even as resilience continues to shine through. Rising costs of living, insecurity driven by banditry and terrorism, and long-standing economic and social difficulties have placed immense pressure on our people. At the core of these challenges lies a fundamental issue—leadership.
Sadly, a sense of hopelessness has crept into the lives of many Nigerians as social and economic pressures intensify. In moments like this, the critical question before us is clear: Where do we go from here, and how do we chart a path toward renewal, progress and collective hope?
Despite these challenges, I remain deeply inspired by the strength, creativity, generosity and courage of our people. Your unwavering commitment to fairness and progress continues to guide my engagements, programmes and determination to make a meaningful difference—now and in the future.
As we look ahead, we must renew our collective dedication to building a society where opportunity is shared, diversity respected, strength is not taken for granted, and no one is left behind. I firmly believe that together, we can strengthen our communities, protect our collective future, rescue our people from despair and restore hope for the next generation.
Politics, whether we like it or not, remains the ultimate driver of progressive change. It is only through a fair, credible and inclusive political process that societies elect leaders capable of advancing the common good. This is why politics often shapes national destiny even more profoundly than economics.
With another election cycle approaching, this Christmas season calls on us to reflect deeply. Where do we truly stand? What are we doing—individually and collectively—to ensure that we elect leaders who genuinely represent our interests?
Leadership must rise above wealth, status, ethnicity or intimidation. We must choose men and women who serve with integrity, accountability and vision—leaders who believe that every Nigerian deserves dignity, justice and fair representation, regardless of background or circumstance.
In Delta North, the issue of representation has remained central to my engagements. Over time, we have witnessed a worrying decline in leadership standards, fueled by transactional and identity politics. This moment presents us with an opportunity to change that narrative and reclaim leadership that truly reflects our shared values, aspirations and collective welfare.
For members of the Obedient Movement, the path ahead is demanding but clear. While we give thanks that Nigeria’s political process remains fluid despite intimidation and pressure, we must act with urgency. This is the time to build cooperation, strengthen alliances and mobilize across every corner of our district.
The 2023 general elections proved that determined citizens can defy expectations. Under the Labour Party banner, Nigerians made a historic statement nationwide. As we look toward 2027, sustaining that momentum is essential if real change is to be achieved. We have done it before, and with unity, courage and belief in our collective strength, we can do it again.
At the heart of this Christmas message lies a simple truth: the hope and renewal we seek can only be achieved together.
May this Christmas bring peace to our homes, warmth to our hearts, wisdom to make the right choices, and renewed faith in what we can accomplish as a people.
Thank you for the trust you place in me.
— Kennedy Kanma, lawyer and entrepreneur writes from Abuja
