A former Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, has called on Nigerians to imbibe the attitude of love, which he described as the core essence and message of Christmas.

Ekweremadu stated this on Thursday during the 2020 edition of “Christmas With Widows”, an annual outreach to widows in the Enugu West Senatorial District by the Senator and his wife, Dr. Nwanneka Ekweremadu.

At the event that featured the presentation of gifts and support to 300 widows drawn from the senatorial district, the lawmaker stressed that in the absence of a functional social security system, it was important for Nigerians to be their brother’s keeper.

He said: “On the occasion of Christmas, we must not lose sight of the crux of the season, which is God’s love for mankind in sending his only begotten son for our salvation.

“No nation makes progress in the midst of divisiveness, injustice, and recriminations. We must recommit to loving one another even as Christ loved us and was born as man.

“Importantly, it is in our culture as Africans to be our brother’s keeper. We must never abandon the vulnerable and less privileged members of our society. My wife and I have, therefore, decided to continuously stick by these widows through this annual event, ensuring that they celebrate like others at Christmas”.

Also speaking, his wife, Dr. Nwanneka Ekweremadu, assured the widows that they would never walk alone.

“Our presents might not be much, but it is from the depth of our hearts and you can always rest assured that our family will continue to stand by you”, she emphasised.

Ekweremadu and his wife wished Nigerians a merry Christmas.