Amid the Christmas eve's suicide bombing at a mosque in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, which claimed five lives and injured 35 other victims, a governorship aspirant in Ogun State, Hon. Jelili Kayode Amusan, has reminded his fellow citizens that "national security is a shared responsibility."

This is as he extended heartfelt greetings to the good people of Ogun State as they join Christians across the world to celebrate the Christmas season and look forward with hope and optimism to the New Year.

No group has so far claimed responsibility for the attack, which heightened security concerns in the Northeast, where Islamist insurgents Boko Haram and its Islamic State's West Africa Province (ISWAP) faction have waged a 15-year campaign of violence targeting civilians, mosques, and markets.

Dr. Amusan, who represented Abeokuta North/Odeda/Obafemi-Owode Federal Constituency between 2003 and 2011, urged his compatriots to remain vigilant, report suspicious activities, and support security agencies rather than politicising or undermining their efforts.

He commended President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to tackling insecurity, highlighting the administration’s focus on strengthening coordination among security agencies, investing in equipment, and engaging communities directly.

Amusan, who is a leading member of the All Progressives Congress, said that the government’s actions have already yielded visible results in critical areas.

"From my observation, President Bola Tinubu’s administration has shown commitment to tackling insecurity by strengthening coordination among the security agencies, investing in equipment and engaging communities more directly.

"We are beginning to see improvements in intelligence gathering and rapid response in some critical areas," he said.

Amusan emphasised the complexity of addressing insecurity, noting there is no "quick-fix solution", and that sustained collaboration is required.

He further said: "It requires sustained funding, consistent strategies and strong collaboration between the Federal Government, the states and local communities.

"What I appreciate is the political will being demonstrated, but we must continue refining strategies to ensure every Nigerian feels the impact."

Amusan described the Yuletide as a sacred and significant season that embodies the enduring values of love, peace, humility, sacrifice and compassion with virtues that remain essential for personal growth, communal harmony and sustainable development in Ogun State and Nigeria at large.

According to him, Christmas serves as a profound reminder of the need for unity across religious, ethnic and political divides, urging citizens to recommit themselves to peaceful coexistence and collective responsibility.

"I heartily felicitate with the resilient, peace-loving and progressive people of Ogun State as we celebrate the Christmas season and prepare to usher in a New Year. Christmas is a time to reflect on the birth of Jesus Christ and the timeless lessons His life represents and love for one another, service to humanity, forgiveness and selfless sacrifice for the greater good," he said.

He called on residents to use the festive period to strengthen family bonds, extend kindness to the less privileged and promote peace and understanding within their communities, noting that true celebration lies not only in merriment but also in compassion and generosity.

Amusan commended the people of the state for their resilience, patience and unwavering commitment to the growth and stability of the state, despite economic and social challenges faced over the year. He also acknowledged the efforts of workers, traders, farmers, artisans, youths, professionals and traditional institutions whose daily contributions continue to drive the state forward.

"I sincerely appreciate the courage, diligence and determination of our people. Your resilience in the face of challenges is commendable and remains the foundation upon which a stronger and more prosperous Ogun State will continue to be built," he added.

As the New Year approaches, Amusan expressed profound optimism about the future, encouraging citizens to embrace the coming year with renewed hope, positive energy and a strong sense of civic duty. He urged all residents to remain law-abiding, united and supportive of initiatives that promote good governance, economic growth, social justice and inclusive development.

"The New Year presents us with another opportunity to do better, to dream bigger and to work harder for the progress of our dear state. I am confident that with unity of purpose, faith in God, and collective effort, Ogun State will witness greater achievements and lasting development in the year ahead," he said.

He also called for sustained prayers for peace, security and prosperity across the state and the nation, emphasising that a peaceful environment remains the bedrock for meaningful development.

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