The governor made the call on Monday, December 14, while speaking with newsmen after the festival of Nine Lessons and Carols at the Government House Chapel, Asaba, and said that it is time to truly give thanks to God given the challenges the state and the country recorded during the year.

He said that if Nigerians sustain their prayers, God will positively change the situation in the country.

Okowa advised all Christians to connect to God for solutions to the litany of problems inhibiting development in the country.

"There have been challenges in the state and country. Aside COVID-19 and #EndSARS protest, floods came and took away a lot of property; we have also had a lot of insecurity in our country, but by God's grace, we are all alive.

"So, we have every reason to celebrate God, and this season is a time when as Christians, we remember the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ who brought redemption to the world.

"We believe, as Christians, that the more we continue to celebrate and give thanks to Him, the more He will intervene in the affairs of our lives and in the affairs of our families and our nation.

"And, it is time for all of us to continue to connect to the Lord for solutions to our problems to come from Him. If we continue to pray, things will change and I believe that it shall be well with us in the coming year, in the name of Jesus," he said.