Some religious leaders in Omu-Aran, Kwara yesterday urged Nige-rians to reflect on the significance of the New Year celebration and collectively proffer solutions to the nation's challenges.

The leaders made the call in Kwara, in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

The Bishop of The Cathedral Church of St. Paul, Omu-Aran, Rt. Rev. Phillip Adeyemo, urged Nigerians to embrace love, peace and unity in the New Year.

He appealed to citizens to check their shortcomings in the previous year and re-dedicate themselves to God in the New Year.

"We need to reciprocate God's faithfulness by returning to Him in righteousness while we repent for our sins," he said.

Adeyemo urged politicians and civil servants to shun corrupt practices, ungodliness and other acts capable of retarding the growth of the nation.

Bosede Adimabua, the Pre-sident of the Women Wing of the Christian Association of Nigeria (WOWICAN), Kwara Chapter, urged wealthy Nigerians to extend their assistance to the poor and those with disabilities.

She said: "Nigerians need to emulate the life of Jesus Christ so that the country can change for the better; those endowed with wealth should reach out to others.

"This will enable the less privileged in the society to also live a meaningful and comfortable life."

Pastor Alex Adefikayo of the 2nd ECWA Church, Agamo, Omu-Aran, urged Nigerians to be transparent in all their dealings and business transactions.

He also urged those responsible for acts of violence and other vices in 2013 to have a change of heart "so as not to incur the wrath of God.

"It is by so doing that we can put behind us the sad and ugly events of the previous year and steer the ship of the country to peace, love and development." (NAN)