The Forum of South East Academic Doctors (FOSAD) extends warm Christmas greetings to Ndigbo at home and in the diaspora as we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Christmas is a season of love, peace, sacrifice, and renewed hope, values that resonate deeply with our shared cultural heritage and collective aspirations as a people.
As families travel to reunite with loved ones and communities come together during this festive period, FOSAD commends the resilience, industry, and enduring spirit of Ndigbo in the face of prevailing economic challenges. We acknowledge the sacrifices made by households to uphold the traditions of togetherness that define the season.
However, the Forum expresses deep concern over the persistent escalation of transportation fares to and from the South East during festive periods. Year after year, arbitrary and excessive fare hikes impose undue hardship on students, workers, traders, and families seeking to celebrate Christmas with their relatives. These increases often far exceed prevailing economic justifications and undermine the very spirit of the season.
FOSAD therefore appeals to transport operators, unions, and relevant stakeholders to demonstrate empathy and social responsibility by moderating fares during the Christmas and New Year festivities. While we recognize the pressures of operating costs, we urge operators to balance commercial considerations with compassion, fairness, and patriotism. A reasonable reduction in fares will ease travel burdens, enhance safety by discouraging overcrowding and unsafe alternatives, and promote goodwill across the region.
We also call on state governments in the South East, regulatory agencies, and security institutions to intensify oversight and engagement with transport providers to ensure fair pricing, passenger safety, and orderly travel during the peak festive season. Constructive dialogue and enforcement of consumer protection standards will go a long way in safeguarding the welfare of citizens.
As an association of academics committed to public interest, social justice, and national development, FOSAD believes that inclusive growth and shared prosperity begin with humane policies and practices that prioritize the dignity of the people. Affordable transportation during festive periods is not merely an economic issue; it is a social imperative that strengthens family bonds and cultural continuity.
As we celebrate Christmas, we encourage Ndigbo to embrace peace, tolerance, and mutual support. Let us extend kindness to the vulnerable, promote harmony in our communities, and uphold the values that bind us together as one people.
We wish all Ndigbo a joyful Christmas celebration and a prosperous New Year filled with good health, peace, and progress.
Signed:
Dr. Stephen Nwala
President
Forum of South East Academic Doctors (FOSAD)
Dr. Uzor Ngoladi
Secretary General
Forum of South East Academic Doctors (FOSAD)
December 25, 2025
