•Says true transformation can’t be achieved without sacrifice
•As Sanwo-Olu, Adeleke, Bago, Wike, others preach peace, unity
As Nigerians joined the rest of the world yesterday to mark the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, President Bola Tinubu declared that no nation can thrive where fear prevails, and that no progress can be sustained without peace. This is just as Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos, Ademola Adeleke of Osun, Mohammed Umaru Bago of Niger and others charged Nigerians to embrace love, unity, and peace at Easter.
President Tinubu in his Easter message to Nigerians stated that true transformation cannot be achieved without sacrifice, stressing that history affirms that enduring progress is often forged in moments of challenges. To Christians in Nigeria and around the world, Tinubu said the Easter season reminds the people of the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ and the redemptive power of salvation for humanity.
According to him, “this season also reminds us of the significance of Easter and the message it embodies- of sacrifice, resilience, and the triumph of light over darkness. For us in Nigeria, the essence resonates with our current realities as we navigate a period marked by economic strain and security challenges, even as determined efforts are underway to address them. Despite the good efforts of the administration and the gallant efforts of our men and women of the Armed Forces who leave behind their families to confront the evil actors in our land, challenges to our security have remained.
“However, my administration continues to make resources available and forge foreign partnerships to enable us to deal decisive blows to the agents of terror and banditry.
Sanwo-Olu preaches peace, hope
The Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, in his own Easter message urged residents to embrace love, unity, and the spirit of sacrifice. He commended Christians for their devotion to prayers, sacrifices and compassion during the Lenten season and encouraged them to sustain the virtues of spirituality, charity, compassion and peaceful coexistence imbibed during the season.
According to him, “Easter is a season of blessings, love and happiness. Let us not forget all the preaching and teachings that have been taught during this period by ensuring that we are our brother’s keeper, giving, loving our neighbours as ourselves and keeping a community that is for everyone.
“We are all brothers and sisters. We could be of different faiths, but at the end of the day, we are all from one country and from one Almighty”.
Governor Bago felicitates with Christians on Easter
Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago in his Easter message through his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, noted that Easter is a solemn celebration for Christians describing it as the foundation of the Christian faith. He reminded Christians of the need to have deeper reflection on the importance of Easter and to continue to uphold the tenets of their religion just as he called on them to deepen their supplications to God for an enduring peace in the state and the entire country. The governor further tasked them not to relent in praying for wisdom and guidance for leaders at various levels to ensure impactful leadership.
In his own Easter message, Gov. Ademola Adeleke of Osun, in a statement issued by his spokesperson, Malam Olawale Rasheed, urged Christian faithful to reflect on the enduring values of love, sacrifice and hope associated with the season. The governor described Easter as a symbol of life triumphing over death and light overcoming darkness. Adeleke noted that the essence of the celebration lies in selflessness and faith in a better future. He acknowledged the spiritual significance of the season, stressing that the sacrifice of Jesus Christ calls for renewed dedication to peaceful coexistence and service to humanity. The governor reassured Christian faithful in the state of his administration’s commitment to fairness, inclusiveness and the protection of religious freedom. The governor encouraged Christians to imbibe the virtues of humility, forgiveness and love exemplified during the Easter period.
Wike urges FCT residents to imbibe Christlike compassion, kindness
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, in his own Easter message to the residents of the FCT urged them to imbibe Christlike compassion and kindness throughout the Easter celebration and beyond.
He said, “As we celebrate, let’s remember the values of love, compassion, and kindness that Easter represents. May we continue to work together towards building a community that reflects these values, where everyone can live in peace and prosperity”. The Minister described Easter and the resurrection of Jesus Christ as a “profound symbol of new beginnings and renewed hope” for all Nigerians. He said the Easter season offers an opportunity for the Christian faithful to reflect on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ and urged residents to rededicate themselves to the service of the nation and foster a spirit of harmony within their communities.
Alaafin urges Nigerians to embrace unity, purpose, love
The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, has also urged Christians to embrace Easter as a time of love, gratitude for God’s blessings, goodwill towards neighbours, and expectation of divine guidance.
The Alaafin emphasised that such virtues, if practised widely, could transform the nation, heal fractured relationships, and help realise the polity Nigerians aspire to.
Delivering his Easter message through his Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaye, the Paramount Ruler said: “If we love with the spirit of Easter in our hearts, governance will function more effectively, electoral reforms will be easier to implement, public funds will be deployed judiciously for the common good, and leadership will cherish and care for the people. This is the essence of Easter, which we commend to all Nigerians, indeed, to all of humanity at this time.”
Emulate the sacrificial life of Jesus Christ——Akpomudje
On his part, Ohworode of Olomu, HRM Albert Akpomudje, Eyavwie-Alaka l, and Chairman of the Body of Benchers of Nigeria, called on Christians across the country to use the Easter celebration as a period of deep reflection on the sacrificial life of Jesus Christ.
In a statement marking the Easter season, signed by his Media Assistant, Akpokona Omafuaire, Akpomudje urged believers to go beyond the festivities and embrace the true essence of the occasion by living out the core virtues exemplified by Christ-love, humility, and righteousness. He emphasized that Easter is not only a time of celebration but also an opportunity for spiritual renewal and moral rebirth. He encouraged Christians to demonstrate compassion, promote peace, and uphold justice in their daily interactions, noting that such actions would contribute to national unity and development.