Nigerians have been admonished not to relent in their hope, sacrifice and faith expressed in God, especially as exemplified by the death and resurrection of Christ this Easter.
Umahi preaches hope, sacrifice, love
Minister of Works David Umahi encouraged Nigerians to stay grounded in their faith in God and let the message of Jesus Christ’s resurrection guide their actions, especially in times of adversity.
Umahi emphasised that the themes of hope, sacrifice, love, and forgiveness inherent in the resurrection should resonate with Nigerians as they look towards the country’s future.
He said: “This is a season to reflect on a life of consummate love of humanity and the salvific plan for mankind which was demonstrated on the cross of Calvary by Jesus Christ, and the joy, hope, redemption and new beginning that resonate in the memories of his resurrection.
“It is a season that reminds all Christians that with his resurrection power, death no longer has a sting and the grave has no victory. Let us acknowledge the potencies of hope, sacrifice, love, forgiveness, faith, resilience, victory, and the free gift of salvation which are the lessons of his resurrection. Even in the face of daunting challenges, let us act with faith towards God and hope towards the future of our nation.
“May the hope that Easter brings take you to places beyond your imaginations and capacities. May the good times and treasures of your today become the golden memories of your tomorrow and, in challenging times, may things work out for your good and God’s glory.”
Gen. Lagbaja: Army will defeat insecurity
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, reiterated the commitment and determination of the Army to defeat insurgents, marauding bandits, and other external and internal aggression disturbing the country’s peace.
Gen. Lagbaja urged officers and soldiers to pray for continued operational successes, and to espouse love, peace, and sacrifice in the discharge of their duties.
According to him, the Army under his leadership continues to record successes in various operations at home and abroad, especially in the ongoing Operation Hadin Kai in the Northeast and other internal security operations nationwide.
He said: “As we continue to push towards the final onslaught on the adversaries troubling our nation, I assure you that the welfare of officers and soldiers, including training and provision of the needed equipment, will always be prioritised to enable us discharge our constitutional responsibilities effectively.
“Let me acknowledge and thank you, my officers and soldiers, for your doggedness in tackling the numerous security challenges bedeviling us as a nation. You have displayed much commitment, courage, resilience, and professionalism. For this, I say well done and charge you not to rest until we have eliminated all forms of threat to our country.
“While still grieving the recent unwarranted and gruesome murder of our colleagues in Okuama, Delta State, I urge you all to remain steadfast, diligent, and committed to the discharge of our constitutional responsibilities. I encourage you to continue to pray for the repose of the souls of our departed colleagues who paid the supreme price for the noble cause of keeping our beloved country safe.
“I will continue to prioritise the welfare of our officers, soldiers, and families, including those of our departed colleagues.”
‘Nigerians should be conscious of God in their actions’
Lord Bishop of the Lagos West Diocese of (Anglican Communion), Rev. James Odedeji, urged Nigerians and Christians to be God-conscious in their actions, whether in public or private life. He said people must realise that God is everywhere.
Rev. Odedeji noted that citizens must always remember that Christ, the Prince of Peace, reigns and awaits the coming of His true followers.
He said: “We are once again in that season of the year when we mark the trial, death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is indeed worth remembering that self-sacrifice opened the door to heaven to those who know and follow Him acceptably.
“Easter reminds us that righteousness exalts a nation and sin is a reproach. All of us, leaders and followers alike must be Christ-like and live as those believers in Antioch lived.”
APC to Nigerians: stay confident of a brighter future
The All Progressives Congress (APC) charged Nigerians to stay confident and hopeful for a brighter and more prosperous future under President Bola Tinubu.
A statement yesterday by the National Publicity Secretary, Henry Morka, reads: “Easter commemorates the resurrection of the crucified Jesus Christ. It symbolises His victory over death and typifying the triumph of light over darkness.
“On this important occasion, we are reminded of God’s infinite capacity to turn dark clouds to silver linings, and hopelessness to great hope and fortunes. We urge Nigerians to stay confident and hopeful for a brighter and more prosperous future for our country.”
Ojelabi- Our pains will translate to gains
Chairman of the APC in Lagos State Cornelius Ojelabi admonished Christians to accept the risen Christ as their role mode, especially in trying time because ‘tough times never last but tough people do’.
Ojelabi said: “Glory to God in the highest for blessing us with good health and life in abundance to celebrate this Easter in peace and happiness. May the name of the Lord be praised always for sending His only begotten son to the world to die for our sins and become the Saviour of the world.”
The party chair also admonished the people to accept the lessons of Good Friday which came with pains, agonies, sufferings, insults and challenges, but led to the joy and blessings of Easter. “Jesus Christ made much sacrifice by carrying his cross on Good Friday amidst humiliations, persecution and torture so as to save the world. We must always be ready to carry our cross by embracing tough situations with humility after Jesus Christ.
“We should be submissive to constituted authorities at the various levels and be ready to make sacrifices in whatever situation. We should also be ready at all times to forgive anybody who offends us as Christ forgave all his persecutors before he died on the cross.
“Let us continue to strengthen our relationship with God, our reliance on God and renewed hope in God, and He will surely perfect everything that concerns us at his appointed time.”
Pope Francis calls for ceasefire in Gaza, Ukraine
Pope Francis called for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and for the return of Israeli hostages held by Hamas.
The 87-year-old pontiff led Easter Mass at the Vatican in front of thousands, despite concerns over his health.
Referring to conflicts around the world, the Pope pleaded not to ‘yield to the logic of weapons and rearming’. “Peace is never made with arms, but with outstretched hands and open hearts,” he said.
As fresh truce negotiations between Israel and Hamas were due to begin, Pope Francis said: “I appeal once again that access to humanitarian aid be ensured to Gaza, and call once more for the prompt release of the hostages seized on October 7, and for an immediate ceasefire in the Strip.”
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Pope Francis also warned countries against re-arming themselves and spoke about the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. “In calling for respect for the principles of international law, I express my hope for a general exchange of all prisoners between Russia and Ukraine,” the Pope said.
Otti calls for life of sacrifice
Abia State Governor Alex Otti said no sacrifice is too big to improve the lives of the people. He insisted that even in the quest to build an economically vibrant state, the welfare of the citizens is uppermost.
Otti said if Jesus could sacrifice His life to save mankind from eternal death, then ‘no sacrifice can be too big to improve the life of the very people for whom the Saviour paid the ultimate price’.
“Whether it is in the rehabilitation and reconstruction of long-abandoned roads; reset of the healthcare delivery system; improved security of life and property in our various communities; or in keeping to our promise of prompt and regular payment of salaries and pensions; our objective is always clear – to improve the lot of the average person who lives or does business in Abia,” he said.
Nwifuru calls for peace, social cohesion
Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru urged Nigerians to pray for peace and social cohesion, progress and healing for the country.
Nwifuru, who noted that the period calls for sober reflections, called on Nigerians to emulate the life of Christ who lived a life of sacrifice and selflessness.
He promised that his government will continue to work towards alleviating the hardships being faced by the people.
“…therefore, I urge you to always remember the sacrifices of our Lord Jesus Christ and recommit yourselves to love God with all our hearts, embracing His call to treat one another with compassion. I urge you to use this period to pray for peace, social cohesion, progress and healings in all areas of our national life.”
Aiyedatiwa urges Christians to show love
Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State urged Christians to show more love to one another and preach against hate.
Governor Aiyedatiwa appealed to the people ‘to consider forgiving someone this Easter’.
According to him, Easter evokes the resilience of the human spirit not to give up in the face of seemingly daunting challenges of life.
“I urge you to increase your love for one another rather than hate, and show more patriotic commitment to the development of our state. Let us remember that the scriptural emphasis of love has so much relevance for us today as a people more than ever before, and thus contribute towards the peace and development of our state,” he said.
Uzodimma: our expectations shall be met
Hope Uzodimma of Imo State urged Christians to renew their their hope for a better tomorrow.
According to him, the hope of the Christians would be met in the resurrected Jesus Christ. He also said the Federal Government, under the able leadership of President Bola Tinubu, is working hard to improve the economy.
“We are already seeing some of the positive signs of success. Therefore, we should use the period of the Easter to renew our hope for a better tomorrow,” he said.
Economic challenges will soon be over, says Mbah
Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah urged the people to emulate the virtues of self-sacrifice and love as exemplified by Christ.
Mbah also urged them to hold fast to their faith in the midst of the present socio-economic challenges, saying they would eventually become a thing of the past.
He said: “I join Ndi Enugu and Nigerians in celebrating the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. His death and resurrection embody self-sacrifice, forgiveness, infinite love, and victory over every challenge, all of which our state and nation need at a time like this.
“Therefore, as we mark Easter, I urge us to be our brother’s keeper and extend a hand of fellowship to those that offended us. I equally enjoin us to remain unwavering in our service to our dear state and faith in the fatherland, rest assured that we shall overcome the present socio-economic challenges and the good times will ultimately return.”
Soludo preaches nation-building
Anambra State Governor Charles Soludo admonished the people to concern themselves more with nation-building.
He affirmed that Easter is a time of reflection and transformation, and reminded celebrants of the profound lessons of love, selflessness, sacrifice, resilience, compassion and renewal embodied by Jesus Christ.
“As we commemorate this sacred occasion, let us draw inspiration from the teachings of Christ to foster unity, compassion and goodwill in our communities and Nigeria. I urge Nigerians to rededicate themselves to the noble task of nation-building for a better Nigeria.
“Together, let us strive to create a Nigeria where justice, equality, and prosperity flourish for all. Let us embrace the values of honesty, integrity, and solidarity as we work towards a brighter future for our beloved country,” he said.
Fubara preaches peace, unity
Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State admonished Christian faithful to promote peace, unity and love.
A statement by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Nelson Chukwudi, promised that his administration would continue to chart the course of providing the required leadership.
“At the heart of Easter is the triumph of light over darkness. It is a season that reminds us that the Almighty God can turn an unpleasant situation around for the good of His people.
“I do recognise that Easter is about renewed hope and a glorious future. So, I urge all Rivers people to continue to be confident and believe strongly in our leadership for better seasons ahead.”
‘Focus on soul winning’
The Lord Bishop of Ibadan North Anglican Diocese, Revd. Williams Aladekugbe, admonished religious bodies, especially Christian preachers, to make their teachings soul winning based and not always about material gains and prosperity.
He described Easter as the core and center of Christianity, saying without it the Christian faith is in vain.
The cleric said ‘if Jesus didn’t resurrect, religious activities are in vain for only Easter gives humanity the hope of eternity’.
He stressed that Jesus’ resurrection was evidenced in the fact that He was crucified, buried, raised from the dead and afterwards appeared to Mary, Thomas and the disciples before ascension to heaven.
Southern Senators’ Forum preaches unity, compassion
The Southern Senators’ Forum (SSF), in a statement by the Chairman, Senator Adetokunbo Abiru (Lagos East) and Publicity Secretary, Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, described Easter as a time of reflection, renewal, and rejoicing.
“In the spirit of this joyous occasion, let us embrace the values of unity, compassion, sacrifice and solidarity. Let us reach out to our fellow citizens with kindness, understanding, and empathy, especially during these challenging times, while we await the gains of the government’s bold reforms and initiatives.
“Let us renew our patriotism and our commitment to building a stronger, more prosperous, and more united Nigeria.
“May this Easter bring us all abundant blessings, peace, and happiness. May it inspire us to strive for excellence and to foster harmony in our communities,” the forum said.
The forum also commended President Bola Tinubu and leadership of the National Assembly, led by Senator Godswill Akpabio, for their efforts at national development.
Mrs. Sanwo-Olu preaches selflessness, sacrifice
Wife of the Lagos State Governor, Mrs. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu said the resurrection of Christ should be a constant reminder for everyone to extend selflessness, love, sacrifice, and tolerance.
She particularly admonished children to ‘obey your parents, shun all forms of vices, be committed to your education and, most importantly, let the fear of God reign supreme in you’.
Mrs. Sanwo-Olu, represented by wife of the Deputy Governor Mrs. Oluremi Hamzst, spoke at the 2024 Family Easter Fiesta organised by the Office of the First Lady. It was themed ‘Power of Resurrection’, taken from Philippians 3:10.
She said: “The resurrection of Christ signifies the central doctrine in Christianity and firmly symbolises the greatest love of God for mankind. Jesus paid the supreme price to reconnect humanity with divinity, after the fall of man in the Garden of Eden.
“Through the victory of Christ over death, all believers will subsequently have a taste of his victory over sin and death. To this end, Easter represents an important season for Christians and is celebrated globally as a time to reinforce the virtues of sacrifice, charity, love, and absolute faith in God.
“My dear children, beyond the celebration, I urge you all to imbibe the spirit of tolerance, peaceful co-existence, and sacrifice for one another, which Jesus Christ demonstrated throughout his period on earth. The resurrection of Christ should be a constant reminder for everyone to extend the virtues of selflessness, love, sacrifice, and tolerance.
“My special Easter message and admonition to the children is for you to obey your parents, shun all forms of vices, be committed to your education, and most importantly let the fear of God reign supreme in you.
“I also call for the collective prayers during this season for the peace and progress of dear nation and state. I am certain that by these collective efforts, God will prevail over our nation.
“As we celebrate another Easter, may the joy of this amazing season be deeply established in our lives, in our families, in our Dear State, Lagos, and in our Nation, Nigeria in the mighty name of Jesus. “
‘Make someone’s burden lighter’
Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Oyo, Rev. Emmanuel Badejo urged Nigerians, especially Christians, to make other people’s burden lighter by being a blessing to the less fortunate.
Badejo urged Christians to be a witness of goodness, reconciliation, brotherhood, love and faith as ingredients for a better society and future.
“That is what Jesus died for, that is how we can get eternal life with Him, if you feel God’s love, joy, compassion or forgiveness, share it with somebody.
“Jesus is risen! He has conquered sin and death and he is alive! He assures us all of the same fate. That is the message of Easter for every human being, irrespective of their life condition.
“Jesus is risen, but how much joy can people have when they are under terrorist attacks, bombardment at war or even in the den of kidnappers? What is the meaning of victory and justice for those who cannot afford a decent meal in a day or who though sick, have no means with which to care for themselves?
“This is where Jesus needs all who feel the resurrection, joy and life to witness his power and victory. We must find a way of making the mood of Easter reach all the nooks and crannies of our world.
“I call on Nigerians, as witnesses to the resurrection, to help one another see that the tomb is already empty and that the death of Good Friday lost its sting and ended with Easter Sunday resurrection.
“If we rejoice in Christ’s victory and power, help others to feel it too. Tell it all around you that Jesus is risen, alleluia is our song of joy. Do your best to share God’s compassion with all you have and God will do the rest.”
‘Pray for an end to insecurity’
Niger State Governor Mohammed Bago called on Christians to sustain their prayers to God to end the insecurity bedeviling the state.
The governor expressed his belief that prayers can go a long way in complementing government’s efforts in totally eradicating insecurity.
Bago reiterated his administration’s unwavering resolve to confront the security challenges bedeviling the state, and assured that he will not rest until his policy thrusts for the ‘New Niger’ are achieved.
Eno: there is hope despite current hardship
Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno said there is still hope for Nigeria and Nigerians despite the prevailing economic hardship.
Governor Eno said he was passionate and committed to tackling poverty and hunger through government policies and programmes.
He said: “We are living in a moment and time that mirrors what Christ went through over 2,000 years ago, a period of trial and tribulation, of economic pains and anxieties, but conditioned by hope that just as Christ overcame death, we too will overcome this period and victory will be ours eventually.
“We remain dedicated to turning the challenges and anxieties of today into opportunities for growth and expansion tomorrow. That explains the intentional manner we have gone about tackling the harsh economic realities we are currently facing.”