Governors and other eminent Nigerians, yesterday, urged citizens to see the significance of the Easter celebration as a reason to persevere and make sacrifices for the growth and development of the nation.
They noted that despite the current economic hardship, the lessons of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ should be a reason for hope.
The leaders, who said this in their Easter messages, noted that the nation would emerge stronger from the current difficulties in the land.
In his remarks, Benue State governor, Rev Fr. Hyacinth Alia, urged his people to imbibe the spirit of sacrifice and love for the needy irrespective of tribe, religion or sect.
The governor, in his Easter message by his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, described the celebration as a festival of triumph of faith over fear.
He said: “In these difficult times, the example set by our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ—the pain, the sacrifice, the triumph and the message of love and hope echo with timeless resonance.
”Easter is a feast and festival of triumph of faith over fear. It follows the holy season of Lent during which as Christians we fast, pray and spread the gospel of love.
”Easter symbolizes the triumph of faith over despair and an affirmation that weeping may endure for a night but joy comes in the morning. Jesus set a prime example of sacrifice that has continued to resonate with people of all races, classes and creeds through the ages. It is this type of self-sacrifice that we must make if we must move our dear state forward.’’
Edo State governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, urged Christians to reflect on the lessons of Easter celebration, charging them not to lose hope amid the current economic crisis.
”Easter is a time for reflection, love, sacrifice, renewal and hope. I urge that we use this opportunity to ponder the lessons and purpose of the celebration and renew our resolve towards achieving a more progressive and prosperous Nigeria,” he said.
Similarly, Borno State governor, Babagana Zulum, urged Christians and residents of the state to commit the Easter period to prayers for the development and prosperity of Borno and Nigeria as a whole.
Zulum’s message was stated in a statement by his New Media Aide, Abdurrahman Bundi.
He said: “Let me, on this auspicious occasion, felicitate with our Christian brothers and sisters in Borno and throughout the country. I urge us all in this solemn period to commit to prayers for the development and prosperity of our dear country and to our President, Bola Tinubu, for God’s guidance and wisdom to steer the affairs of Nigeria for greatness.
In his message, Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State urged the people of the state to emulate the virtues of self-sacrifice and love as exemplified by Christ.
His words:”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 who offended us.’’
Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Radda, called on Chritsians to remain committed to interfaith harmony for the peace and development of the country.
He said this in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Mohammed.
Governor Radda urged Christians to use the Easter season as an opportunity to pray for lasting peace in Katsina.
“Together, as people of faith, we can defeat the forces of evil that threaten our communities. Let us embrace the spirit of Easter and work together to build a more peaceful and prosperous Katsina for all,” he added.
Also, the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, appealed to leaders and citizens to embrace wisdom and fairness.
The apex Christian body also called for sacrificial love among the populace as the nation observes the solemnity and joy of Easter.
In a message to the nation, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, President of CAN, conveyed his sincere wishes for peace, joy, and blessings to all Nigerians.
“The lessons of Easter hold particular relevance for Nigerian society today. In a time marked by uncertainty, we are called to embody the virtues of love for one another,” he stated.
Chairman, Southern Kaduna Christian Leaders Association, SKCLA, Dr Emmanuel Kure, however, called on advantaged Christians to extend a helping hand to their less privileged neighbours during this year’s Easter celebration.
Kure noted that Easter is a time for Christians around the world to rejoice in the victory of life over death and to reflect on the teachings of love, peace, and forgiveness that Jesus exemplified.
In its Easter message, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, tasked those in leadership positions to imbibe the spirit of selfless service in the discharge of their responsibilities.
The message was contained in a statement signed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba.
The party urged Nigerians to use the occasion of Easter to strengthen their hope in God and seek a national renewal by rekindling their love and commitment towards one another.
Also speaking, the Bishop of Ideato Diocese, Anglican Communion, Rt. Rev. Henry Okeke, emphasized the need for government at all levels and even the Church to carry the youths along at all times.
