.As Catholic Bishop applauds FG’s efforts, seeks intensified actions against insecurity, hunger
…APC calls for soba reflection during Easter holidays
Ibrahim Quadri ,Cyril Mbah, Abuja Jacob Ogodo, Abakaliki
Archbishop Daniel Okoh, the President, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), has urged Christian faithful to imbibe the acts of kindness and charity by reaching out to the marginalised and the poor.
In a message marking the 2025 Easter, Okoh, also urged them to promote dialogue and reconciliation for a more just and caring society.
“As we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, our Lord, may our hearts be filled with the message of victory that it brings to strengthen us in the face of adversity.
“This Easter, let us be intentional in acts of kindness and charity, reaching out to the marginalised and the suffering.
“Let us also promote dialogue and reconciliation, working towards greater unity within our communities and across the nation.
“In the spirit of Easter, may we reach out to neighbours of other faiths, fostering mutual respect and peaceful coexistence. May this season be one of harmony and goodwill for all Nigerians,” he said.
The cleric described Easter as the cornerstone of Christian faith, emphasising that Christ’s resurrection offers believers hope, forgiveness, and the promise of eternal life.
He highlighted Easter’s dual significance in Nigeria not only as a religious observance but also as a vibrant cultural celebration that unites families and communities through tradition, music, and festivity.
He urged Christian faithful to rise above adversity through faith, resilience, and unity, affirming that “light will always triumph over darkness, and love will conquer fear”.
He also appealed for peaceful coexistence and mutual respect among Nigerians of all faiths, expressing hope that the message of Christ’s victory would inspire harmony and goodwill nationwide
Also, Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has rejoiced with Nigerians, particularly Christian faithful in the State as they celebrate this year’s Easter.
Sanwo-Olu, in an Easter message issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, urged Lagos residents, particularly Christians, to emulate virtues of humility, perseverance and compassion of Jesus Christ, which made Him die on the cross for the atonement of our sins and reconciling us with God.
He also implored Christians to continue to live in peace, love and harmony with believers in other faiths, noting that good neighbourliness, selflessness, patience, and love were among the several lessons taught and exemplified by our Lord Jesus Christ.
He said: “Today, I wish all Lagosians and Christians across the country and other parts of the world a Happy Easter as we remember the sacrifice and love of Jesus towards mankind.
“As we commemorate the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, I want Lagosians and Nigerians in general to make togetherness and unity of the country the central goal of our nationality.
“Let us all emulate the virtues of Jesus Christ by simply impacting the lives of friends, colleagues, associates, neighbours and family members, as well as contributing to the growth and development of our dear Lagos State and Nigeria.”
Also, Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo state has extended warm greetings and heartfelt best wishes to all residents of the state, both at home and in the diaspora, on the joyous occasion of Easter.
In his message, Governor Okpebholo reflected on the profound significance of Easter, marking the triumph of hope over despair and the power of sacrifice and renewal. He emphasized that the spirit of Easter resonates deeply with the values of unity, love, and resilience that define the people of Edo State.
He said, “As we celebrate this sacred season, let us be reminded of the enduring lessons of Easter: the importance of compassion, forgiveness, and the unwavering belief in a brighter future.
“Just as Easter signifies a new beginning, so too do we, as a State, continue to strive for progress, development, and a more prosperous future for all our citizens.”
The Governor acknowledged the challenges that the State has faced and continues to navigate, and he drew inspiration from the Easter story, which underscores the possibility of overcoming adversity through faith and collective effort.
He reiterated his administration’s unwavering commitment to good governance, sustainable development, and the well-being of every Edo son and daughter.
“This Easter, let us rededicate ourselves to the ideals of peace, harmony, and mutual respect. Let us strengthen the bonds that unite us and work together to build the Edo State of our dreams – a State where opportunity thrives, and every citizen can reach their full potential,” Governor urged.
He further encouraged all Edo residents to use this festive period to spend quality time with family and loved ones, to extend a hand of kindness to those in need, and to reflect on the blessings in their lives.
On behalf of the Edo State Government, Governor Monday Okpebholo wishes all citizens a happy and peaceful Easter celebration.
Also,Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has extended warm Easter greetings to Christians across the state, Nigeria and the world at large.
Governor Oborevwori in a felicitation message by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, emphasized the importance of Easter as a time for reflection, renewal, and hope, and called on Christ to embrace the virtues of love, sacrifice, and unity exemplified by Jesus Christ.
The Governor urged Christians to use the occasion to pray for the unity, peace, security, and continued progress of Delta State and the nation.
He acknowledged the resilience of Nigerians amidst socio-economic challenges, and expressed the confidence in the strength of the people to overcome adversity through faith and positive collective efforts.
“On behalf of my family, the government and people of Delta State, I congratulate Christians all over the world as we celebrate 2025 Easter.
“As we celebrate the resurrection of Christ, let us renew our commitment to building a more just, united, and prosperous society,” the governor said.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to delivering good governance, promoting social welfare, and creating opportunities for all Deltans.
However, Ebonyi state Governor , Chief Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru has called on Christians to treat one another with compassion as exemplified by Jesus Christ as chirstians observe easter celebrations.
In his Easter Message, the Governor Observed that Jesus Christ in a bid to save mankind made sacrifices, urging Christians to recommit themselves to love God and shun sinful life styles
“Easter marks the end of Lent, a period of sacrifice which has brought hope, joy, renewal and rebirth to mankind.
The resurrection of Jesus Christ reminds us that even in the face of trials, light will always triumph over darkness, and hope over despair”.
“Let me passionately appeal to the public spirited individuals to use this period of Easter to extend helping hands to the less privileged ones around them”
The Governor also urged Nigerians to use the period to offer prayers to God for peace and progress of the Nation.
He assured that his administration will continue to initiate and implement policies and projects that will impact positively on the lives of the people while directing security Agencies to intensify efforts to ensure a hitch free celebration
“As a state, we have had our own challenges, but together, with faith and unity, we will continue to rise and progress toward the fulfillment of the social contract evidenced in the execution of the People’s Charter of Needs Agenda”
Similarly, The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has urged Nigerians to embrace peace, hope, patience, sacrifice, and resilience, which are some of the priceless values and virtues demonstrated in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ as the party rejoices with the people, especially Christians, on the joyous occasion of Easter celebration.
In a statement issued on Sunday and signed by the National Publicity Secretary, Barrister Felix Morka, the All Progressives Congress (APC) described Easter, as “the joyful end of the Lenten season of fasting and penitence, which is core to the Christain faith as it commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ and symbolizes God’s eternal triumph over death and the power of light over darkness.
“As we celebrate, we enjoin Nigerians to embrace peace, hope, patience, sacrifice, and resilience, which are some of the priceless values and virtues inherent in Jesus’ death and resurrection.
“We join Christians in prayer that the transformative blessings of Easter abide with all Nigerians, strengthen President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in his determination to tackle and overcome outstanding socio-economic challenges confronting our nation.”
While wishing Nigerians a happy Easter celebration, the party prayed that “the worthy examples of Jesus Christ should inspire us to extend love and kindness to the needy and less-privileged as we remain steadfast in prayer for peace, security, unity and sustained progress of our beloved nation.
And may God continue to bless and protect our troops in the frontlines as they defend our freedoms and our homeland.”
Also, Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has acknowledged the role of the Christian community and its leaders in engendering peace in the state through prayers.
Speaking at his country home in Sampou community when he hosted leaders and pastors of different denominations on Easter Sunday, Governor Diri said the prayers of Christians were pivotal to the peace of the state.
He said he was blessed to be surrounded by Christian leaders who speak truth to power, stressing that his constant interactions with them encouraged him to put in his best in the service of the state.
He noted that having hosted a similar meeting with the Muslim community during the recent Eid-el-Fitr, he also had to meet with Christians and that the day was significant as it defined the Christian faith.
The Bayelsa helmsman appealed to the Christian leaders not to relent in their prayers for his administration and the state and assured them of his unrelenting diligent service.
His words: “Today (Easter Sunday) is the reason we are all Christians. On behalf of your government and the people of the state, I welcome you and wish you happy Easter celebration.
“I had met with the Muslim leaders and it is incumbent I also meet with you. I am honoured to see our Christian leaders across the state here.
“I believe that I am blessed because of the Christian leaders around me that speak truth to power. You pray for this government and nothing can be better than that. Your prayers and support for this government are overwhelming and we will continue to work not to disappoint you.”
Earlier, the Special Special Adviser on Religion, Rev. Godspower Asingba, thanked the governor for hosting the Christian community to an Easter lunch.
He expressed gratitude to the governor for his love towards the Christian community and prayed to God to continue to strengthen him in his service to the state.
In separate remarks, Bishop Bob Manuel and Mrs Grace Iyabi highlighted some of the development strides of the governor such as the ongoing stadium and civil servant secretariat projects, procurement of gas turbines for the state’s independent power supply, the New Yenagoa City as well as numerous road projects across the state as evidence of his love for people of the state and thanked him for his generosity towards the Christian community.
Also, the state chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Rev. Fr. Joseph Obelema, said the Christian community will continue to pray for the administration’s success and for the governor to finish his tenure well.
However, The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Abeokuta, Most Rev. Peter Odetoyinbo, has commended the Federal Government for its efforts in addressing the numerous challenges facing the country.
Odetoyinbo gave the commendation in his Easter message on Sunday in Abeokuta.
He, however, said more needed to be done to tackle issues such as hunger, insecurity, kidnapping, insurgency, and other forms of criminality affecting the nation.
The bishop praised the commitment of security agencies and acknowledged the sacrifices made by security personnel in the country.
“We appreciate the efforts of government to confront the myriads of problems confronting our nation.
“We advocate that more needs to be done to address hunger, insecurity, kidnapping, insurgency and other forms of criminality in our country, ” he said
Odetoyinbo urged the government to continue providing the necessary support and tools to security agencies to enhance their operations.
Reflecting on the significance of Easter, the clergyman called on Nigerians to hold on to hope and remain steadfast in their faith.
“God triumphed over sin and death by raising Jesus Christ from the dead and paying the price for our sins.
“This is our joy in celebrating the Easter festivities,” he said.
The bishop also stressed the importance of showing love and support to one another, particularly with the current economic hardships.
“In our engagement as a Church with people at the grassroots, we try to attend to some of their needs within our means, but more effort is needed considering the adverse effects of the economy.
“The little acts of love and encouragement we give to one another can restore hope in our brothers and sisters.
“Let us be sensitive and interested in the well-being of one another as we look to the future with hope, ” he said.
