The Rt. Revd. Dr. Ifedola Senasu Gabriel Okupevi, FICAT Diocesan Bishop of Lagos Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion).
In celebration of the Easter, the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) said the resurrection of Christ offers a powerful antidote to the numerous challenges facing Nigerians.
This was contained in a statement signed by Diocesan Bishop of Lagos, the Rt. Revd. Dr. Ifedola Okupevi, noting there is always the possibility of new beginnings.
The statement read in part, “Dear People of God, today, we celebrate Easter- the most profound event in human history—the resurrection of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. It is a moment that stands at the very heart of our Christian faith and inspires hope for all humanity.
“This glorious event is not merely a historical fact; it is the cornerstone of our faith. If Christ did not rise from the dead, then our faith is in vain, our hope is lost, and our witness to the world is meaningless (1 Corinthians 15:14). But thanks be to God, who has validated our hope by raising Jesus from the grave. Alleluia!
“This is a living reality that shapes our present and future. It is the ultimate testament to God’s unwavering love and His boundless power over death and despair. The empty tomb stands as a beacon of hope, reminding us that even in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges, there is always the possibility of new beginnings, of resurrection, of renewal.
“The resurrection calls us to embrace hope in the midst of despair, to persevere through adversity, and to never lose faith in the face of darkness. It calls us to believe in the power of redemption, to forgive as we have been forgiven, and to extend compassion to others. In the context of our beloved nation, Nigeria, these lessons take on profound significance.”
He further stated, “As Nigerians, we face numerous challenges—corruption, poverty, insecurity, and division. But the resurrection of Christ offers a powerful antidote to these ills —we must not succumb to despair. Instead, we must draw strength from our faith, from the hope of a brighter future, and from the unwavering love of God. We must work together to overcome these challenges, to build a nation where justice, peace, and prosperity reign supreme.
“Let us rise above the divisions that plague our society, embracing the transformative power of forgiveness and reconciliation. Let us reject violence and embrace dialogue, seeking common ground and working together to build a more just and equitable society. Let us emulate the selfless love and sacrifice of Christ, extending compassion to all, regardless of their background or beliefs.
“This Easter, let us renew our commitment to these values. Let us allow the hope of the resurrection to inspire us to work towards a better Nigeria—a nation where justice, peace, and prosperity prevail. Let us be agents of transformation, extending love, forgiveness, and hope to all those around us. Let the light of the resurrection shine brightly in our lives and illuminate our path towards a brighter future.
“As we rejoice in the message of the Resurrection, let us also pray for our nation; that the peace of Christ will reign in Nigeria, guiding our leaders and empowering us to better our society together.”
For a better society
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