The Diocesan Bishop of Lagos (Anglican Communion), Ifedola Senasu Gabriel Okupevi, has called on Nigerians to embrace repentance, sacrificial leadership, and renewed faith in the face of worsening economic and social challenges, declaring that the message of Good Friday offers the nation a pathway to healing and restoration.
In his 2026 Good Friday message, the cleric drew a strong parallel between the suffering of Jesus Christ and the current realities in Nigeria, where many citizens are grappling with economic hardship, insecurity, unemployment, and rising living costs.
“Many families are burdened by uncertainty and anxiety about the future… hope appears fragile,” the bishop said, noting that the nation’s struggles mirror the injustice, oppression, and tension that defined the world at the time of Christ’s crucifixion.
Speaking against the backdrop of the solemn Christian observance of Good Friday, Okupevi emphasized that the Cross remains central to the Christian faith, symbolizing a sacrifice that transcends material value and speaks directly to human suffering.
According to him, the significance of Christ’s death lies not only in redemption but in God’s identification with humanity’s pain. “The Cross assures us that God does not abandon His people in times of suffering; rather, He enters into their pain,” he stated, adding that Christ understands the plight of the oppressed and the fears of those who feel forgotten.
The bishop, however, stressed that beyond lamenting national challenges, Nigerians must confront the issue of sin and moral decay, which he described as a root cause of the country’s difficulties. He listed corruption, greed, injustice, dishonesty, and indifference as societal ills that continue to undermine national progress.
“The death of Christ invites us to turn back to God with humility and sincerity, for national transformation begins with spiritual renewal,” he said, insisting that meaningful change in society must start from individual and collective repentance.
Okupevi also used the occasion to address leadership at all levels, calling for a shift from self-serving governance to sacrificial service. Drawing from the example of Jesus Christ, he said true leadership must be anchored on love, humility, accountability, and commitment to the common good.
“Our nation today stands in great need of such sacrificial leadership… committed not to personal gain but to justice, compassion, and the welfare of all,” he added.
Despite the grim realities, the bishop struck a note of hope, reminding Christians that Good Friday is not the end of the story but a prelude to resurrection. He noted that just as the darkness of Calvary gave way to Easter morning, Nigeria’s current challenges would not have the final word.
“This is the enduring hope of the Christian faith: that God brings life out of death, light out of darkness, and victory out of apparent defeat,” he said.
He urged Christians to deepen their commitment to prayer, righteousness, and service, and to become agents of peace and truth in their communities.
“As we journey from Calvary toward the empty tomb, may the sacrifice of Christ strengthen our faith and inspire us to work for the healing of our land,” the bishop concluded, praying for God’s mercy, peace, and restoration upon the nation.
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