As Easter is observed by Christians in Nigeria and across the globe to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, it has been emphasized that believers should strive for and pray for unity.
Easter is the culmination of the Holy Week, which commences with the celebration of Palm Sunday to commemorate the victorious arrival of Jesus in Jerusalem. Today, millions of Nigerians gathered in churches to participate in special services, offer prayers, and express gratitude as part of the Easter celebrations.
Calls For harmony, Peace
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has urged for peaceful coexistence and unity in the country in its Easter message. The President of CAN, Archbishop Okoh, highlighted that Nigeria has confronted various difficulties in recent years, including security threats, economic instability, and political unrest.
However, in his Easter message, he urged Nigerians to take inspiration from Christ’s resurrection and overcome these challenges, to bring about positive change and renewal in the country.
This Easter, religious leaders have called for Nigerians to unite and work towards a better Nigeria, putting aside their differences and coming together in solidarity.
President Muhammadu Buhari, state governors, and prominent figures have also emphasized the significance of the season, urging Nigerians to offer prayers for the country’s well-being and prosperity.
The President highlighted the essence of Easter, noting that it represents the victory of light over darkness, and serves as a reminder of the importance of hope and resilience in the face of challenges.
President Buhari has called on all Nigerians to maintain confidence in the country, despite the challenges it currently faces, and to embrace the renewed hope and promise of Easter.
The President emphasized the importance of love, compassion, kindness, resilience, and forgiveness in celebrating the season.
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, also celebrated with Christians across Nigeria, urging the faithful to engage in sober reflection and contemplate the significance of the resurrection of Christ during this critical period.
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, also emphasized the need for peaceful coexistence among Nigerians during his Easter message, stating that it should be a priority “now and always.
Pope Francis led the Easter mass at St Peter’s Square in The Vatican without delivering a homily as he had already given his reflections the night before. During the Easter Vigil Mass, he urged Christians to leave behind their sense of defeat and to look with confidence to the future, for Christ has risen and changed the direction of history. The Pope encouraged believers to harness the power of Easter to revive the beauty of the moment when they realized that Jesus is alive and made Him the Lord of their lives. Despite the sad circumstances surrounding Jesus’s death and resurrection, he emphasized the need to roll away the stone of the tombs in which hope is often imprisoned.