SENATE President Godswill Akpabio has urged Nigerians to embrace peaceful coexistence, tolerance and mutual respect, regardless of faith or ethnicity.
Akpabio gave the advice in an Easter message issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Eseme Eyiboh, in Abuja on Saturday.
The Senate President urged all Christians to reflect on the values of love and peaceful coexistence as they celebrate the sacred feast of Easter.
“On behalf of my family, my constituents, the Senate, and the National Assembly, I extend my warmest Easter greetings to all Christians in Nigeria and around the world.
“As we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, let us reflect on the values of love, peace, and unity that His message embodies.
“Let us work together to build a nation where everyone can live together in peace, harmony and prosperity,” he said.
House Speaker
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Honourable Abbas Tajudeen, and his Deputy, Honourable Benjamin Kalu, on Saturday, also congratulated Nigerian Christians as they celebrate Easter.
The Speaker, in his Easter message issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Abdullahi Krishi, urged Christians to observe and emulate the teachings of Jesus Christ, whom he described as a “perfect role model for all.”
He also enjoined Christians to continue to pray for Nigeria and the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu even after the Lent period.
The Speaker noted that prayers have indeed attracted divine intervention to socio-economic, political, and religious issues that have torn other nations apart.
Speaker Tajudeen noted that Easter signifies sacrifice, selflessness, obedience, and love, stressing that these are virtues that Nigerians should imbibe for the peace and stability of the country.
Also, Kalu called on Nigerians to embrace hope, unity, and a shared sense of humanity as Christians across the nation commemorate the Easter season.
He described the celebration as a powerful reminder of sacrifice, renewal, and the triumph of hope over despair, urging citizens to reflect deeply on the enduring values symbolised by the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
The lawmaker urged Christians and indeed, all Nigerians to continue praying for the nation and for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, assuring that the country will overcome its socio-economic challenges.
Makinde
Similarly, Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde, urged Christians within the state and across Nigeria to reflect on and practise the virtues of love and sacrificial living demonstrated by Jesus Christ through His death and resurrection, as they mark the Easter celebration.
He also emphasised the importance of continuous prayers for Oyo State, Nigeria, and the nation’s leadership, especially at this crucial time.
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The governor made this appeal on Saturday in his Easter message, which was signed by his Special Adviser on Media, Dr Sulaimon Olanrewaju, and made available to journalists. He congratulated Christians on the successful completion of the 40-day Lenten season and the celebration of Easter.
Makinde described Easter as a symbol of God’s immense love for humanity, shown through the suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. He noted that the season teaches selflessness, love, and the importance of making sacrifices for others.
Oyebanji
Ekiti State governor, Biodun Oyebanji, felicitated Christians in the State and Nigeria on the occasion of this year’s Easter celebration.
The governor, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode, said the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, which is the essence of the Easter celebration, remains the greatest sacrifice for the redemption of mankind, which should be cherished.
He urged Christians to emulate Christ’s virtues of humility, love, perseverance and compassion.
The governor implored Ekiti residents and Nigerians, especially Christians, to use the Easter celebration to seek the face of God in prayer for continuous peace, progress and prosperity in Ekiti State and Nigeria as a whole.
Oyebanji also solicited prayers from the people of the State and other Nigerians for a peaceful and successful conduct of the June 20 governorship election in Ekiti.
He admonished governorship aspirants, party leaders, other politicians and their supporters to conduct themselves in a peaceful and orderly manner before, during and after the election, stressing that “Ekiti interest supersedes personal and partisan interests.”
While thanking Christians in the State for their support for the administration, the governor urged them to continue to live in peace and harmony with adherents of other religions, noting that good neighbourliness, selflessness, and patience were among the lessons taught and exemplified by Jesus Christ.
Sanwo-Olu
Likewise, Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, urged residents of the state to embrace the lessons of the Lenten season by showing love, gratitude, tolerance and commitment to peaceful coexistence.
Sanwo-Olu gave the advice in his Easter message to Lagos State residents, issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Gboyega Akosile, on Saturday.
The governor congratulated Christians on the successful completion of their 40-day Lenten fast.
He said the season of Lent, which came shortly after Ramadan, offered Nigerians a unique opportunity for reflection, sacrifice, spiritual renewal and appreciation of God’s blessings.
“As we come to the end of the Lenten season and enter the Easter celebration, it is my wish that all the lessons learnt during the period of fasting will continue to reflect in our daily lives,” he said.
Oborevwori
Also, Delta State governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, extended warm Easter greetings to Christians across Delta State and Nigeria, urging them to remain steadfast in their faith and committed to the teachings of Jesus Christ.
Governor Oborevwori, in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, emphasised that Easter represents a season of hope, sacrifice, and renewal, reminding believers of the triumph of light over darkness and life over death through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
He called on Christians to draw inspiration from the virtues of love, humility, perseverance, and selflessness exemplified by Jesus Christ, noting that such values are essential for building a more united, peaceful, and prosperous society.
Governor Oborevwori said: “This sacred season reminds us of the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, His triumphant resurrection, and the eternal hope it brings to humanity.
“As we commemorate the resurrection of our Lord, let us also renew our commitment to building a state and a nation where peace, justice, and brotherhood prevail,” he said.
Fayemi
Former Ekiti State governor, Kayode Fayemi, equally joined other leaders to call on Nigerians to embrace sacrifice, resilience and unity as they celebrate Easter amidst prevailing national challenges.
Fayemi made the call in an Easter message issued on Saturday in Abuja by his media office, urging citizens to draw strength from the significance of the season.
He described Easter as a symbol of triumph over adversity, noting that the resurrection of Jesus Christ offers enduring lessons for Nigeria’s current situation.
According to him, the country’s economic and security challenges, though daunting, are not insurmountable when approached with faith, unity and collective resolve.
“Easter is more than a religious ritual; it is a powerful story of hope, renewal and victory over despair,” Fayemi said.
Catholic Archbishop of Lagos
Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, Most Reverend Adewale Martins, on Saturday, also appealed to Nigeria’s political leaders to do more to address security challenges and protect the citizens.
Martins also urged Nigerians to place their faith in God for His intervention.
The archbishop made the appeal in his Easter message to Nigerians on Saturday.
He said that the country was undergoing challenges that required more effort and sacrifice to tackle.
“We are aware of the harsh economic realities. Persistent threats to our security have sown seeds of fear and anxiety.
“I acknowledge these trials, and I carry the weight of your collective groaning in my prayers, knowing that the path many of you walk is one of immense sacrifice and endurance.
“It is precisely in this context of suffering and uncertainty that the message of Easter speaks most powerfully,” he said.
Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation
The Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation similarly extended Easter greetings to Christians across Nigeria, calling for renewed commitment to unity, peace and national cohesion.
In a goodwill message issued on Saturday in Kaduna, the foundation’s Director-General, Abubakar Gambo Umar, described Easter as a sacred season that offers an opportunity for spiritual renewal and reflection.
He said the period should inspire Nigerians to strengthen their faith and recommit themselves to righteousness and collective progress.
“As we rejoice in this glorious occasion, let us use this period for deep reflection on the urgent need to foster unity, peace and harmony among all Nigerians,” he said.
Umar emphasised that despite differences in religion, culture and social background, Nigerians share a common destiny and must work together to build a stronger nation.
NLC
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) urged Nigerian leaders to embrace sacrificial governance in line with the spirit of Easter.
NLC President, Mr Joe Ajaero, made the call in an Easter message issued on Saturday in Abuja, felicitating Nigerian workers and citizens on the occasion.
Ajaero said the season symbolised sacrifice, love and redemption, noting that the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ reflected selfless service for the good of humanity.
According to him, governance should not be driven by personal gain but by commitment to the welfare of the people.
“The sacrifice of Christ was for the redemption of mankind, not personal benefit. Leaders must therefore see governance as a platform for service, not accumulation of wealth,” he said.
The NLC president said Nigerian workers were bearing undue burdens, including rising transportation costs, poor electricity supply and insecurity.
He described the high cost of transportation as a major strain on workers’ income, adding that the persistent power crisis had crippled businesses and worsened living conditions.
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