… Says Nigeria will overcome insecurity.
President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has enjoined Nigerians to embrace peaceful coexistence, tolerance and mutual respect, regardless of faith or ethnicity. Akpabio gave the advice in a congratulatory message, through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Hon. Eseme Eyiboh, urging 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.” Akpabio, who acknowledged that Nigeria currently faces some challenges, particularly insecurity, also appealed for understanding and commitment to National and Security Consciousness.
He said: “I want to assure Nigerians that we will overcome these difficulties through collective efforts, understanding and prayers. The president is not resting on his laurels, and the Armed Forces and all security agencies have been working relentlessly to tame the tide.
“I sympathise with families affected by the mindless attacks by terrorists and bandits across the country, especially the recent killings in Jos. I pray that the Almighty God will have mercy on those who lost their lives and console the bereaved families. “May God bless Nigeria, acquaint us with the compass of His course, help us to defeat the enemies that have declared war on our people and guide us towards a brighter future.”
Fubara preaches sacrifice, unity, reconciliation.
In a similar message, Governor Siminalayi Fubara enjoined the people of the state to imbibe the virtues of sacrifice, reconciliation and unity. Fubara urged residents of the state to emulate Jesus Christ, whose sacrifice on the Cross of Calvary brought forgiveness and reconciliation to mankind. He described Easter as a sacred season in which Christians are expected to promote peace, unity, and love. Fubara also prayed that the Easter season may bring joy, hope, and renewal to Rivers State and Nigeria. “As we celebrate Easter, I extend warm wishes to all Christians in Rivers State. The resurrection of Jesus Christ symbolises hope, renewal, and triumph over adversity. May this season bring peace, joy, and spiritual growth to our lives. May the values of love, compassion, and forgiveness guide us in our journey towards a more united and prosperous Rivers State,” he said.
Abbas, Kalu to Christians: Emulate Jesus Christ, embrace hope, unity
In a message signed on his behalf, his Special Advisor on Media and Publicity, Musa Abdullahi Krishi, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudden Abbass, 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 Abbas 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. He also called for mutual respect among people of all faiths and tribes, describing the coincidence of the 2026 Ramadan and Lent as “a divine arrangement to foster unity of purpose among Muslims and Christians in Nigeria and beyond.”
Also, the Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu called on Nigerians to embrace hope, unity, and a shared sense of humanity. Kalu 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.
He urged Christians and indeed, all Nigerians to continue praying for the nation and for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, assuring that the country will overcome its socio-economic challenges.
According to him, there is a pressing need for citizens to come together, transcending ethnic, religious, and political divides in the collective pursuit of peace, unity, and sustainable national development.
“Easter speaks to the resilience of the human spirit and the boundless power of hope. It calls on us to love one another, to stand united, and to uphold our shared humanity, especially in difficult times,” Kalu said.
Atiku felicitates Christians, tasks government on security, welfare
A message from the Media Office of former vice president and Chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, aside from felicitating Christians, called on the government, both at the national and sub-national levels, to protect the lives and property of Nigerians as enshrined in the Constitution.
He called on the government to live up to its constitutional responsibility of ensuring the security and welfare of all citizens and residents in Nigeria. He described the celebration as a season of solemn reflection, intense sacrifice, and divine love, urging Christians to use the period for deep introspection, repentance, and renewal of hope.
“Atiku encourages all Christians to emulate the selflessness, forgiveness, and compassion of Jesus Christ in their daily lives. The essence of Easter is sacrifice and love. We must seize this opportunity to show genuine love and compassion to one another,” he said.
The former Vice President also reminded the government of its primary duty under the Constitution to protect the lives and property of citizens and provide an enabling environment for all Nigerians to thrive, regardless of tribe or religion.
Forgiveness key to peaceful living, says Anglican Bishop
The Bishop of the Diocese of Kwara, Anglican Communion, Rt. Rev. Sunday Adewole has urged Christians to embrace forgiveness as a way of life to promote peaceful coexistence. Adewole advised Ilorin during a Good Friday service at the Cathedral of Saint Barnabas, Sabo-Oke.
He said that forgiveness remained central to the teachings of Jesus Christ, especially as reflected in the seven words He spoke on the cross. The Bishop, while speaking on the theme, “The way of the cross”, urged Christians to cultivate the habit of forgiving one another.
“Forgive yourself and forgive others because we cannot live together without offending one another. Husband, forgive your wife, and wife, forgive your husband,” he said.
Ooni felicitates Christians, calls for religious tolerance
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has called on Nigerians to exercise extraordinary religious tolerance as Christians celebrate the Easter season.
In a statement by the Director of Media and Public Affairs, Ooni’s Palace, Mr Moses Olafare, in Ile-Ife, Oba Ogunwusi said Easter is a significant spiritual period that symbolises sacrifice, renewal, and the triumph of hope over adversities.
The royal father noted that the celebration of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ impacted profound lessons on selflessness, forgiveness, and unwavering faith. He urged Nigerians to reflect on these virtues in their daily activities and interactions with one another.
Work collectively to address nation’s challenges – Catholic Bishop urges
The Catholic Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Most Rev. Callistus Onaga, has called on Nigerians to unite and work collectively to address the nation’s numerous challenges. In his Easter message in Enugu, Onaga urged citizens to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ with a clear conscience and renewed commitment to positive change.
He stressed that every Nigerian had a role to play in building a better society, adding that “individual actions, no matter how small, can contribute significantly to making hope a reality”.
The cleric encouraged Nigerians to draw strength from their faith and embraced the message of hope, which Easter symbolised in spite of prevailing global and local socioeconomic crises. He emphasised the need for responsible leadership, insisting that leaders must align their actions with their promises.
Glo felicitates Nigerians
Globacom, Nigeria’s wholly owned digital solutions provider, has extended a message of goodwill to all Nigerians. Globacom, in a goodwill message, commended Christians for their endurance during the fasting season and urged them to further promote the Christian values of love and peace, which are the cornerstones of the religion.
The company noted: “Christ made Himself a perfect exemplar of these tenets in the way He lived and died for mankind. We all should practice the teachings of Christ for us to enjoy a more peaceful and prosperous nation”.
“Easter reminds us of hope reborn, love unending, and the triumph of light over darkness. It teaches sacrifice, forgiveness, and the power of faith even in uncertain times”, Globacom noted, and enjoined Christians to reflect on the sacred season, and “extend kindness to others. Let the resurrection story inspire courage to rise above challenges and live purposefully”.
Archbishop Martins urges sacrificial leadership, faith
The Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, Most Rev. Adewale Martins, on Saturday, appealed to Nigeria’s political leaders to do more to address security challenges and protect the citizens more. Martins also urged Nigerians to place their faith in God for His intervention. He said that the country was undergoing challenges that required more effort and sacrifices 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.
Security tightened as police lead multi-agency patrol in Kwara
Residents of Kwara State have been assured of a safe and peaceful Easter celebration following a large-scale show of force led by the State Police Command across key parts of the State.
The operation, carried out on Saturday, was part of efforts by the Command, under the Commissioner of Police, Ojo Adekimi, to prevent crime and boost public confidence before, during and after the festive period. Security personnel drawn from multiple agencies, including the Department of State Services, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Federal Road Safety Corps and the Kwara State Road Traffic Management Agency, participated in the coordinated patrol aimed at deterring criminal activities.
The exercise, according to the State Commissioner of Police, followed directives from the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, to strengthen security presence nationwide during the Easter season. Speaking on the operation, Adekimi said the deployment of officers and equipment across strategic locations was to send a strong message that criminal elements would find no hiding place in the state.
Makinde charges Christians on sacrificial living
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, in a message signed by his Special Adviser (Media), called on Christians in the state and across Nigeria to imbibe the lessons of love and sacrificial living taught by Jesus Christ through his death and resurrection. He equally harped on the need for Christians to continue to make intercession for Oyo State, Nigeria, and the leadership of the country at this critical period.
According to the governor, Easter signifies the height of God’s love for humanity, as exemplified by Jesus Christ’s persecution, death, and resurrection, and it teaches humanity to be selfless, to love, and to make sacrifices for others. He noted that throughout the period of Christ’s trials leading to the cross and beyond, he interceded for humanity, stating that Christians must imbibe that lesson by also praying for Nigeria and the government at all levels during the Easter festival and beyond.
Obi likens Nigeria’s poor leadership to Christ’s crucifixion
Chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has encouraged Nigerians not to lose hope in the face of severe hardships in the country. Obi, in an Easter message to Nigerian Christians, said they should see the current struggles as a temporary “cross” that they must bear before the nation could experience a political and economic rebirth.
