The President of the Nigerian Baptist Convention (NBC), Rev. Israel Akanji, has urged the Federal Government to take more decisive actions in addressing the prevailing insecurity and socioeconomic challenges in the country.

Akanji made the call in an interview with the Newsmen in Abuja on the occasion of the Easter celebrations. The cleric decried the recurring instances of violence and killings across the country, describing such acts as the “direct opposite” of the message of Easter.

He charged political leaders to allow the spirit of the season to guide governance, stressing the need to prioritise the welfare of citizens to prevent the country from sinking. ”Jesus came to save us from the powers of darkness and to make us children of God. We too should be willing to bring people out of their penury, challenges, and difficulties. ”What we are seeing in Nigeria now, where people are killed and attacked in broad daylight, is not complimentary at all.

“Easter is meant to give life, hope, and feelings of joy to all mankind,” he said. The NBC president further called on Nigerians to embrace sacrificial living and peaceful coexistence, noting that such virtues are essential for national growth and development. He said that the essence of Easter lay in the lessons of sacrifice, compassion, forgiveness, and hope, as exemplified by the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

”The victory of Jesus on the cross makes us know that if He can be victorious over death, He can also be victorious over every other thing. ”

As Christians, we believe the victory of Jesus over death calls for celebration because, by victory, we know that Christ is alive and interceding for us,” the cleric said. On the activities of the Church, Akanji said that the 113th Annual Session of the NBC would hold from April 18 to April 23 in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

He said the convention, with the theme, “Entering into Newness through the Fruit and Gifts of the Holy Spirit,” would take place at the Baptist International Convention Centre (BICC), Kubwa, Abuja. According to him, the session will feature biblical teachings, presentation of annual accountability reports, and intensive prayers for the nation and its leadership.