As Christians worldwide commemorate Easter, a message of peace and unity has resonated across Nigeria with former President Goodluck Jonathan; Governors of Katsina, Dikko Radda, Niger, Alhaji Mohammed Bago, and Bauchi, Bala Mohammed, FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike joining religious leaders on Friday, in urging citizens to embrace harmony and national cohesion.
Jonathan urged Christians and other Nigerians to leverage the lessons of Christ’s resurrection and imbibe the message of hope and victory over the nation’s current challenges.
In his 2025 Easter message, Jonathan encouraged Nigerians to remain positive and draw strength from Christ’s love and sacrificial death for humanity and his gift of salvation.
He reminded leaders to be selfless and embrace the virtues of servanthood, sacrifice and passion for service as exemplified by Jesus Christ.
The former President stated: “I join millions of Christians around the world to commemorate Good Friday. This day reminds us all of the sacrificial death of Christ for humanity and His gift of salvation and redemption to all believers.
“This moment reminds Christians of servanthood and passion of service, as exemplified by Jesus Christ, who died to save humanity from sin and reconcile all to God.
“At Easter, we reflect on the power of Christ’s love, the gift of righteousness and the triumph of hope over despair and every challenge in life. The death and resurrection of Christ on the Cross awakens us to the boundless love of God towards us; a reminder of the possibilities faith in God offers to us on earth.
“I urge all citizens to be encouraged by the story of the resurrection of Christ and the lessons of hope and victory that are contained in it. Let us be reminded about the purpose of salvation and the essence of mercy and the triumphing power of faith and hope over all circumstances.
Addressing leaders in the country, Jonathan stated: “This moment points us to the virtues of servanthood, sacrifice and passion for service. Let us recommit to pursuing peace and justice for all.”
He said further: “As a people, let this season renew our faith, strengthen our hope and guarantee us peace. Let us continue to imbibe and pursue these virtues and work towards building a nation of peace, unity and love.”
Similarly, Governor Radda also extended warm wishes to the Christian faithful across his State.
In his message, Radda noted the significance of Easter as a season of renewal, hope, and reflection on the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
“Easter reminds us of the power of sacrifice, forgiveness, and redemption–principles that can guide us all as we work together to build a more prosperous and harmonious Katsina,” a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed, quoted him to have said.
The Governor recognised the invaluable contributions of the Christian community to the peace, unity, and development of Katsina State.
Radda also urged all residents to use the Easter period as an opportunity to pray for Katsina and Nigeria, strengthening bonds of friendship and cooperation across religious lines.
In the same vein, Governor Bago tasked Christians across the country to pray for the nation’s political leaders.
Bago in his Easter message said fervent prayers would ensure the leaders succeed in the tasks of administering the country and delivery of dividends of democracy to the citizenry.
In the statement signed on his behalf by his Chief Press Secretary Bologi Ibrahim, the Governor said, “the people should pray that God will guide government officials at all levels and give them wisdom to serve humanity better.”
He reassured that his administration would leave no stone unturned in ensuring that the New Niger agenda is achieved for the benefit of all.
Describing Easter as “the foundation of the Christian faith” and “the most important celebration in Christianity,”Bago asked the faithful to celebrate with decorum by also avoiding things that could drag the image of the religion in the mud
Bauchi State Governor, Senator Mohammed, also extended greetings and felicitations to Christians in the State.
The Governor stressed the need for citizens of the State to embrace the values of peace, love, humility, honesty, and selflessness, virtues, which he noted transcend religious boundaries and are essential for societal harmony and development.
Governor Mohammed who stated this in his a goodwill message through his Media Aide, Mukhtar Gidado, to mark the Good Friday and Easter Monday celebrations in the State, described the Easter season as a time for deep spiritual reflection and a solemn reminder of the virtues of sacrifice, redemption, and hope exemplified by the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.
“This season calls for sober reflection. Let us examine how we live, how we treat one another, and how we can become better citizens and a more united people. May we find the strength to forgive, the courage to reconcile, and the resolve to walk in love and peace,” he said
He urged citizens to protect the unity of the state, rise above political, ethnic, and religious differences, and embrace their shared identity and common destiny.
On the issue of security, Governor Mohammed reassured residents of his administration’s sustained efforts to maintain peace and order throughout the State.
According to him, “As a resilient people. I am confident that we will overcome this difficult period, stronger and more united.”
Wike felicitated residents of the FCT on the joyous celebration of Easter, saying the season was a time that reminds Christians of the timeless virtues of compassion, sacrifice, and forgiveness.
He noted that these virtues, embodied by Jesus Christ, are not only central to the Christian faith but are values all should strive to uphold in daily lives.
He reminded FCT residents that as the nation’s capital and the symbol of collective unity, the FCT occupies a unique place in the heart of the country. He urged them to continue to be the example of peaceful coexistence, mutual respect, and harmonious living.
“I therefore urge all residents to embrace the spirit of Easter by showing love to one another, being our brother’s keeper, and fostering an environment where unity, tolerance, and understanding prevail.
“Let us also use this season to offer special prayers for our dear President, His Excellency Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR and all our leaders at every level. May God Almighty continue to guide them in the pursuit of the Renewed Hope Agenda for a better, more prosperous Nigeria,” he said.
He entreated all residents to continue supporting and cooperating with the Administration by fulfilling their civic responsibilities, particularly in tax payment and compliance with government regulations, noting their contributions is key in funding the infrastructure, services, and development of required projects.
Meanwhile, the Pernod Ricard Nigeria, in collaboration with the Lagos State Command of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the National Union of Road Transport Workers and other stakeholders, conducted an enlightenment campaign on the necessity of road safety and why drivers should abstain from alcohol while driving.
Speaking during the road safety campaign with the theme: “Don’t Drink and Drive Campaign ‘Safe Roads,’” the Lagos State Sector Commander, FRSC, Corps Commander Kehinde G. Hamzat, said it was important to educate motorists on the need to maintain their vehicles and avoid drinking alcohol and driving.
Hamzat said: “There is need to let members of the public know that they should not drink alcohol and drive so that they will never remember the day their breadwinner is no more as a result of careless driving under the influence of alcohol.”
The Managing Director of Pernod Ricard Nigeria (PRN), Mr. Michael Ehindero, said his company sponsored the town hall meeting because it considered road safety as a shared responsibility that called for shared commitment.
Ehindero, said the company believed that partnering with key stakeholders in road safety, including the media, would get its message on road safety across to motorists and help to reduce road accidents.
He identified driving under the influence of alcohol, also known as drink-driving, as a major risk factor that causes road accidents.
“It is against this background that we, Pernod Ricard Nigeria, a subsidiary of Pernod Ricard, a worldwide producer of wines and spirits, have decided to launch this initiative,” that was aimed at helping drivers and other road users to understand the negative effects of drink-driving, and why they should promote responsible and positive choices during this festive season.
Speaking in the same vein, the Lagos State Commander of NDLEA, Commandant Abubakar Liman Wali, said the event was in line with the agencies’ major responsibility of educating members of the public to abstain from drug abuse, which includes alcohol.
Wali, who was represented by the Assistant Commander of NDLEA, Ms. Stella Amechi, described drugs as any substance whose consumption could change a person’s mood.
He said: “Let us work hand in hand to ensure that all efforts are directed against drug abuse.”
Deji Elumoye, Chuks Okocha, Olawale Ajimotokan, Dike Onwuamaeze, Laleye Dipo and Segun Awofadeji
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