Faith and Political Leaders Call for Hope, Unity, and Collective Responsibility
As Nigerians celebrated Easter Sunday, faith and political leaders across the country called on citizens to embrace hope, unity, and collective responsibility. They emphasized that the season of resurrection offers a path to overcoming insecurity, hardship, and division in the nation.
Leading the calls, the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, expressed belief that the Easter season would usher in peace and security for the nation. He delivered his message at the Ikot Ekpene Field Major Convention of The Apostolic Church, in Ikot Obong Edong, Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State. Easter marks the end of 40 days of Lent and is observed with church services celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ three days after his crucifixion, symbolizing victory over sin and death.
A statement by the Special Assistant to the President of the Senate on Media/Communication, Anietie Ekong, quoted Akpabio as saying that the government was aware that many families were passing through moments of grief and loss due to insecurity. He added, “Just as the resurrection revealed the complete triumph of Christ, I firmly believe that soon Nigeria’s story will also reach its full and victorious conclusion: ‘Nigeria defeats insecurity, evil and fear.’ That is the hope Easter places before us.”
He continued, “It teaches us that darkness never has the final word. It reminds us that weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning. Therefore, let us reject hatred and division and embrace unity, compassion, and solidarity as one people while we await our morning. Let us renew our faith in God and in the future of our country.”
Calls for Unity and Action from Christian Associations
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) also called on Nigerians to embrace hope, unity, and collective action, declaring that the country can overcome its current challenges and “rise again.” In an Easter message issued on Sunday and signed by its president, Daniel Okoh, CAN explained that the season symbolizes renewal and offers a timely message for a nation facing hardship.
“At Easter, as we mark the resurrection of our Lord, Jesus Christ, we are reminded of a simple, enduring truth: no matter how hard life has been, rising again is always possible,” the statement read. The association noted that many Nigerians are currently facing economic and security challenges, with widespread anxiety and declining hope among citizens.
“Across the country, people are weary. Families are anxious. Many do not feel safe; others are struggling just to get by. For some, hope has grown faint. But Easter tells us this is not the end,” CAN stated. The association urged leaders at all levels to demonstrate responsibility and empathy, stressing that citizens expect tangible improvements in their lives.
Addressing National Challenges and Promoting Peace
Similarly, the Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, Ignatius Kaigama, charged Nigerians to embrace peace, reject violence, and act responsibly ahead of the 2027 general elections. In his 2026 Easter message, he said the resurrection of Christ offered renewed hope for the country despite growing socio-economic and security challenges.
He noted that Easter, which symbolizes victory over darkness and suffering, should inspire Nigerians to remain hopeful and committed to building a more just and united nation. The cleric expressed concern over worsening economic conditions, youth unemployment, insecurity, and deepening ethnic and religious divisions, describing them as realities that continue to affect the dignity and well-being of citizens across the country.
He also condemned recent attacks in parts of Plateau, Kaduna, and Taraba states, saying the killings of innocent citizens highlight the urgent need for decisive action to restore security and protect lives. “As a church, we mourn with the bereaved, stand in solidarity with the afflicted, and call urgently for decisive and just action to protect lives and restore the sanctity of human life,” he said.
Emphasizing Values and Leadership
The Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, highlighted the profound reminder of sacrifice, love, redemption, and hope for humanity during the Easter season. According to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Lekan Adeniran, the governor said, “The resurrection of Jesus Christ symbolises victory over adversity and offers renewed assurance of a better future for all.”
He emphasized that such values are essential for fostering peace, unity, and sustainable development in society. Kwara State Governor, Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq, also stressed the importance of deeper reflection on the virtues of sacrifice, resilience, unity, and love during the Easter season.
Encouraging Faith and Collective Efforts
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Prof Nentawe Yilwatda, in his Easter message, urged Nigerians to embrace the timeless values of sacrifice, hope, peace, love, and national unity. He emphasized that the nation needs men and women who will not only profess faith but also live out its values in public and private life.
The APC national chairman further called on Nigerians to use the Easter season as an opportunity to pray for the nation, its leaders, security personnel, and all those who continue to bear the burden of national service. “This is a time for prayer, reflection, and renewed hope,” he added.
Calls for Prayer and National Renewal
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, urged prayers for peace, unity, and prosperity in the nation. The royal father stated this in his Easter Message, signed by his Senior Special Assistant on International Business, Culture and Diaspora Matters (South-East Zone), Uzoma Ani. The statement read, “There is a need for Christians to continually determine to live the kind of life that Christ lived, which revolved around love, sacrifice, and integrity.”
Also, the Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Adeyemo Adejugbe, urged Nigerians to take a cue from the virtues of forgiveness, love, selflessness, and tolerance in relating with one another, exemplified by the life of Jesus Christ. The monarch said, “This season is the celebration of the promise of eternal life. I urge the well-meaning people in society to show more love and give hope to the hopeless in the spirit of the season.”
Final Thoughts on Faith and National Progress
The Labour Party urged Nigerians to remain hopeful despite prevailing challenges, calling for faith, unity, and collective responsibility as Christians celebrate Easter. The Interim National Chairman of the LP, Nenadi Usman, appealed in her Easter message titled, “Let Us Not Despair.”
She called on leaders to step up efforts to address the hardship facing citizens and urged Nigerians to reflect on the state of the nation and their individual roles in building a more united and just society.
