President Bola Tinubu and Prominent Nigerians Send Message of Unity and Peace for Easter
President Bola Tinubu, along with his wife and First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, and other notable Nigerians, have delivered a message of unity and peace to the nation during the Easter period. This message comes as Nigeria continues to grapple with various security challenges, including terrorism and banditry. The President emphasized that foreign partnerships are playing a crucial role in addressing these issues and urged citizens to remain hopeful and united.
In his 2026 Easter message, released on Good Friday, President Tinubu acknowledged the efforts made so far but highlighted that insecurity remains a pressing concern in certain parts of the country. He stated that his administration is committed to providing resources and forging international alliances to combat the threats posed by terrorists and bandits. The President also praised the sacrifices of the Armed Forces, recognizing the risks their personnel take to protect the nation.
Despite the ongoing challenges, President Tinubu expressed optimism about the progress being made, citing assurances from security officials. He referenced his recent visit to Plateau State, where he offered support to those affected by violence and pledged renewed efforts to restore peace in the region. The leaders of the nation’s security institutions have provided strong assurances of progress, according to the President.
In addition to addressing security concerns, President Tinubu called for political maturity as the country moves toward the 2027 general elections. He emphasized the importance of the Electoral Act guiding the conduct of political parties and actors, urging Nigerians to prioritize peace, stability, and national interest in their political choices. Democracy, he noted, thrives when responsibility, restraint, and informed participation prevail.
First Lady Encourages Compassion and Reflection
In her own Easter message titled “Blessed Hope in Christ’s Resurrection,” the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, encouraged Nigerians to extend compassion to vulnerable members of society. She stressed that Easter symbolizes sacrifice, love, and hope, urging Christians to reflect the virtues demonstrated by Jesus Christ. The season, she said, should inspire collective efforts toward a peaceful and prosperous nation.
Religious Leaders and Community Figures Join the Call for Unity
The Emir of Ilorin and Chairman of the Kwara State Traditional Rulers Council, Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, also extended his greetings to Christians, describing Easter as a reminder of sacrifice, forgiveness, and hope. In a statement issued by his spokesman, he emphasized the importance of these lessons in building a peaceful and progressive society. Sulu-Gambari urged Nigerians to embrace unity and uphold the long-standing tradition of religious harmony in the Ilorin Emirate.
Similarly, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Wahab Egbewole, called on Christians to reflect on the significance of Christ’s sacrifice and its relevance to national development. He noted the coincidence of Ramadan and Lent this year, highlighting it as a powerful symbol of unity among adherents of different faiths.
Calls for Tolerance and Peaceful Coexistence
The Ansar-ud-Deen Society of Nigeria urged Nigerians to embrace tolerance and peaceful coexistence. In a statement signed by its National President, Adeniji Kazeem, the society emphasized that Easter provides an opportunity for reflection on shared values. They called on citizens, regardless of faith or background, to promote understanding and unity.
In Kwara State, the Anglican Bishop of Kwara Diocese, Sunday Adewole, urged Christians to embrace forgiveness as a cornerstone of peaceful coexistence. Delivering a Good Friday sermon in Ilorin, Adewole said many societal conflicts could be resolved through genuine reconciliation. He advised parents to guide their children with positive words and values, while encouraging youths to take responsibility for their families.
Christian Leaders Lament Attacks and Call for Action
Meanwhile, the Forum of Northern Christians, also known as the Northern Christian Association, has decried the persistent wave of violent attacks across Northern Nigeria. In a statement issued on Friday, the Forum’s Chairman, Rev. Joseph Hayab, and Secretary-General, Bishop Mohammed Naga, expressed concern over the impact of these attacks on Easter celebrations. They condemned recent incidents in Jos, Plateau State, and parts of Kaduna State, which left several people dead and many injured.
The Forum warned that the continued cycle of violence risks normalizing insecurity and eroding public confidence in the government’s capacity to safeguard lives and property. It called on the Federal Government and security agencies to take decisive, sustained action to end the violence and ensure accountability.
Ex-Lawmaker Urges Policy Changes for National Development
A former member of the National Assembly, Dr Farah Dagogo, has urged governments at all levels to embrace the core lessons of Easter by implementing policies that alleviate the suffering of Nigerians. Dagogo, who represented Degema-Bonny Federal Constituency in the 9th Assembly, highlighted the worsening economic hardship and insecurity faced by citizens. He listed key challenges such as the removal of fuel subsidy, rising inflation, high electricity tariffs, unemployment, and the escalating cost of living.
Dagogo called on leaders to reflect on the sacrifices symbolized by Easter and translate them into people-oriented policies that promote unity, economic relief, and national development.
