By Laide Akinboade, Abuja

Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), on Sunday, commemorated with all Christians in Nigeria and across the world.This was contained in a statement issued by CAN, signed by Archbishop Daniel Okoh, President, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), in Abuja.

He said Easter is a moment of deep spiritual significance as we commemorate the resurrection of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. He added, Easter stands as the cornerstone of faith, reminding us of the ultimate sacrifice made by Jesus Christ for the redemption of humanity. His resurrection is a powerful testament to the might of God, offering us hope, forgiveness, and the promise of eternal life.He said, “As Apostle Paul affirms in 1 Corinthians 15:14: ‘And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith.’ This verse encapsulates the essence of Easter and the very foundation of our belief. Let us reflect on this divine mystery and renew our commitment to living in accordance with His teachings”.In Nigeria, Easter is not only a religious observance but also a vibrant cultural celebration. From the colourful parades in the streets of Lagos to the solemn processions in the villages of the North, some of which begin with the waving of palm branches a week before, this period reveals the rich blend of the nation’s diverse expressions of faith and tradition. It is a time when families gather, communities unite, and our rich cultural heritage is showcased through music, dance, and festive gatherings. These celebrations beautifully reflect both our faith and our shared identity.”We remain mindful of the many challenges faced by our brothers and sisters in Christ, especially in regions where they endure persecution for their beliefs. Yet, even in the face of adversity, the spirit of Easter endures. It reminds us that, just as Christ rose from the dead, we too can rise above trials through faith, resilience, and unity. The resurrection affirms that light will always triumph over darkness, and love will conquer fear. Let us draw strength from this truth and continue to support one another in faith.”I urge all Christians to use this Easter season as a time for deep reflection, earnest prayer, and spiritual renewal. Let us strengthen our bonds of fellowship, extend compassion to those in need, and strive to build a more just and caring society. This Easter, let us be intentionoal in acts of kindness and charity, reaching out to the marginalised and the suffering. Let us also promote dialogue and reconciliation, working towards greater unity within our communities and across the nation. In the spirit of Easter, may we reach out to neighbours of other faiths, fostering mutual respect and peaceful coexistence. May this season be one of harmony and goodwill for all Nigerians. May it inspire us to live out the values of love, peace, and forgiveness in our everyday lives”.

The Catholic Archbishop of Abuja Archdiocese, Most Rev. Ignatius Kaigama, has called on Nigerians to embrace Easter as a time for renewed hope, unity and collective action in the face of national challenges.Kaigama made the call in his Easter message on Sunday in Abuja, as he reflected on the significance of Christ’s resurrection.

He said Easter was a reminder of the triumph of life and love over death and despair, stressing the need for Nigerians to draw strength from the message of the season. “As we commemorate Jesus’ triumphant resurrection, I extend heartfelt greetings to all Nigerians.“This sacred season reminds us of the sacrificial love of Jesus Christ, who bore the weight of humanity’s sins on the cross and conquered death to offer us eternal hope, ” he said.The cleric described Good Friday as a symbol of suffering and sacrifice, while Easter Sunday affirms life, resurrection, and redemption.He urged citizens to reflect not only on their personal lives but also on the state of the nation, calling for courage, compassion and unity.Kaigama expressed sadness over recent violence in Uromi, Edo State, and the continued killings in the Plateau, mourning the loss of innocent lives and destruction of communities.“Our celebration is tempered by grief over the senseless bloodshed and insecurity that continue to plague our country,” he said.He called for a sincere and coordinated response to the insecurity, urging both government and citizens to reject violence and work together for peace.The Archbishop also decried the rising hunger and economic hardship in the country, stressing the need for compassion and collective action to ensure no citizen is left behind.On the political crisis in Rivers, Kaigama appealed for dialogue and restraint, reminding leaders that power is transient and must be exercised in the interest of the people.He also condemned the spate of kidnappings and attacks on clergy, warning that such acts erode the nation’s moral foundations.He cautioned political actors against inflammatory rhetoric, and enjoined them to focus on real solutions rather than divisive campaigns.“This Easter, may the risen Christ inspire us to speak out against evil, support one another, and work towards a Nigeria where human dignity and life are valued.“Let our celebration be not just of Christ’s resurrection, but of the renewal of our national spirit. May God bless Nigeria, and may peace reign in our hearts and across our land,” he said. (NAN)

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has urged Nigerians to use the Easter period to renew their hope in the assurance of God’s unfailing love and intervention in the affairs of the country and humanity.

The party, in a statement on Sunday in Abuja by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, felicitated with Nigerians on the occasion of the Easter.

Easter is the Christian celebration of the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ from the dead.

Ologunagba enjoined Nigerians to use the period of the Easter, which signifies the ultimate triumph of God’s saving grace over adverse circumstances, to reawaken their determination and hope for the much desired national rebirth as solution for the hardship, insecurity and other challenges facing the nation.

“The coming of Easter must redirect us as a nation to the imperatives of the virtues of forgiveness, forbearance and mutual respect.

“Obedience to the rule of law and love for one another without regard to sectional, tribal, religious or political considerations, as this is the only way our nation can survive this challenging time,” he said.

Ologunagba charged leaders at all levels, sectors and spheres to use the occasion for deeper introspection and rededicate themselves to a life of selfless service.

He also tasked them to the pursuit of the good of the people as exemplified in the life, teachings, sacrificial death and triumphant resurrection of Jesus Christ to bring redemption to mankind.

He advised the Federal Government to rescind its policies affecting people, while urging it to address the challenges of insecurity, hunger and economic hardship in the country.

The PDP again felicitates with Nigerians and wishes them a happy Easter celebration. (NAN)