Religion

Oluwakayode Banjo

Senator Sharafadeen Alli (APC- Oyo South) has enjoined Christians worldwide to uphold the virtues of humility, love, selflessness and sacrificial spirit exhibited by Jesus Christ as they celebrate Easter.

This is contained in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media, Akeem Abas, and made available to newsmen on Saturday in Ibadan.

Alli emphasised the significance of Easter in the Christian calendar and its universal message of atonement, redemption, renewal, and hope.

He underscored the importance of reflecting on the profound teachings of Christ, which emphasise love, sacrifice, empathy, and compassion, particularly during these challenging times. 

“Easter embodies the core of our Christian faith, as it commemorates Jesus Christ’s ultimate sacrifice. I encourage Nigerians to remain steadfast in their devotion to God despite the challenges our nation faces.

“Just as Jesus persevered through tribulations, let us, as Christians, strive to emulate his humility, love, selflessness, and sacrificial spirit,” he said.

Alli enjoined Christians to draw inspiration from the Easter season to foster unity, understanding, and goodwill amongst people of all faiths.

He urged them to renew their commitment to promoting peace and harmony in their communities.

The lawmaker commended the resilience and steadfastness of Christians worldwide, especially in the face of adversity, seeking prayers for peace, healing and prosperity across the globe. 

Alli reiterated his commitment to championing policies and initiatives that promote religious tolerance, respect for diversity, and socio-economic development in Oyo South and beyond.

As Easter serves as a time for spiritual reflection and renewal, he urged constituents and citizens alike to use the occasion to strive towards a brighter, more inclusive future for all. 

The lawmaker urged them to rekindle their faith, strengthen their bonds of friendship and family as they commemorate the Easter festivities.

Alli wished Christians a joyous and blessed Easter celebration, filled with love, hope and the abundant grace of God.

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Religion

By Rasheedah Makinde

As Christians celebrate the victory of life over death, exemplified by the resurrection of Jesus Christ, Nigeria will triumph over her challenges.

President Bola Tinubu, who stated this in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, joined the Christian faithful to commemorate Easter, which he described as “a significant moment and a glorious celebration of the triumph of life over death.”

President Tinubu thanked Nigerians for making sacrifices for the past 10 months of his administration, affirming his commitment to steering the nation on a path of “recovery and sustainable growth”.

The statement is titled, ‘At Easter, President Tinubu celebrates with Christians; calls for unity and compassion.’

Mr Ngelale said, “The president warmly greets Christians in Nigeria and around the world on this occasion, emphasising love, sacrifice, and compassion as the patent themes of this solemn season.”

He also noted that the sacrifice of Jesus Christ for humanity is an emphatic lesson for leaders.

Therefore, President Tinubu urged Nigerians to yield to selflessness and compassion and be steadfast in the pursuit of a united, peaceful, and prosperous Nigeria.

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Religion

By Daniel Adejo

The Federal Government has declared Friday, March 29 and Monday, 1st April, as public holidays to mark the celebrations of 2024 Good Friday and Easter Monday respectively.

The minister of interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo made the declaration in a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Aishetu Ndayako.

He urged Christians and all Nigerians in general to emulate the sacrifice and love displayed by Jesus Christ in dying for the redemption of man.

According to the Minister, Easter, beyond religious significance, promotes values of love, forgiveness and compassion which are essential for social cohesion and harmony.

He called on Christians to imbibe the virtues as they are capable of impacting positively on the socio-economic development in Nigeria by fostering unity, reducing conflicts and encouraging cooperation among Nigerians.

He further urged Nigerians to show acts of charity and generosity to help alleviate the material conditions of the less privileged in society.

While wishing Christians at home and abroad a happy and blissful Easter celebration, the Minister also called on Nigerians to join hands with President Tinubu-led Administration in its determination to bring sustainable development and usher in prosperity for all.

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Lifestyle

By Dayo Adu

The Nigeria Union of Journalists, FRCN Ibadan Chapel has congratulated members on the occasion of this year’s Easter Celebration

In a press statement signed by the Chapel Chairman, Mr. Oluwakayode Banjo, the chairman rejoiced with the adherents on the successful completion of lent which culminated into Passion Week where the travails of Jesus Christ’s trial, crucifixion, death and resurrection that saved mankind from sin was reflected.

Mr Banjo, praised the passion and total commitment of members who observed the forty days fasting exercise and their dedication to their professional duties without compromise whatsoever while the spiritual exercise lasted.

  “Your passion and commitment during the 40 days of fasting were absolutely total. This exemplified your resolve to exhibit the Christ-like virtues such as the Disciples and the Apostles of faith to fortify the spiritual mind.”

“While the spiritual exercise lasted, you were dedicated to duties and discharged your professional responsibilities without any compromise whatsoever.” …Banjo added

The Chapel Chairman, who urged members to uphold the new administration in prayers for success and outstanding performance said his team had swung into action to bring back the lost members and also tackle the daunting challenges confronting members and the union as a whole.

“I enjoin all members not to lose faith in the union but hope for a virile and more prosperous NUJ FRCN Ibadan Chapel of our dream as we the executives strive to bring back the lost members and restore our dear union to its enviable height.” 

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News

By Mosope Kehinde 

The Oyo State Director of the National Orientation Agency, Mr Kayode Odedokun has urged Nigerians not to be despondent but to be full of hope as there is always a silver lining behind the dark clouds. 

The NOA Director stated this in a message released to the Press.

Mr Odedokun pointed out that the nation would surmount the challenges facing it, no matter their nature.

Mr Odedokun implored Nigerians, especially Oyo State citizens to take a leaf from Easter, which is a season that stands for the triumph of gains over pains. 

Mr Odedokun said “The new set of leadership in the country that will soon be sworn in is a testimony of hope renewal, the citizens should therefore be ready to join hands with them to move the country forward “

He adds “As we celebrate the resurrection of the Lord  Jesus, God will cancel every spirit of death at the edge of manifestation of glory in or lives and usher in new things that will turn around our lives and make the Nation  more prosperous for all”

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Religion

By Bolanle Adesida/ Funmi Adekoya/Mojisola Oladele

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has called on Christians to pray fervently for Nigeria during this Easter celebration.

In his Easter message signed by his Chief Press Secretary Mr Kunle Somorin, Governor Abiodun said all the challenges confronting the country were surmountable with prayer.

Governor Abiodun also called for sober reflection on the death of Jesus on Mount Calvary and urged Christians to celebrate with the less privileged and show love to them as exemplified by Jesus Christ.

While congratulating the Christians for witnessing another Easter, the Governor urged them to reflect on the resurrection of Jesus as a sign of God’s love.

He, however, reiterated his administration’s commitment to the delivery of good governance, adding that his government would continue to spread the dividends of democracy across the state with justice, equity and fairness.

Similarly, Secretary to the Osun State Government, Alhaji Teslim Igbalaye has called on Nigerians to take advantage of the significance of the resurrection of Jesus Christ to advance peace and commit themselves to God, in faith and in practice.

Alhaji Igbalaye, in his Easter message, congratulated Christians for the successful forty-day Lent to commemorate the atonement of sins and the salvation of mankind.

The SSG, who maintained that Easter is the hallmark of Christianity, stressed that the celebration of Christ’s resurrection and salvation offers Nigerians a great opportunity to come closer to God and promote all virtues that would enhance peace, love, unity and progress of the country.

While felicitating with the people of Osun State and all Nigerians on the Easter celebration, Alhaji Igbalaye urged them to reflect soberly and intensify prayers for God’s intervention and abiding grace, for Nigeria to fully overcome the rampaging Insecurity, Banditry Kidnapping and other challenges.

He, therefore, reiterated that Governor Ademola Adeleke’s administration will continue to serve with the fear of God and work assiduously towards the advancement of peace and development of Osun State, for the wellbeing of the people.

Also, the Speaker, Osun State House of Assembly, Mr.Timothy Owoeye, has urged Christians in the State and Nigeria to explore the spiritual opportunity derived from Easter to pray for the peace of the nation and smooth transition of government come May 29.

The Speaker in a statement by his media aide, Mr. Kunle Alabi congratulated Christians for the success of the 40 day lenten period and called for Prayers to attain a prosperous Nigeria under Asiwaju Bola Tinubu’s government.

Mr.Owoeye expressed optimism that with the incoming Tinubu-led government, Nigeria would overcome its challenges soonest. 

He advised Christians and people of other faith to believe that God will use the incoming administration to better the lots of people in critical areas of need such as insecurity, hunger, unemployment, decayed infrastructure, and corruption among others. 

According to Owoeye, “With various challenges facing the country, Nigerians must use every available opportunity to seek the face of God for peace to reign,

“What the country needs at this time are various intercessory prayers for God to use the Tinubu presidency to stabilise the country and make life meaningful for all Nigerians.”

“The season, therefore, offers us all the opportunity to pray for a new Nigeria where citizens are well secured and living life abundantly, a situation of a new beginning for our country to regain her lost glory”. The Speaker emphasised.

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Religion

The President-elect, Senator Bola Tinubu has urged Nigerians to reflect on the priceless sacrifice and limitless love of God for mankind at Easter.

Tinubu made the call in an Easter goodwill message contained in a statement by him on Saturday.

The President-elect enjoined Christians across the country to emulate the virtues of Jesus Christ by showing love to neighbours, regardless of tongue, faith and tribe as they celebrate Easter.

He noted that Easter was about renewed hope and redemption, adding that it symbolised the triumph of hope over despair, love over hate and condemnation, and optimism over cynicism.

“Let us embrace this spirit and recommit ourselves to edifying and patriotic pursuits in the interest of our nation.

“I send my best wishes to Christians in Nigeria and all over the world who are celebrating Easter this Sunday.

“As we all enjoy the well-deserved break, I urge every Nigerian to reflect on the priceless sacrifice and limitless love of God for mankind.

“For Christians everywhere, this celebration is in commemoration of Jesus Christ’s life of service and his supreme sacrifice for the salvation of mankind.

“Let us all imbibe the essential message of Christ’s ministry and truly begin to love our fellow Nigerians as we love ourselves,” he said

According to the two-term former governor of Lagos State, we will make faster progress toward the achievement of the peaceful, united, strong, progressive and prosperous country we all desire if we eschew divisive, parochial, ethnic, religious sentiments and rivalries.

He urged Nigerians to begin to live more harmoniously with their compatriots. 

Vanguard/Simeon Ugbodovon

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Security

By Rasheeda Makinde

Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, Oyo State Command has deployed One thousand seven hundred and five personnel to all the strategic places in Ibadan and its environs for a hitch-free Easter celebration. 

NSCDC Commandant in Oyo State, Mr Micheal Adaralewa made this known during the evaluation of the first quarter security report of all Area Commanders and Divisions in the State at the Command Headquarters Old NITEL Building, Agodi Ibadan.

Mr Adaralewa said the security of the lives and property of the citizens of Oyo State was not negotiable.

He advised the public to be vigilant during the celebrations and report any unusual movement or gathering in their environment during the festive period to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps or other Security agencies in the State.

Mr Adaralewa said the one thousand seven hundred and five personnel were deployed to monitor all sensitive areas, such as churches, motor parks, playgrounds, recreation centres and all Federal and State Government infrastructures including NNPC rights of ways.

The State Commandant also directed the tactical units as well as the disaster management unit of the State Command to assume the strategic position for timely response to distress/disaster during the festive period. 

While admonishing all Christians and non-Christians in the state to celebrate with absolute moderation and share the love with each other during Easter he enjoined them to reflect on the essence of death, lessons of passion, suffering, forgiveness, love of Christ during the Lenten season and pray for the unity of the Nation.

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Lifestyle

Workers across Ekiti State this morning resumed at their various duty posts after last Friday and yesterday’s public holidays for Easter Celebrations.

At the State Secretariat in Ado Ekiti, workers were seen in their various offices exchanging pleasantries.

Those who spoke to Radio Nigeria said the holidays afforded them opportunities to relax and as well enjoy the Easter celebration.

Also, business activities have picked up as many shops under lock during the celebration have re-opened.

Similarly, financial institutions were not left out as many customers besieged banks for business transactions, particularly those who had complaints and others planning to deposit or withdraw money.

Vehicular movement equally increased on various routes in Ekiti State compared to light traffic experienced on the roads during the Easter celebration.

Amos Ogunrinde

Lifestyle

The former chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State, Alhaji Kunmi Mustapha felicitated the people of Oyo State on the occasion of the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ by Christians and observation of the holy month of Ramadan by Muslims across the State.

Alhaji Kunmi Mustapha conveyed this in a message to adherents of the two faiths in the state.

“While we celebrate with our Christian brothers and sisters on the occasion of Easter Monday and Muslims across Oyo State and beyond on the solemn observation of the month of Ramadan, I wish to pray that God Almighty spares us to witness more in life.

Alhaji Mustapha said there was the need for optimism for a new dawn of a better Nigeria that would restore the hopes of the people in the areas of economic growth, security of lives and properties as well as good governance.

On the gale of defections in the country, the PDP stalwart opined that defections into the party across Nigeria by notable politicians indicated a sign of good things for PDP ahead of the 2023 general election.

Alhaji Mustapha, who is the Special Adviser to Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde on Inter-Party Affairs, noted that it was noteworthy that people like Chief Joseph Tegbe, a notable former member of APC in the State that recently defected to PDP as well as the likes of Sunbo Owolabi, former Commissioner for Water Resources were plus to the party.

He called on all PDP members in the state to be steadfast and resolute in preparation for the 2023 general election, urging the people of the state to go out and register for their voter cards which would enable them to participate in the next elections.

The party leader enlisted the youths in Oyo State and, especially Iseyin Local Government to complete their voter’s card revalidation and other processes for them to be able to vote en masse for all the PDP candidates and the re-election of His Excellency, Engineer Seyi Makinde who has done much for the State and its Constituencies.

Iyabo Adebisi

Economy

The Oyo State NOA Director, Mr Kayode Odedokun has urged Nigerians to patronize homemade goods.

Mr  Odedokun made the call while felicitating Nigerians on Easter celebrations. 

He said such attitudinal re-orientation would set the nation on the pathway of progress, economic viability and stability.

The Oyo State NOA boss who said there were grim realities on the ground in the country, admonished citizens not to be distracted by the situation. 

Mr  Odedokun urged Christians to pray for the country amidst the current challenges, emphasizing that it was incumbent on all citizens to patronize locally made goods to promote the country’s economic growth.

“It’s our collective responsibility to rescue the nation‘s ship.”

 Mosope Kehinde

Religion

It was an atmosphere of Thanksgiving at Oke Ado Baptist Church, Ibadan, as Christians celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
The minister in charge of the church, Reverend Sunday Adeboje, urged Christians to always make Praise and Thanksgiving their habit as Christ has taken away their sins through his death on the cross.

Reverend Adeboje noted that political leaders should be selfless like Jesus Christ by always putting the masses first and desist from acquiring wealth for themselves.

The cleric equally called for an end to insecurity in the country and stressed the need for the bandits to dialogue with government in the spirit of Easter.


Omolola Alamu

Lifestyle

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has called on Christians in the state to pray for Ogun state and Nigeria during this Easter celebration. 
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary Mr Kunle Somorin, Governor Abiodun  said Jesus had made greatest sacrifice and his resurrection should serve as an assurance that the country would surmount its present challenges.
While calling on Christians to see the Easter period as not only for celebration of triumph of Christ over death, but a period of sober reflection, particularly, at this moment the nation was facing insecurity and economic downturn, the Governor urged them to celebrate moderately.
Governor Abiodun pointed out that the greater love had been demonstrated to mankind by Jesus who  died to give life to the world, nothing that Easter celebration renews hope in mankind.
He also urged Christians to be their brothers’ keepers,  saying that the essence of the celebration was to show love and be good neighbours.
Bolanle Adesida

Religion

The rapturous praises and sonorous lyrics rarifying the atmosphere captured the mood of members of Radio Nigeria Ibadan Christian Fellowship during this year’s Easter Cantata.  

The venue of the gathering was Studio One, Broadcasting House Radio Nigeria.

In a speech, the Zonal Director, Radio Nigeria Ibadan, Mrs Bolatito Joseph said Easter was significant because the death of Jesus Christ brought hope to humanity.

Mrs Joseph explained that understanding the essence of Jesus Christ’s death should always elicit gratitude and thanksgiving from Christians.

In a sermon, President, Radio Nigeria Ibadan Christian Fellowship, Pastor Taiwo Sowande said Easter was worth celebrating as it marked the foundation of hope for believers through the vicarious sacrifice of Jesus.

Similarly, a member of staff, Mrs Stella Oyebanji, in an exhortation said God’s abundance of grace was always available for Christians to attain enviable spiritual heights.

The event was coloured by hymns, special songs and drama pieces from choristers from Nigeria Television Authority, Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State, Guys Apala and Okiki Olodumare.

In attendance were some members of the Committee of Management of the station including Deputy Director, News and Current Affairs Department, Mr Samson Abiodun, Deputy Director New Media Department, Dr Sola Agboola, Dr Abiodun Ogidan and Engineer Gabriel Ajayi.

Funmilola Obagbayegun

Security

Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC Oyo State Command has deployed two thousand personnel for this year’s Easter celebrations.

NSCDC Commandant in Oyo state, Mr Micheal Adaralewa stated this while briefing the personnel on the importance of their deployment.

The personnel were drawn from tactical units including Counter-Terrorism, Female Special Squad, Agro Rangers, Armed Squad and Intelligence Department.

Mr Adaralewa said the deployment was to ensure a hitch-free celebration for the Christian faithful and other residents of the State. 

The NSCDC Commandant advised residents to be vigilant and exercise caution during the celebration, as anybody who might want to take advantage of the holiday season to perpetrate any crime, would be punished.

He urged Nigerians, irrespective of their religion, to be law-abiding during the Easter celebration, while also enjoining Christians to reflect on the lessons of the season and pray for the nation.

Commandant Adaralewa assured the citizens of the Command’s readiness to collaborate with other sister agencies to protect lives and property before, during, and after the Easter celebration.

Rasheeda Makinde

Religion

The Federal Government has declared Friday and Monday as holidays for Easter celebrations.

The Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, announced the Easter holiday on behalf of the federal government on Tuesday.

Aregbesola urged Christians to emulate the attributes of sacrifice, togetherness, forgiveness, kindness, love, peace and patience, which were the attributes and practices of Jesus Christ, as exemplified by his ministry on earth.

He also called on Christians and all Nigerians alike to use the occasion of this year’s Easter celebration to pray for an end to all security challenges bedevilling every part of the country.

The Minister assured that the federal government will leave no stone unturned to ensure that the recent attacks by undesirable elements on the highways, airport and the railway are timely brought to an end.

Tina Oyinsan

Security

Ekiti State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps says it has deployed one thousand officers and one hundred tactical female squad to the 16 local governments and 19 LCDAs in the state to ensure adequate security of lives and property before, during and after Easter celebrations.

In a statement in Ado Ekiti, NSCDC State Commandant, Mr. John Fayemi charged the personnel to discharge their duties with utmost diligence, alertness and professionalism.

According to him, members of public are expecting security protections from the Corps by safeguarding all critical national assets and infrastructure both Federal, State and Local governments

The State Commandant charged the officers and female tactical squad
to be more proactive, determined and committed to the Corps core mandates and eschew any behaviour unbecoming of a trained personnel.

Mr. Fayemi appreciated traditional rulers and religious leaders in the state as well as efforts of some communities for the existing synergy aimed at supporting the command’s quest for crime reduction.

Mr Fayemi explained that the Easter celebration deployment cut across the 16 Local Governments and 19 Local Council Development Areas, LCDAs of the State having identified various black spots and disaster proned areas.

He restated that the Command had been properly briefed to provide security coverage at strategic locations such as recreational centres, churches, mosques, motor parks and public gatherings.

Amis Ogunrinde

Religion

Few worship and recreation centres in Ibadan this morning opened as a result of the public holiday earlier declared to mark this year’s Easter Monday.

Easter Monday is observed in the Christian faith to commemorate the meeting of Jesus on the galilee after his resurrection.

Our correspondent who monitored the situation in Ibadan reports that some recreation centres opened with few fun seekers in attendance while worshippers in some of the churches visited use the occasion to evangelise while others organized outreach, retreat as well as praise and worship.

The presbyter, Methodist Church Nigeria, very Reverend Abraham Akinyode said a picnic organized by the church was meant to familiarize with the church members as well as meet Jesus at the galilee.

He stressed the need for government to put an end to incessant killings and religious intolerance which he said were inimical to the peaceful coexistence of Nigerians.

In an interview with Radio Nigeria, two fun seekers at the trans- amusement park, Mr. Akinpelu Idowu and Mr. Johnson Ekong said they consider it needful to use the Easter break to interact with their family members.

Rotimi Famakin

Religion

Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has urged Christians in the state and the country at large to imbibe the teaching of Jesus Christ on love and sacrifice. 

In his Easter message to the people of the state, Governor Akeredolu stated that despite the challenges facing the state and the country, there is a great promise of hope and joy but attainable only through genuine expression of love and sacrifice. 

He describes Easter, as a season of love, compassion, forgiveness and renewed hope in Christ. 

In a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Richard Olatunde, Governor Akeredolu says this time demands more love, sacrifice, prayers and a renewed hope for a better nation. 

He enjoins Nigerians to join hands to build a prosperous nation through love and sacrifice and live the values of discipline, perseverance and obedience which Jesus Christ demonstrated during His stay on earth.

Olorunferanmi Odofin

Religion

Easter services are ongoing in churches to commemorate the resurrection of Jesus Christ after three days in the grave.

At Molete Baptist Church, Ibadan, the resurrection service was marked by special renditions and prayers as believers adorned in colourful attires engage in dancing and rejoicing.

In his sermon, entitled Efficacy of the Blood of Jesus, the Shepherd in charge, Reverend Edward Alabi assured Christians that the blood that was shed several years back was still efficacious.

Reverend Alabi charged all to continue to rejoice as their debts had been fully paid for by Jesus on the cross of Calvary.

The clergyman enjoined Nigerians to be prayerful and believe that the present challenges confronting the Nation would soon be a thing of the past.

Adewumi Faniran

Religion

The Speaker, Osun House of Assembly, Mr. Timothy Owoeye has urged Christians to explore the spiritual opportunity derived from Easter to pray for the peace.

The Speaker in a statement by his Media Secretary, Kunle Alabi while congratulating Christians on successfully going through the 40 day Lenten period which climaxed with the celebration of Easter, said the country would overcome most of his challenges soonest. 

Mr. Owoeye, said with various challenges facing the country, Nigerians must use every available opportunity to seek the face of God for peace to reign.

He stated that what the country needed at this time were intercessory prayers for God to continuously stabilize it.

The Speaker advised Christians and people of other faith to supplicate God to assist the country in critical areas of needs such as insecurity, hunger, unemployment, decayed infrastructure, corruption which had all held Nigeria down.

Funmi Adekoya

Religion

The Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Mr Adebo Ogundoyin says Easter is the time to remember the sacrifice made by Jesus Christ and his unconditional love for humanity.

The Speaker therefore called on Nigerians and indeed Christians to renew their faith in God through Jesus Christ so that his death and resurrection would not be in vain. 

Hon Ogundoyin gave the charge in his 2021 Easter message to Nigerians.

According to him, it is the season of rebirth; hence people must renew their faith and imbibe the teachings of the risen Saviour.

“Easter is one of the most important days for Christians across the world. To this end, I am wishing all Nigerians a blessed 2021 Easter. Congratulations! Jesus Christ died so that we could live. Let us endeavor to shy away from sins and prepare ourselves to be worthy of Christ, the Saviour. Our sins have been washed away through the blood of Jesus Christ on the cross of Calvary”

“Though the country is still going through difficult times, all we need to do is to use this period of Easter celebration to pray for a better and more prosperous nation. Oyo State also requires our prayers as Governor Seyi Makinde continues to paddle the canoe of the Pacesetter state”, Hon Ogundoyin said

He said Easter is usually a period of solemn celebration and reflection, stressing that the forty day lent that preceded it is a time for spiritual sacrifice and personal discipline. 

Mr Ogundoyin, who urged all Nigerians to see light at the end of the tunnel, maintained that the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ brought hope and eternal life to people.

He warned Nigerians to desist from promoting issues and activities that were divisive, and called for love, unity and togetherness among the citizenry.

Kehinde Mosope

Religion

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has called on Nigerians, especially residents of the state, to embrace peace, love and unity as the world celebrates Easter.

In his Easter message, Governor Abiodun urged Nigerians to avail themselves of what the resurrection of Jesus Christ symbolizes and live in peace.

Governor Abiodun, who noted that Nigeria was facing some challenges, implored people to emulate the love Jesus Christ showed while being crucified, in order to lift the country to a greater height.

He pointed out that the resurrection of Jesus had indeed shown that the country had a great hope to become a powerful nation and

expressed optimism that Nigeria would regain its position among the comity of nations.

While wishing Christians a wonderful Easter celebration, the Governor urged them to continue to pray for the country to overcome socio economic challenges.

Bolanle Adesida

Lifestyle

As Christians all over the world celebrate Easter, the Chairman, Senate Committee on Finance, Chief Solomon Adeola, has called on all Nigerians to pray for peace and security amidst serious security challenges confronting the nation.

Chief Adeola said practicing Christian virtues of sacrifice, patience, love and abiding faith for a better tomorrow as exemplified in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, would go a long in promoting peace and harmony in the country.  

In a statement signed by his Media Adviser, Chief Kayode Odunaro, Chief Adeola, the senator representing Lagos West Senatorial District, noted that it was impossible to develop any society where the Christian virtues of love, sacrifices for one another, patience and hope for a better future were lacking.  

According to him, the nation is faced with rampant insecurity from Boko Haram insurgents, bandits’ attacks, kidnapping to herders/farmers clashes, that are not only hampering the progress of the nation but threatening its existence.

Senator Adeola called on Nigerians to remain hopeful and support Government’s efforts in the challenge of building a better society devoid of rampant insecurity, adding that as the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ opened a window for salvation of sinners to make heaven, there is hope for a better Nigeria with hard work and prayers. 

Modupeola Sobukonla.

Lifestyle

Christians should emulate the virtues of love, sacrifice, perseverance and humility as exemplify by Jesus Christ.

The Vice President, Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, NAWOJ, B Zone, Ayaba Omobola Akigbehin made call in a message issued by the Zonal Secretary, Funmi Adekoya on the commemoration of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

While describing Easter as a special season that marks the salvation of mankind through the suffering of Jesus Christ and His crucifixion to redeem humanity, Ayaba Akigbehin urged Christians to continue to live in harmony with believers of other faiths.

She pointed out that peaceful co-existence was among the several lessons Christ taught and exemplified.

While wishing Nigerians and members of NAWOJ in the zone a happy Easter celebration, the Zonal Vice President urged them to use the season to pray for Nigeria and by reaching out to the less privileged.

Ayaba Omobola Akigbehin

Vice President B Zone