Easter Messages... Mark, Ekweremadu, Mimiko, Oshiomhole preach peace, integration
This was stated in his goodwill message to Christians on the commemoration of this year’s Easter, just as he called for sober reflection about the Nigeria’s situation.
“This season calls for deep sober reflection. We should reflect and emulate the virtues of Jesus Christ which symbolises sacrifice, tolerance, peace, love and forgiveness,” he said.
In a related development, the Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu enjoined Nigerians to address the nation’s integration deficits and emulate Christ’s sense of sacrifice in order to move the nation forward.
According to him, in his goodwill message to Nigerians on Easter, “No nation makes progress divided; hence the core message of Easter to us as Nigerians at a time like this is to address the integration deficits by swallowing our prides.”
Also, the Ondo State governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, has asked Nigerians in general and the people of Ondo State in particular to see Easter as a period to reflect on what sacrifice they can make to move the state and country forward.
Congratulating Christians as they celebrate, Mimiko stated that “We have made substantial progress in our transformational strides in the last three years in Ondo State especially in the areas of healthcare delivery, agriculture, infrastructural development, education, and human capital development. This would not have been possible without sacrifices from the citizenry. We implore our people to sustain these sacrifices in the spirit of Easter to enable us to do more.”
Also, governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State has urged Christians in the country to renew their commitment to the service of God and humanity as they celebrate Easter.
In his Easter message signed by Mr Peter Okhiria, Chief Press Secretary, Oshiomhole said, “I wish to extend my felicitations to our Christian brothers and sisters as we celebrate this year’s Easter.
“While it is important to rejoice and celebrate with family, friends and community, the profound spiritual essence of the season must not be lost on all faithful.”
Akinjide proffers good neighbourliness
The Minister of State, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Ms Olajumoke Akinjide has urged Nigerians to promote good neighbourliness and peaceful co-existence irrespective of ethnic or religious affiliation.
The minister stated this in an Easter message signed by her media aide, Alhaji Kehinde Isiaka on Saturday, adding that since charity begins at home, it was important to start to show love at the community level as done in the days of old.
Let us be guided by love - Atiku
Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has urged Nigerians to imbibe the spirit of love and sacrifice as they celebrate Easter.
In an Easter goodwill message issued by his Media Office in Abuja, Atiku enjoined all Nigerians to internalise the spiritual gains and benefits of the season for an improved society.
He admonished Christians to emulate Jesus Christ by his exemplary unconditional love and sacrifice to the people.
Senate leader urges tolerance
Senate Leader, Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba (SAN) has urged Nigerians to embrace religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence as they mark this year's Easter celebrations.
The Senate Leader, in a statement in respect of Easter celebrations made available to Sunday Tribune said that Nigerians must learn to live in harmony while eschewing religious differences which he said tend to brew division and acrimony.
Oni emphasises selflessness
National Vice Chair-man (Southwest) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Segun Oni has urged Nigerians, especially members of the PDP in the six Southwest States to imbibe the spirit of selflessness and forgiveness, saying; “Jesus Christ never held any grudge against those who crucified Him.
According to a statement issued by his Media Aide, Mr. Lere Olayinka, Oni, in his goodwill message on the occasion of the Easter celebration said; “Just as the Lord forgave those who lied against Him, may we have the grace to forgive all those who offend us.”
Aliyu rejoices with Christians
As Nigeria joins the rest of the world to celebrate Easter, today, Governor Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu of Niger State has urged residents in the state to imbibe the ideals of perseverance, sacrifice and commitment to the will of God which characterised the Lenten season.
In a statement signed by the Director General(Media and Public Affairs),Malam Danladi Ndayebo, Aliyu congratulated Christians and all Nigerians alive to witness this year’s Easter, reminding the faithful that “We are alive today only by God’s grace and favor and not that we are in any way special before the almighty.”
He however called on the citizens to be mindful of the need to continue to render selfless service.
Agboola urges more prayers for Nigeria
The Senate Deputy Whip, Senator Hosea Agboola has enjoined Christians across the country to use the Easter period to pray more for the peace and prosperity of the country, even as he called on them to remain committed to Christ’s teachings on peace, love and oneness.
Senator Agboola, representing Oyo North Senatorial District at the National Assembly, in his Easter message released through his aide, Ayo Ayansiji, wished Nigerians a Happy Easter, praying that God would revisit and redeem His people and the country at large in every aspect.
“This period is one that should be used for sober reflection; Christians should look inward and rededicate their lives to God and to praying for the peace and progress of Nigeria. The Bible said it that anyone that seeks the progress of his land will prosper,” he said.
Olubadan felicitates with Christians
The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba (Dr) Samuel Odulana, Odugade I, rejoices with all Christians in Ibaddanland, Oyo State and Nigeria in general on this year celebration of Easter.
The monarch noted with delight that it has pleased the Almighty God in His infinite mercy to spare our lives to witnes another Easter festivity in spite of the tumoil and turbulence around us. He prays for the divine peace in the homes of individuals, the community and the nation as a whole.
Amosun harps on peaceful coexistence
Ogun State governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, has congratulated the Christian community in the state on the celebration of Easter, justas he called for harmonious coexistence among all citizens.
In a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Communications, Mrs Funmi Wakama, Amosun said the fact that Jesus Christ paid the supreme price to save mankind was enough reason for all to repent of their sins and reconnect with the almighty God.
‘Imbibe Christ’s teachings’
FORMER Ekiti State governor, Mr Peter Ayodele Fayose has congratulated Ekiti people and Christians over another celebration of the Easter festival.
According to a press statement entitled: Easter message, signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the former governor, Dr Funso Alarape, Fayose urged the people to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ in order for peace to continue to reign in the state.
Fayose admonished the people saying that the crucifizion and resurrection of Jesus Christ has assured that glorious dawn was imminent in the state.
Odeneye preaches love.
A lawmaker representing Ijebu Federal Con- stituency, Honourable Kehinde Odeneye has urged Nigerains to show love to one another and endeavour to live in peace in the face of national problems confronting the country.
Odeneye in his Easter message to Nigerians enjoined Christians to imbibe the spirit of oneness as they celebrate Easter, just as he urged them to emulate Jesus Christ’s unconditional love and great sacrifice to mankind.
Ayodele calls for sacrificial leadership
NIGERIAN leaders have been told to cultivate the habit of offering themselves as living sacrifice in order to offer purposeful leadership.
Primate Ayodele said if Nigerian leaders could emulate Christ, corruption which gave rise to insecurity, poverty, under-development and other social vices, would stop.
