Governors yesterday called on Nigerians to embrace unity, peace and love.
They also urged citizens to be inspired by the sacrifices of Jesus Christ, whose resurrection from death is the reason for the season.
The governors are Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Dapo Abiodun(Ogun), Lucky Aiyedatiwa(Ondo), Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq (Kwara), Sheriff Oborevwori(Delta), Monday Okpebholo(Edo), Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom), Hyacinth Alia (Benue) and Agbu Kefas(Taraba).
Lagos
In his message, Sanwo-Olu enjoined Christian faithful to reflect on the sacrifice and love Jesus Christ showed to mankind through his crucifixion and resurrection.
The governor implored residents to continue to live in peace, love and harmony, noting that good neighbourliness, selflessness, patience, and love are among the several lessons taught and exemplified by Christ.
The message was contained in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile.
It partly reads: “ I wish all Lagosians and Christians across the country and other parts of the world a Happy Easter as we remember the sacrifice and love of Jesus towards mankind.
“As we commemorate the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, I want Lagosians and Nigerians in general to make togetherness and unity of the country the central goal of our nationality.
“Let us all emulate the virtues of Jesus Christ by simply impacting the lives of friends, colleagues, associates, neighbours and family members, as well as contributing to the growth and development of our dear Lagos State and Nigeria.”
Highlighting the unique role of Lagos as a combination of cultures and religions, the governor called on residents to uphold its long-standing tradition of tolerance, harmony and peaceful coexistence.
“In a city as diverse as ours, peace and mutual respect are not just ideals, they are necessities. Easter reminds us that love triumphs over hate, and that selflessness can heal even the deepest divisions,” Sanwo-Olu said.
Ogun
In Abeokuta, Governor Abiodun acknowledged the sacrifices of Christians during the 40-day Lenten period, which was marked by fasting and abstinence and prayer.
He expressed belief that their endurance during the period would greatly assist in transforming the country spiritually.
The governor reiterated the commitment of his administration to forging ahead with its developmental strides.
He called on Nigerians to look forward to a brighter future in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Abiodun added that just like Christ prevailed over adversity, Christians should continue to pray for the country to overcome its challenges.
He said: “As we celebrate Easter, a time-honoured tradition that symbolises renewal and hope, let us reflect on the profound lessons this holiday imparts.
‘’Easter, observed by millions, transcends its religious significance, offering valuable insights into the themes of love, forgiveness, and new beginnings.
“Easter commemorates the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ, the ultimate exemplar of sacrifice and submission to divine will. It is a season that invites us to look at the future with hope, enabled by God’s boundless grace, and fully equipped with the resources of faith, love, and kindness for one another.’’
Ondo
Also, Governor Aiyedatiwa urged residents of the state to use the Easter celebration period to promote unity and express love.
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He charged them to remember the scriptural emphasis of love, which, according to him, builds peaceful coexistence and spurs development.
The message reads: “I greet you all, especially our Christian brothers and sisters, as we celebrate Easter in commemoration of the resurrection of our Lord, Jesus Christ,after a glorious self-sacrifice for the redemption of mankind.
“The message of Easter reminds us of the power of divine love, faith and redemption. Easter also evokes in us the resilience of the human spirit, not to give up in the face of seemingly daunting challenges of life.
“I urge you to increase your love for one another rather than hate, and show more patriotic commitment to the development of our dear state.’’
Kwara
In a message posted on his X, Governor Abdulrazaq advised the Christian community in the state to reflect on the “lessons, significance, and virtues of the Holy Week, including Good Friday, Easter Sunday, and Easter Monday.”
He wrote: “The triumph of Jesus Christ in the face of adversity, which Easter symbolises, should drive our belief in God and the endless possibilities that come with having unshakeable faith in His power.
‘’Today, we join others in the body of Christ to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, and His triumph over death as well as the assurance of hope for eternal life.’’
Delta
Oborevwori, who also emphasised the importance of Easter as a time for reflection, called on Christians to embrace the virtues of love, sacrifice, and unity exemplified by Jesus Christ.
The governor urged Christians to use the occasion to pray for the unity, peace, security, and continued progress of Delta State and the nation.
He acknowledged the resilience of Nigerians amidst socio-economic challenges and expressed confidence in their strength to overcome adversity through faith and positive collective efforts.
“As we celebrate the resurrection of Christ, let us renew our commitment to building a more just, united, and prosperous society,” Oborevwori said.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to delivering good governance, promoting social welfare, and creating opportunities for all Deltans.
Edo
Also, Governor Okpebholo called for unity, love and resilience among Nigerians at Easter and always.
The governor reflected on the significance of Easter, which, according to him, marks the triumph of hope over despair and the power of sacrifice and renewal.
Okpebholo said: “As we celebrate this sacred season, let us be reminded of the enduring lessons of Easter: the importance of compassion, forgiveness, and the unwavering belief in a brighter future.
“Just as Easter signifies a new beginning, so too do we, as a state, continue to strive for progress, development, and a more prosperous future for all our citizens.”
He acknowledged the challenges the state had faced and continued to navigate, while drawing inspiration from the Easter story, which underscores the possibility of overcoming adversity through faith and collective effort.
Okpebholo said: “This Easter, let us rededicate ourselves to the ideals of peace, harmony, and mutual respect. Let us strengthen the bonds that unite us and work together to build the Edo of our dreams – a state where opportunities thrive, and every citizen can reach their full potential.”
The governor also encouraged all residents of the state to use the period to spend quality time with their families and loved ones, extend kindness to those in need, and reflect on God’s blessings in their lives.
At an Easter service by St. Anthony Catholic Cathedral, Uromi, Okpebholo assured Edo residents that significant developments were on the way across all spheres of life in the state.
Among the projects mentioned by him is the construction of a dual carriageway that would connect Uromi and Ubiaja.
“Work has already commenced on the Ubiaja side, with plans for additional lanes reflecting our commitment to leaving a lasting legacy in the Esan region,” the governor said.
He also mentioned plans for alternative routes to reduce congestion, including a new road from Uromi to Iworah, through Unewa and Uwesan.
Okpebholo used the occasion to once again express gratitude to God the favourable judgment he got at the election petitions tribunal in Abuja.
He emphasised the importance of community cooperation in driving development, promising that his administration would work diligently to improve the lives of the people.
The governor promised to support the development of the Cathedral.
Akwa Ibom
Governor Eno described Easter as a season of sacrifice, hope, and redemption.
According to him, it represents unconditional love.
“This season also exemplifies the concept of selfless service, as captured in Matthew 20:28. ‘The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many,’” he said in his Easter broadcast.
The governor added, “As we mark this season of love, sacrifice, and hope, I urge you, my dear people, to rest assured that we are working diligently to elevate our state to higher levels of growth and development by prioritising you, our people, in all our endeavours.”
Benue
Governor Alia enjoined Christians to intensify prayers for the state, which celebrates one of the saddest Easters in history.
Alia solicited prayers, love for one another, forgiveness, sacrifice and reconciliation, saying they are the virtues Christ bequeathed to mankind by his death, burial and resurrection.
He regretted that this year’s Easter was being marked at a time the state came under several attacks, but assured that all would be well soon.
The governor said his administration was doing everything within its power in collaboration with security agencies, to ensure the safety of all Benue people.
He called for collaboration amongst the people to be able to defeat the forces of evil bent on causing pain and agony to the innocent people.
Alia said Christ’s sacrifice and resurrection demonstrated selflessness, freeing humanity from chaos and condemnation, and nurturing hope and optimism for a life of virtue on earth and eternity.
In his message, Governor Kefas said the lessons of Easter must be imbibed by all believers, “especially those of sacrifice and love”.
He noted that the season calls for greater understanding and treating one another with decency and empathy.
The governor, who stressed that “self-discipline and moderation in all matters are cornerstones of the Christian faith, advised Christians to emulate Christ, “who endured the pains of the cross as the sacrificial lamb.”
Ibas, wife, children worship at Rivers Govt House chapel
Rivers State Administrator Vice-Admiral Ibok Ibas marked Easter yesterday with a worship at the Chapel of Everlasting Grace, Government House in Port Harcourt.
Ibas was in company with his wife, Dr. Theresa, their children, and key state officials, including the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) Ibibia Worika.
A statement by the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Media, Hector Igbikiowubo, said the administrator joined worshippers in a service filled with hymns and prayers for peace in the state and country.
Chaplain of the Chapel Barasin Ogan delivered a message, reminding the congregation of the transformative power of Christ and assuring them of divine justification, deliverance, healing, and righteousness through faith.
Special prayers were offered for President Bola Tinubu, Vice-Admiral Ibas, and the state.
Umahi, Alake felicitate Christians
Like governors, Works Minister Dave Umahi and his Solid Minerals Development counterpart Dele Alake called on Nigerians to embrace peace and love.
While Umahi also called on citizens to renew their hope in Nigeria, Alake reminded all that Easter celebration is a reminder that light always breaks through the darkest dawns.’
Umahi words: “I am delighted and profoundly pleased to convey my good wishes to Christian faithful and all Nigerians on this special occasion of the festival of Easter celebrated by Christians all over the world.
“This celebration inspires us to reflect on the fundamentals of the festival, which centres on the victory of life over death, light over darkness, and the triumph of God’s love for humanity.
“We are invited to dig deeper with our faith, re-examine our lives, renew our hope and love for our nation, engage cordially with one another, and promote peace and unity.”
The works minister further urged Nigerians to continue to pray for the manifestation of God’s plans for the nation.
He said God has used President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to advance the cause of unity, peace and prosperity of the country.
In his message, Alake described the sacrifice of Christ on the cross as a harbinger of triumph and a pathway to eternal life.
“Today, we are redeemed by the essence of that resurrection.
“May the power of that redemption herald joy, peace, and prosperity in our lives and across our dear nation,” he said.
