The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Easter

  • How to make Easter counts, by cleric

    Senior Pastor of Kingdom Light Christian Centre, Jummy Adetoyese-Olagunju, has called on Christians to utilise the Easter season to reflect and appropriate the life and principles of Jesus Christ.

    Adetoyese-Olagunju spoke in an interview at the church Special Praise at La-reel Hotel VGC, Lagos.

    According to him, Easter is a season of transformation, rebirth and reflection on the death and sacrifice of Jesus Christ for the redemption of mankind from sin and its eternal consequences.

    He lamented many Christians only profess the person of Jesus but jettison the life and principles of Jesus in their daily lives, making the sacrifices of Jesus of no effect.

    The cleric said: ”Jesus remains the light of the world and his children are supposed to reflect his life, principles and values in all that they do.”

    He noted that the early disciples of Jesus were first called Christians in Antioch not because they were professing Jesus alone but because their lives, characters, dispositions, attitudes and values were replica of the values Jesus stood for.

    He asserted that developed nations of the world became great when they make the teaching of Jesus their watchwords and ways of life.

    ”It is not enough that Nigeria has so many churches and few people are truly living their lives in line with God’s word. That will only displease God,” he stressed.

    ”The world is looking up to the church for answers and solutions to economic, social and physical and mental problems, which the sacrifices of Jesus have borne. We must be alive to this reality and take responsibility as God’s children,” he challenged.

    He recalled that the death of the doctor who committed suicide recently on his way from the church gives lots of concerns as to the messages and teachings in some churches.

    He challenged church leaders to refocus their teachings by pointing members to God and his principles, which are sufficient to lead a better life.

  • Akinfenwa warns against extravagance at Easter

    The Bishop of Ibadan Anglican Diocese Most Reverend Joseph Akinfenwa has urged Christians to eschew all forms of extravagance and spend within their means during Easter period.

    Lamenting the high level of poverty in the nation, Akinfenwa in his Easter message said Christians should celebrate with modesty and avoid going into debt.

    According to him: “Instead, our surpluses should be channeled into providing succor to the needy.

    “Most importantly, let us all seize the occasion of this season to draw closer to God and to know Him better through His Son, Jesus Christ.

    Akinfenwa said modesty celebration was apt because Nigerians are in the midst of excruciating economic pain and under great anxiety over insecurity and political persecution.

    “Our nation is witnessing an economic downturn of monumental proportions, with a decline in the value of the Naira that is unprecedented in our history.

    “Nigerians needs to pray more. We admonish the three arms of government in this nation to urgently bury the hatchet and begin to work together in the overall interest of the masses.

    “For what the Nigerian masses can observe suggests that the executive, the legislature and the judiciary in Nigeria are presently having adversarial relationships.

    “As we celebrate Easter, therefore, we appeal to feuding elements in the three arms of government to consider the interests of poor Nigerians over and above their narrow personal interests,” he said.

    He said since Jesus Christ laid down his life for the salvation of our souls, “he left us an example of how leadership should be exercised for the pursuit of the good and wellbeing of others.

    “Let us all reflect on this lesson as we celebrate; and let both leaders and the led resolve to shun selfish, self-centered lives henceforth. A major lesson of Easter is that we must all learn to live “for others”.

  • Buhari vows to change Nigeria for good

    Buhari vows to change Nigeria for good

    President Muhammadu Buhari has promised that his administration is fully committed to changing the course of Nigeria for the benefit of all.
    He made the remark in his 2017 Easter message to the nation.
    The President also sought for peaceful co-existence among Nigerians.
    He said “I enjoin all Nigerians to keep faith in the determination and ability of this administration to change the Nigerian story for the good of all.”

    “I congratulate our Christian brothers and sisters on the celebration of this year’s Easter.
    “I rejoice with you on this historic occasion signifying the triumph of good over evil, light over darkness, redemption over condemnation, and hope over despair.” he said
    The President noted that the commemoration of the special season in Christianity, is always preceded by fasting, piety, humility, penance and prayers of intercession in the build up to the death of Jesus Christ on Good Friday, an event which reunited man with his Creator.
    He said “The message of Easter is filled with themes of love, faith, sacrifice, dedication, commitment, fulfilment of prophecy, hope, expectation and victory, as espoused in the Scriptures and the teachings and lifestyle of Jesus Christ.
    “As we celebrate yet another Easter, I urge all Nigerians to live peacefully with one another and do their utmost to make Nigeria a beautiful place to reside.”
    According to him, his administration in almost two years have done everything to meet the aspirations of Nigerians.
    He said “In the almost two years of this administration, we have worked hard to meet the expectations of Nigerians by improving security, especially in the North-East, sustaining the campaign against corruption and have taken steps to revitalize the economy.
    “We are determined as never before to continue with the fight against terrorism and insurgency; sustain the peace in the Niger Delta through engagements with stakeholders; and restore peace and stability in other parts of the country.
    “It is in our collective interest to live in peace because without peace, no meaningful and sustainable development can take place. Lack of peace in one part affects in one way or the other, all parts of the country. Our people must rediscover the values of peaceful co-existence, social justice, religious tolerance, dignity of labour and patriotism.
    “I wish all Nigerians happy Easter celebrations.” he concluded

  • Grail  Movement holds lecture on Easter

    As the world marks the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ this weekend, unraveling the full significance of the momentous events, which occurred in Palestine, more than 2,000 years ago and indeed Creation happenings, will be the focus of a public lecture billed for Sunday, April 16, 2017.

    Organised by the Grail Movement Nigeria, the talk, entitled: “THE SIGNIFICANCE OF EASTER”, holds at the Assembly Hall, Grailland, Iju Hills (Behind Iju Water Works), Lagos at 4.00pm.

    A statement by the body says the lecture will clarify and offer deep insights on the true mission of Christ Jesus, the Son of God and His work of salvation among other issues, based on the epic work of spiritual enlightenment, In The Light of Truth: The Grail Message, written by Abd-ru-shin.

    The Grail Message is a new revelation of Truth that builds on past and existing spiritual teachings sent by God to enable man recognize and fulfill the purpose of existence. In its vast contents, it authoritatively and with unassailable logic explains the where, wherefores, structure and mechanism of creation, as well as the Divine Laws governing and regulating it, thereby demonstrating the working of God in His Perfect Justice and Love. The wide and diverse subjects it touches include God, fate (destiny), freewill, religion, karma, the after life, intuition, intellect, science, occultism, reincarnation, spirit, physical body, Christ, love, purity, justice and omniscience.

    The statement adds that buses will be available to convey guests, who will be free to ask questions about the mysteries of life and existence at the lecture, to and from the venue from designated destinations/bus stops in Lagos and its environs as from 1.00pm.

    The bus stops are: Festac1, Festac2, Ipaja, Isolo, Ikorodu, Agege, Ikeja and Yaba.

    Others are: Sango Ota 1, Sango Ota 2, Surulere, Victoria Island, Agbara1, Agbara 2, Epe and Ibafo.

  • Easter: Emir urges unity in fight against vices

    The Emir of Kanam, Alhaji Babangida Mu’azu, has enjoined both Christians and Muslim to unite in the fight against societal vices such as insurgency, drug abuse and corruption.

    He gave the advice on Friday in an Easter message delivered in Dengi, Kanam Local Government of Plateau.

    “The world is celebrating the love Jesus Christ demonstrated unto mankind by dying for all; Nigerians should love one another and find a common goal in fighting those out to harm or divide us.

    “That common goal should be our collective resolve to live as one indivisible nation, no matter what we are passing through as a nation.

    “We should not allow selfishness, greed or any perceived differences to stand in our way,” he said.

    He described Easter as a period of sober reflection not only to the Christians, but to Muslims, toward maintaining peace and unity for the survival and progress of mankind, particularly in Nigeria.

    On the outbreak of Cerebrospinal Meningitis in some part of the country, the Emir called for stringent steps to check its spread and described the heavy losses as “unfortunate, embarrassing and sad”.

    “Now that the scourge has moved from Type A to Type B and C, we have to collectively rise up to arrest its spread to curtail its devastating effects on the lives of Nigerians.

    “The authorities concerned should take the fight serious and ensure that the wanton loss of lives is curtailed,” the Emir advised.

    The paramount ruler advised Nigerians to ensure that their abodes are well ventilated, urging that clean environments must be maintained to avoid the spread of the disease.

    While wishing all Christians and Nigerians a peaceful and happy Easter Celebration, he appealed to Nigerians to be law abiding and continue to pray for the growth and development of the country.

  • Police assure Jigawa residents of adequate security during Easter

    The Police Command in Jigawa has assured residents of the state of adequate security before, during and after the Easter.

    The command’s Spokesman, Mr Abdu Jinjiri gave the assurance in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Dutse on Friday.

    “The Commissioner of Police has also directed all the Divisional Police Officers in the 27 local government areas of the state to intensify patrols in their respective areas,” he said.

    Jinjiri said the command had taken proactive measures to ensure a hitch-free and peaceful celebration in the state.

    According to him, the command has also increased its patrol teams on major roads in order to maintain law and order before, during and after the festive period.

    “All of our Safer Highway Patrol vehicles have been deployed to all nooks and crannies of the state to monitor the festivity against any security threat,” he said.

    The spokesman said that adequate personnel would be stationed at churches, children parks and recreational centres as well as other places of public interest.

    He added that some security officials would also be on duty at strategic locations, including suspected flash spots to protect lives and properties.

    Jinjiri also said that Mobile and Conventional Police personnel had been put on standby at the command’s headquarters in case of any emergency.

    According to him, the command has already issued Operational Order to all its divisions and units concerning the celebration.

    He, therefore, advised people to cooperate with all security personnel for a peaceful celebration.

    Jinjiri also urged members of the public to be vigilant and report any suspicious movement to the nearest security formation within their localities.

  • Stores’ Easter freebies delight shoppers

    Stores’ Easter freebies delight shoppers

    Despite the lingering economic recession, retail store operators are giving a lot of freebies to woo shoppers at Easter. TONIA D’IYAN, who went to town, captures the frills and thrills of the festivities

    Good Friday usually heralds the Easter festivities. This Easter is not an exception as people  usually seize the opportunity of the occasion to meet their relations, friends and relive    cherished moments amid feasting.

    Alongside the get-together, gifts play an important role. The modern markets and malls are usually flooded with various gifts.

    Recreation parks, museums, cinemas, shopping malls and other tourist attractions will simmer as people will take advantage of the public holiday to spend time with their families and loved ones.

    During festivities, it is assumed that economic activities usually witness upsurge, which result in upward adjustment of prices of consumer goods. Some natural factors have also affected buying and selling.

    Higher food prices continue to reflect the impact of recent floods on the production of farm products, resulting in difficulty in moving these food products to markets across the country, competition in the market is another major factor observed, but the reason for such during  periods like this, is the notion of this is our time to make more money.

    A buyer, Mrs. Emmanuella Ukomadu, told The Nation: “Since I have been coming to Mile 12 market to buy foodstuffs during festive periods like this, prices of foodstuffs are always on the high side. I think it is because of the high demand by more people who prefer  to buy goods than when there is no festival; that always forces the prices to up and people seem to be used to that.”

    Despite the fear of price hike, buyers who patronise shopping malls have little fear as most  retailers at malls operate discount sales, especially during festive periods like this. But     customers who want to make bulk purchase of food items for the celebration may not find shopping malls ideal.

    Therefore, to encourage sales, some of these retail shops have launched attractive sales promo to drive sales this season. A cross session of buyers, who spoke with The Nation at Ikeja City Mall expressed their fears.

    A stock broker in Lagos, Mrs. Cynthia Ihianacho, said: “You know shopping at malls during festive period is more of a family thing. If we need to buy food items for a party, you know this place is not the best to buy cartons of frozen chicken. You have to go to the open market

    like Ketu and Mile 12. But you can come here to shop for convenience goods. Or bring your  family here to have lunch and pick one or two convenience goods at a good discount.”

    Also, an accountant with Meristem Insurance, Mr Adekoya Shoaga said: “Most retail chains like Shoprite operate on the best low price policy. There is no sales increase panic during festive periods unlike the open market for staple foods, where speculations lead to price increase. But rather, most retail chains compete through price war. That is why they come up with one sales bonanza or the other during festive periods. I am not worried at all.”

    Though Lagosians are complaining about the high cost of food items, there appears to be no significant drop in patronage of these food items because people have to feed to celebrate Easter.

    According to some food stuffs traders, business is booming and more people are coming for foodstuffs as they can’t do without it, whether during festivity or not.

    A consumer behaviour specialist, who preferred to remain anonymous,  advised consumers to prioritise their needs and make the best purchase decisions within their limited resources during festive periods. He also advised that people should operate within their limited resources to avoid cash crunch after  the celebration when money is scarce to attend to family needs.

     

  • FCT Minister urges residents to spread messages of love, sacrifice at Easter

    The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Malam Muhammad Bello has urged residents to spread the messages  of love, sacrifice, tolerance and peaceful co-existence as demonstrated by Jesus Christ in his life time.

    Bello made the call in goodwill message to Christians to mark Good Friday and Easter Monday celebration in Abuja on Thursday.

    He advised the residents, particularly Christians to use the period of  Easter  for sober reflection and strive  to emulate the exemplary life of  Christ for the good all.

    “Christ has demonstrated his love for humanity by sacrificing his life for the sins of others’’, he said.

    The minister also appealed to all residents to continue to be their brothers’ keepers, irrespective of their religious beliefs, saying that “the best in the sight of God is the most pious.’’

    He expressed delight at witnessing yet another occasion when  Christians in the territory join their counterparts  in the other parts of the World to commemorate the auspicious day in an atmosphere of peace and tranquillity.

    Bello assured them that the FCT Administration in collaboration with the security agencies is more than ever determined to protect their  lives and property.

    He, therefore,  congratulated all  residents of the FCT as the World celebrates Easter, which marks the crucifixion and resurrection of  Jesus Christ. (

     

  • Kano police warn against criminal activities during Easter

    Kano police warn against criminal activities during Easter

    The Kano state police Command has warned residents to desist from criminal activities during the Easter festive period, assuring for adequate security arrangement.

    According to a Press Statement signed by the Command’s spokesman, DSP Musa Magaji Majia, “as the nation commemorates Easter days on 14th through 17th April 2017, the Kano State Police Command is pleased to avail the general public that adequate and conducive security measures have been put in place during the period.

    “Covert and overt deployment of Policemen has already been effected for hitch free festivities. Places like Churches, Motor parks, Hotels, Malls, Markets, recreation Centres, major roads and other public places have been effectively covered with Policemen.

    “The Command, therefore, call on all and sundry to usher maximum cooperation through obedience to Law and order as the ban on car racing and use of fireworks like banger is still in force.

    “The Command also, advice good people of Kano State to be vigilant and report suspicious movements, vehicles, parcels, objects and unknown suspicious men or women, young boys and girls to the nearest Police Station/Security outfit for necessary action or to call our emergency lines as follows; 08032419754, 08123821575.

    We should also be reminded that security is a collective responsibility of all the Citizens, hence the need for all hands to be on deck to complement the effort of the Command in providing adequate Security, more especially during this festive period.

    “The Command also, use this medium to wish all Christian Faithful and good citizens of Nigeria residing in Kano State happy and peaceful Easter Celebrations and urge them to pray for the continued peace, tranquillity and prosperity of  the State and our dear nation in general.”

  • Easter: LASG urge residents to celebrate with fresh, wholesome local foods

    As Christians globally prepare to celebrate Easter, the Lagos State Government on Thursday urged the state residents to eat fresh, wholesome and delicious foods grown in Nigeria.

    Mr Sanni Okanlawon, the Special Adviser to Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode on Food Security, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that the state frowned at consumption of unwholesome imported foods.

    Okanlawon told NAN the state Ministry of Agriculture had begun sale of Lake Rice in the Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state.

    “It is very important that we give Lagosians the best of healthy and fresh foods, especially a very significant staple crop such as rice.

    “In that regard, for almost a week now, sales of our trail blazing Lake Rice has been on in some centres such as Adeyemi Auditorium in Alausa Secretariat, LTV8, Agriculture Development Authority, Oko-Oba.

    “It is at the Lagos State Agriculture Input Supply Authority, among other places. We want to make sure that Lagosians got the best,’’Okanlawon said.

    The special adviser also told NAN that the LGAs had been coming to receive their consignments which would be sold to buyers.

    Okanlawan added that the ministry wished Lagos residents a hitch-free and peaceful Easter celebration.