Governors have rejoiced with Nigerians on the occasion of the Easter celebrations, calling for peace and unity among the citizens.
The sub-national leaders also asked the masses to pray for Nigeria as she grapples with the myriads of security challenges in several parts of the country.
For Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, he wants Rivers residents to emulate the example of Jesus Christ, whose sacrifice, he said, brought forgiveness and reconciliation to humanity.
“The resurrection of Jesus Christ symbolizes hope, renewal, and triumph over adversity. May this season bring peace, joy, and spiritual growth to our lives,” the governor said.
Fubara described Easter as a sacred season that calls for the promotion of peace, love, and unity among citizens, adding that the period offers an opportunity for spiritual renewal and reflection.
In Cross River, Governor Bassey Otu, urged Christians to embrace hope and unity as they celebrate Easter, even as he extended his warm felicitations to the faithful across the state and Nigeria in commemoration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
In a goodwill message released by his Chief Press Secretary and Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Linus Obogo, the governor described Easter as the crowning glory of the Christian faith and a timeless symbol of hope, redemption, sacrifice and the ultimate triumph of light over darkness.
Governor Otu noted that the solemn journey from the crucifixion on Good Friday to the glorious resurrection on Easter Sunday encapsulates the profound spiritual message that even in moments of adversity and despair, hope and renewal remain possible through faith and perseverance.
“Easter reminds us that after every season of sacrifice comes the dawn of renewal,” Otuh said. “It is the eternal testimony that faith, love and righteousness will always prevail over trials and tribulations.”
He commended Christians for their steadfast devotion during the Lenten season and urged them to allow the lessons of humility, sacrifice, forgiveness and compassion exemplified by Christ to guide their relationships with one another and their service to society.
“Christ’s resurrection is the greatest message of hope known to humanity,” the governor stated. “It calls on all of us to rise above bitterness, division and despair, and to embrace unity, peace and love as the enduring pillars of our collective progress.”
Similarly, Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, prevailed on Christians to pray for Nigeria’s eternal peace, harmony and social cohesion.
He specifically asked Nigerians to take advantage of the Easter Season and extend love to the needy.
“On this most sacred and solemn occasion of Easter, I send my warmest greetings and heartfelt felicitations to all Christian faithful across Ebonyi State and beyond as we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ,” he stated.
Nwifuru stated that Easter remains the cornerstone of our Christian faith, a profound reminder of sacrifice, redemption, and the triumph of light over darkness, hope over despair, and life over death.
The governor noted that the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ on the third day is not only a spiritual victory but “a moral compass that calls us all to live in peace, love, humility, and selflessness.”
His colleague in Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, described the season as a profound reminder of sacrifice, love, redemption, and hope for humanity. He said that the resurrection of Jesus Christ symbolizes victory over adversity and offers renewed assurance of a better future for all.
“Easter reminds us that after every trial comes triumph. Let us continue to work together in unity and faith for the collective good of our dear state,” Abiodun said.
He urged Christians to reflect on the core values of Easter—selflessness, humility, forgiveness, and compassion—and to emulate these virtues in their daily lives.
The governor stressed that that such values are essential for fostering peace, unity, and sustainable development in society.
Abiodun also called on residents of Ogun State to use the festive period to pray for the continued peace, progress, and prosperity of the state and the nation at large.
In Enugu, Governor Peter Mbah, sought peaceful coexistence and sustain the virtues imbibed during Lent.
“At this critical time, we must reject division and embrace tolerance, mutual respect, and understanding. Our collective progress depends on our ability to live together in peace and harmony,” he said.
According to Mbah, the resurrection of Christ underscored the enduring values of sacrifice, redemption, and renewal.
The governor enjoined Nigerians to foster unity and peaceful coexistence across religious, ethnic, and political divides, stressing that the nation’s strength lies in its diversity and shared aspirations.
Mbah noted that given its symbolism as a period of spiritual reinvigoration, Easter is a call to recommit to higher ideals.
Down to the North, Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State encouraged Christians to emulate the qualities of love, sacrifice, forgiveness and endurance, which Jesus Christ personified and illustrated remarkably during His earthly ministry.
Alia, also a Catholic priest, described the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ as the triumph of light over darkness.
“We must strengthen the bond of brotherhood and good neighbourliness that citizens of a cohesive state and country should share,” the governor said.
“I urge all Christians in the state to continue to live peacefully with one another, playing their part to make the state and Nigeria a beautiful place to reside.”
Alia restated his administration’s commitment to adopting all necessary measures to effectively overcome challenges bedeviling the state, assuring that under his administration, the state will emerge better.
He implored Christians to sustain prayers for peace and security to be restored throughout the country, urging them to maintain hope for a brighter Nigeria.
Also not left out is Katsina State Governor, Dikko Radda, who used the Easter season to sue for religious harmony in the North-western state and the entire country.
Dikko, a Muslim, emphasized that religious harmony is not a luxury. It is a necessity for progress.
“When Christians and Muslims stand together, nothing can stop our development. When we are divided, even small tasks become impossible,” the governor stated.
Radda explained that that Katsina State has made significant progress because people of different faiths have chosen unity over division, adding that schools in Katsina are built by people of all faiths and healthcare centres serve people of all faiths.
