President Muhammadu Buhari has urged Nigerians to continue being confident and believe strongly in the efforts at making the country great.
In his 2023 Easter message which he personally signed, the President noted that the season reminds humanity that the Almighty can turn unpleasant situations round for good.
Recognising that Easter is about renewed hope and a glorious future, President Buhari maintained that it has been a rare privilege for him to serve as President from 2015 to 2023.
While congratulating newly-elected candidates, he commended Nigerians for believing in the new Electoral Act and acknowledged that it is the right of those who feel dissatisfied with the outcome to seek redress.
He advised Nigerians to celebrate the season with family members, neighbors and community members, in love, showing kindness, and forgiveness.
Also, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation/Chairman, Presidential Transition Council, Boss Mustapha, has on behalf of the Federal Executive Council, offered warm greetings to the Christian faithful, as they celebrate Good Friday and Easter, which mark the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
The SGF in a statement urged the Christian faithful to use the period to imitate Jesus Christ, who submitted Himself to the will of God by willingly offering himself as a sacrifice to redeem mankind to God.
He noted that the two great events in the Christian calendar – Good Friday and Easter, symbolize the triumph of good over evil, and prays that the season awakens in Christians, the spirit of dedication to public good and selfless service to the nation.
According to him, the period should herald a rebirth and healing of the country, emphasizing the need to use the period to pray for the success of the incoming administration.
Similarly, the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has rejoiced with Nigerians, particularly Christian faithful and residents of the state as they celebrate this year’s Easter-the commemoration of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
The Governor urged Lagos residents, particularly Christians to emulate Jesus Christ’s virtues of humility, perseverance and compassion, which made Him die on the cross for the atonement of our sins and reconciling us with God.
Governor Sanwo-Olu in his Easter Message issued on Friday by his Chief Press Secretary, Gboyega Akosile, urged Christians to continue to live in peace, love and harmony with believers in other faiths, noting that good neighbourliness, selflessness, patience, and love were among the several lessons taught and exemplified by our Lord Jesus Christ.
The Governor also implored Nigerians, particularly, Christians to use the occasion to seek the face of God for continuous peace in Lagos State and Nigeria, especially as the country begins the transition from President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration to the President-elect, Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He said: “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. The message of Easter is that of sacrifice, tolerance, harmony, perseverance, and undying love.
“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 nationalities.
“Let us remember to be Christ-like in our love for fellow citizens and our country. As Christians, this period offers us an opportunity to rethink our relationships as individuals, as communities, and as a nation.
“We should also use the period to pray for peace in Lagos State and Nigeria as the country prepares for the May 29 hanging-over ceremony.
“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.
“We should mirror the virtues of humility, compassion, and undying love as demonstrated by Jesus Christ. May the blessing of Easter and the power of the resurrection rekindle our faith in God and humanity. I wish you all a happy celebration.”
The Governor used the opportunity of Easter celebration to commend and thank Lagosians for their steadfastness, resilience, support and cooperation with his administration during his first term, while also reassuring residents of his government’s commitment to continued good governance and more people-oriented programmes during his second term in office.
