Easter: Christ’s resurrection, new hope for Nigeria – Clerics

As Christians celebrate Easter, the Oyo State Chairman, Christian Council Of Nigeria (CCN), Most Rev. Williams Aladekugbe has urged Nigerians to rejoice as the resurrection of Jesus Christ has brought new hope to the country.

Aladekugbe gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Ibadan.

He urged citizens to rejoice that Christ had risen from the dead, which offered the promise of life after death.

“Our joy today must not be limited to eating or wearing of beautiful clothes, our joy is in Christ’s promise recorded in John 14:1-3.

“We must not continue to think about worldly things alone, we must, on a daily basis, prepare for the things of heaven, Christianity thrives only on the saving grace of the resurrected Christ,” he said.

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Aladekugbe, who is also the Anglican Bishop of Oyo Diocese, appealed to the government at all levels to always show interest in the well-being of the people.

“Nigerians are going through a lot while few individuals enjoy our God-given resources.

“There is pain, fear, restlessness, poverty, and insecurity in our land, the government, relevant agencies, and all stakeholders should do something urgently to ameliorate the sufferings of the people,” he said.

He urged the government to address the plights of universities that had been shut down for months and also prioritise the welfare of  citizens.

According to him, Easter is celebrated by Christians as a joyous season, because it represents the fulfillment of the prophecies of the Old Testament and the revelation of God’s salvation plan for all of mankind.

“In commemorating the Resurrection of Jesus, Easter also celebrates the defeat of death and the hope of salvation, Easter is so important because Christ’s resurrection confirms that our sin debt had been paid in full on the cross.

“Christ died as a sacrifice for our sin, an innocent victim; He rose as the conqueror, the victor.

“Christ was sinless hence, death could not hold Him, a confirmation that the sacrifice of Jesus was acceptable, the resurrection of Jesus also validates Scripture and the plan of redemption, it’s the central point of Christianity,” he said.

Also, the Catholic Bishop of Oyo Diocese, Most Rev. Emmanuel Badejo, urged all to rejoice asl sin and evil had been defeated through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

“Tell the world that all the betrayal, rejection, oppression, lies, and wickedness of the powerful people of this world will someday be defeated by justice and love.

“Easter Sunday answers all the painful questions of Good Friday, God is on the side of the poor and oppressed, so we should not lose hope.

“Jesus brings assurance of final victory that the reign of falsehood, oppression, injustice, and sin will not endure.

“I call on all leaders of the world to stop their hypocrisy, work for peace and follow the example of Jesus Christ, who humbled himself to serve and laid down his life for others.

“They must roll away the stone of hate and wickedness for the way of love is the way of God,” he said.

According to Badejo, only love will save the world, and endure till the end of time.

He called on all and sundry to spread the news that Jesus is alive.

“Let everybody feel the joy of Easter, the troubled, warring families, groups, communities, and nations should be reconciled with one another, drop their weapons.

“As Pope Francis has said, let us disarm all hands of brothers raised against brothers, there is a better way to live than that of violence, bloodshed, be at peace with everyone so that God may be pleased with us all,” he said.

The Catholic Bishop of Oyo Diocese urged all leaders and government at all levels to wake up and save Nigeria from complete collapse.

“Make justice and peace to break out and save your name in history,” he said.