Easter messages: Our efforts on insecurity yielding good results - President
• Support lawful efforts, reject threats to national unity, Tinubu urges Nigerians By Bolaji Ogundele, Abuja/Simon Utebor, Asaba/Damian Duruiheoma, Enugu President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has said that ongoing efforts by
• Support lawful efforts, reject threats to national unity, Tinubu urges Nigerians
By Bolaji Ogundele, Abuja/Simon Utebor, Asaba/Damian Duruiheoma, Enugu
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has said that ongoing efforts by his administration and the Armed Forces in tackling terrorism and banditry are beginning to yield positive results.
He therefore wants Nigerians to support lawful efforts aimed at stabilising the country and reject forces that threaten the nation's collective well-being.
The President, in his Easter message released yesterday, said resources were being deployed and international partnerships strengthened to deliver decisive outcomes against criminal elements.
According to him, the season of Easter symbolises sacrifice, resilience and the triumph of light over darkness; values he said are particularly relevant to Nigeria's current realities.
He said that following his recent visit to Plateau State where he commiserated with victims of violence and reassured residents of improved security, heads of security agencies have provided “strong assurances” of progress.
He maintained that despite persistent threats in parts of the country, concerted efforts were already producing breakthroughs. He expressed confidence that citizens would recognise government's commitment.
“No nation can thrive where fear prevails, and no progress can be sustained without peace,” the President said, reiterating the need for national unity and collective resolve.
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On the economy, Tinubu acknowledged that ongoing reforms have placed short-term pressure on citizens but emphasised that they are designed to achieve long-term prosperity.
“True transformation cannot be achieved without sacrifice,” he said, adding that history shows enduring progress often emerges from difficult periods.
The President also linked the Easter season to Nigeria's evolving political landscape, urging political actors and citizens to uphold the rule of law as the country approaches another electoral cycle.
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“The Electoral Act must guide the conduct of our political parties and political actors. Let our choices be guided by a shared commitment to peace, continuity, stability and the long-term good of our country,” he said.
Tinubu expressed optimism about the country's economic direction, stating that key indicators show Nigeria is on the right path and that “a new dawn is on the horizon.”
He thanked Nigerians for their continued support and trust in his administration, pledging to remain committed to building a stronger, safer and more prosperous nation.
First Lady urges compassion, support for the needy
In her own goodwill message on the occasion of Easter, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu asked Nigerians to extend compassion and support to the less privileged as they celebrate the festival.
She admonished Nigerians to remember those in need and demonstrate kindness within their communities, noting that the season provides an opportunity to reflect on selflessness and love.
“As we celebrate Easter with our loved ones, friends, neighbours and communities, let us remember those in need and extend compassion and support wherever we can,” she said.
She described Easter as a powerful reminder of the enduring love and sacrifice of Jesus Christ, as well as the hope brought by His resurrection to humanity.
According to her, the lessons of Easter should inspire Nigerians to uplift the vulnerable, promote unity and make sacrifices necessary for national development.
She prayed that the spirit of Easter might “inspire us to uplift the vulnerable, love one another, make sacrifices when necessary and work together to build a peaceful and prosperous nation for all.”
She emphasised that collective responsibility and mutual care remain essential in fostering a harmonious society, urging citizens to embody the values of compassion and generosity beyond the festive period.
Sanwo-Olu preaches love, compassion, peace
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu urged residents to embrace love, unity and the spirit of sacrifice, reflecting on the lessons of Jesus Christ.
He commended Christians for their devotion to prayers, sacrifices and compassion during the Lenten season and encouraged them to sustain the virtues of spirituality, charity, compassion and peaceful coexistence imbibed during the season.
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He said: "As we come to the end of the Lenten season, which is a yearly 40-day fasting for all of our Christian brothers and sisters, it is my wish and hope that all the lessons we have learnt throughout the period of fasting, a season of denial and reflection, will come forward in our daily life.
"The Lenten season is a period we speak to God Almighty, and this year's Easter is coming shortly after Ramadan, which was also a period of reflection. Easter is a period we need to be grateful. We need to show gratitude to God as citizens of our State.
"Easter is a season of blessings, love and happiness. Let us not forget all the preachings and teachings that have been taught during this period by ensuring that we are our brother's keeper, giving, loving our neighbours as ourselves and keeping a community that is for everyone.
"We are all brothers and sisters. We could be of different faiths, but at the end of the day, we are all from one country and from one Almighty. As I've said before, let us be our brother's keeper. Let us watch and keep a safe and secure environment for ourselves. Let us go out and enjoy, but do it with caution.
Speaking on the state of the nation, Governor Sanwo-Olu commended President Bola Tinubu for his commitment to several reforms that have brought positive growth and development in Nigeria.
He said: "The country itself has its own challenges, but this is a period to also commend and congratulate President Bola Tinubu. Even as tough as things might appear, especially with security, indeed, he has earned credibility and leadership qualities that we know of him.
"We have seen the ability of our financial institutions to meet all of their share capital. We have seen strength in our capital market. We have seen growth in our financial industry. We have seen reduction in food prices. We have seen economic growth. We have seen a reduction in inflation, month on month, in the last 12 months. So, there are strong economic indices.
"Even with the war that is happening in Iran, where you have seen an increase in pump prices everywhere in the world, we have been able to manage ourselves. We have not seen any queues in any of our stations.
"Of course, there are a few security issues here and there, and our hearts are with our citizens that have lost their loved ones, who have been killed needlessly in Plateau and other parts of the country, Mr. President has given a commitment that he will face it frontally and he will give it everything that he has. We can only wish him well."
Adeleke urges unity, reaffirms inclusive governance
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Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke asked Christians to use this year's Easter to reflect on the enduring values of love, sacrifice and hope associated with the season.
The governor described Easter as a symbol of life triumphing over death and light overcoming darkness.
Adeleke noted that the essence of the celebration lies in selflessness and faith in a better future.
He acknowledged the spiritual significance of the season, stressing that the sacrifice of Jesus Christ calls for renewed dedication to peaceful coexistence and service to humanity.
The governor reassured the Christian faithful in the state of his administration's commitment to fairness, inclusiveness and the protection of religious freedom.
Adeleke also emphasised his administration's resolve to build a society where all citizens can flourish without fear or discrimination, regardless of their religious beliefs.
The governor encouraged Christians to imbibe the virtues of humility, forgiveness and love exemplified during the Easter period.
Work collectively to address nation's challenges – Catholic Bishop urges Nigerians
The Catholic Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Most Rev. Callistus Onaga, stressed the need for Nigerians to unite and work collectively to address the nation's numerous challenges.
Onaga in his Easter message urged citizens to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ with a clear conscience and renewed commitment to positive change.
