***Shettima, Akpabio, governors: We’ll triumph over challenges
Pope Leo XIV celebrated his first Easter on Sunday with a message against war and oppression of the vulnerable.
The first United State-born pontiff celebrated the resurrection of Jesus Christ in the midst of wars in the Gulf region – the United States/Israel versus Iran – as well as the Russia versus Ukraine.
The war in the Gulf affected the Eater celebration in Israel as a result of restriction ordered by the government because of the missiles from Iran and Southern Lebanon.
Back home in Nigeria, Christians all over the country celebrated in churches as religious leaders, heads of sub-national governments gave messages of hope and admonitions against violence and extremism.
Among the messages was that of Vice President Kashim Shettima and governors, who expressed hope that the country will soon overcome the spate of killings by terrorists and kidnappings, banditry in parts of the country.
Pope Leo addressed the faithful from an open-air altar in St. Peter’s Square flanked with white roses, while the steps leading down to the piazza where the faithful gathered were filled with spring perennials, symbolically resonating with the pope’s message of hope.
The pontiff implored the faithful to keep their hope in the face of death, which lurks “in injustices, in partisan selfishness, in the oppression of the poor, in the lack of attention given to the most vulnerable.
“We see it in violence, in the wounds of the world, in the cry of pain that rises from every corner because of the abuses that crush the weakest among us, because of the idolatry of profit that plunders the earth’s resources, because of the violence of war that kills and destroys,” he said.
He quoted his predecessor Pope Francis in warning against falling into indifference in the face of “persistent injustice, evil, indifference and cruelty,” because “it is also true that in the midst of darkness, something new always springs to life and sooner or later produces fruit.”
He will later deliver the traditional “Urbi et Orbi” message – Latin for “to the city and the world.’’
In Israel, traditional ceremonies at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, revered by Christians as the traditional site of Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection, were scaled back under an agreement with Israeli police. Authorities have put limits on the sizes of public gatherings due to ongoing missile attacks.
The restrictions also dampened the recent Muslim holy month of Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr holiday, as well as the current weeklong Jewish festival of Passover.
On Sunday, the Jewish priestly blessing at the Western Wall — normally attended by tens of thousands – was limited to just 50 people.
The restrictions have strained relations between Israeli authorities and Christian leaders. Police last week prevented two of the church’s top religious leaders, including Latin Patriarch Pierbattista Pizzaballa, from celebrating Palm Sunday at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
On Tuesday, the pope had expressed hope that the war could be finished before Easter.
We’ll triumph over challenges, say Shettima, governors
Vice President Shettima yesterday optimism that Nigeria will overcome its current economic and security challenges.
He urged citizens to remain united and patient as ongoing reforms take shape.
In his Easter message, Shettima said the nation’s difficulties are temporary and will give way to long-term prosperity through collective sacrifice and faith.
“I remain confident that by our collective will, shared sacrifice and abiding faith in the promise of this nation, we shall triumph over whatever challenges beset us momentarily,” he said.
According to a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Communications, Stanley Nkwocha, the Vice President stressed that national progress requires endurance, unity and a shared sense of purpose.
He urged Nigerians to reject divisive tendencies and embrace the country’s diversity as a source of strength.
Shettima assured citizens that better days lie ahead under the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, noting that the current hardships are necessary phases on the path to economic recovery and sustainable development.
Reflecting on the significance of Easter, he said the season symbolises hope, sacrifice and resurrection.
“Easter is a reminder that history often bends in favour of those who refuse to surrender to despair.
“It is the story of light piercing darkness, of hope rising from pain and of faith prevailing over fear,” he added.
Also, Senate President Godswill Akpabio assured Nigerians that the prevailing insecurity across the country would soon be brought under control.
Speaking at the Apostolic Church convention in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, Akpabio acknowledged the pain of families who have lost loved ones to violence, including security personnel and civilians.
“To such families, please know that your pain is shared by the entire nation.
“We mourn with you and honour the memory of those whose lives have been cut short,” he said.
He, however, expressed hope that just as Christ triumphed over death, Nigeria would overcome insecurity and emerge stronger.
“Darkness never has the final word. Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning. Nigeria will defeat insecurity, evil and fear,” he said.
The Senate President urged citizens to embrace unity and compassion.
Across states, governors echoed similar messages of hope, unity and perseverance.
Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma stressed the need for love, sacrifice and unity, expressing optimism about economic recovery under the current administration.
“Let us be our brother’s keepers and live in love, humility and service,” he said.
“If we truly practice that love, the world will be a better place. Our communities will be harmonious, and our nation will be prosperous,” Uzodimma said.
Acknowledging current economic challenges, he attributed them partly to global uncertainties but assured Nigerians that reforms by the Tinubu Administration were yielding results.
“The reforms are working; the economy is recovering,” he stated, while urging citizens to support the government through prayers and cooperation.
He urged Christians to reflect deeply on the Easter message by showing love, kindness, forgiveness, and service to others.
“Let us be our brother’s keepers… and live as Christ lived – in love, humility, and service,” he said.
Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun extended warm greetings to Christians, urging them to embrace the values of sacrifice, love, and unity.
In his Easter message, the governor described the season as a profound reminder of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, which he said symbolises hope, redemption, and victory over adversity.
Abiodun called on Christians to reflect on the core virtues of Easter, including selflessness, humility, forgiveness, and compassion, noting that these values are essential for building a peaceful and progressive society.
He urged residents of Ogun to use the festive period to pray for the continued peace, progress, and prosperity of the state and the nation at large.
The governor also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to good governance and improving the welfare of the people, assuring citizens that efforts were ongoing to deliver sustainable development.
While wishing Christians a joyful and peaceful celebration, Abiodun encouraged them to remain hopeful and steadfast in faith.
“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.
Kogi State Governor Ahmed Ododo urged Nigerians to embrace peace, love and sacrifice, stressing that Easter offers lessons in unity and collective responsibility.
He assured residents of his administration’s commitment to security and development, calling for continued public support.
Katsina State Governor Dikko Radda emphasised the importance of religious harmony, describing unity between Christians and Muslims as critical for development.
“When we stand together, nothing can stop our progress. When we are divided, even small tasks become impossible,” he said.
Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo and Speaker of the State Assembly, Somtochukwu Udeze, called for patience and renewed faith amid current economic challenges.
Soludo described Easter as a symbol of redemption and renewal.
He urged Nigerians to embrace selfless service, sacrifice and reconciliation.
Udeze, on his part, encouraged citizens to remain hopeful and committed to peace and national unity.
Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori urged Christians to remain steadfast in faith and uphold the values of love, humility and perseverance, noting that such virtues are essential for building a peaceful society.
