- As Nigerians Join Global Christian Community In Easter Celebrations
BY JUDITH OBIANUA/BETI ONU (WITH AGENCY REPORT)
Christians across Nigeria, yesterday, joined millions of faithful around the world to celebrate Easter, marking the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Despite this year’s celebration being slightly marred by attacks in Plateau, Kaduna and other northern states, worshippers gathered for special Easter services in their various churches.
The celebrations, which followed weeks of Lenten observances, featured prayers, hymns and sermons centred on themes of sacrifice, hope and renewal.
Easter remains one of the most significant religious events for Christians worldwide, symbolising hope and new beginnings.
For many Nigerians, the celebration also serves as a moment for reflection, charity and renewed commitment to faith and community values.
Many churches also held sunrise services, a tradition observed in several parts of the world.
Clergy members, in their messages, urged Nigerians to embrace peace, unity and compassion, while reflecting on the significance of the season.
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), called on Nigerians to embrace hope, unity, and a shared sense of responsibility as the country celebrates Easter.
The umbrella body of Christians described the period as a critical moment for national renewal.
In a statement issued by its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, the association said the resurrection of Jesus Christ represents the enduring power to overcome adversity—a message it described as especially relevant in light of Nigeria’s current realities.
CAN noted that many citizens are facing economic hardship, insecurity, and widespread uncertainty, conditions that have left families anxious and weakened hope in parts of the country.
Also in its Easter message, CAN, Niger State Chapter, called on both the Federal Government and the Niger State Government to urgently step up efforts to ease the hardship faced by citizens and tackle the lingering insecurity in the state. The appeal was presented by the State Chairman, BulusDauwaYohanna.
In the message titled “Be Hopeful, Be Resilient, Be Compassionate,”Bishop Yohanna urged Christians to embody the spirit of Easter by showing love and support to vulnerable groups, including widows and orphans.
He described Easter as the joyful climax of the Lenten season, marked by prayer, fasting and almsgiving, and noted that it symbolises hope, renewal and God’s enduring love for humanity.
Addressing the challenges facing the state, he called on authorities to take urgent and decisive action.
“We urge the Federal and State Governments to take decisive steps to alleviate the sufferings of the people and bring an end to the insecurity that has ravaged our communities, claimed innocent lives, disrupted farming activities, and displaced many of our citizens,” he said.
The cleric also appealed to residents to remain prayerful and united, while offering support for the administration of Umaru Bago. “Let us pray that God grants him the wisdom and strength to effectively pursue and actualise the ‘New Niger Agenda.’ It is our hope that all ongoing projects will be completed for the benefit of the people,” he added.
Bishop Yohanna further encouraged active civic participation ahead of the 2027 general elections and called for inclusive governance. Emphasising the values of the season, he said, “Let us be living examples through lives of love, mercy, compassion, and selfless service, demonstrating that the Risen Christ lives in our hearts.”
Elsewhere, Pope Leo XIV marked Easter Sunday for the first time as Pontiff, with the Middle East war casting a pall over the most important date in the Christian calendar.
…Fr. Odia Administers Baptism, Urges Catholics To Deepen Faith In Christ
In Delta State, Assistant Parish Priest of St. Augustine Catholic Church, Akwuofor, Asaba, Rev. Fr Clement Odia administered the Sacrament of Baptism to 12 Cathcumen, urging Catholics to deepen their faith in the risen Lord.
The Baptism took place during Easter midnight Mass celebration, preceeding Easter celebration proper.
In his homily, Odia said that the resurrection of Jesus brought new life and a new hope in Christ, drawing insight from the words of St. Augustine, which says; “we are redeemed people, no more darkness. Light has come, light has shine over darkness and darkness cannot overcome it”.
“On this night the sins of Adam was over shadowed by light, the light of Easter candle procession, the exorcism, and the empty tomb, signifies that the crucified Lord has risen”
According to him the empty tomb on which Jesus was laid announced that love rules and he has conquered death on the cross and by rising gloriously, death has no power over believers. Jesus risen from death, he said, was a call for Christians to rise from every form their own tomb (Sins). “Rise from the tomb of wickedness, envy, hatred, jealousy and fear”, he admonished, noting that as the risen Lord lives among them, Satan has no power over them. (Christians)
