The Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has felicitated Christians in the state and Nigeria on the occasion of this year’s Easter celebration.
Oyebanji said the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, which was the essence of the Easter celebration, remained the greatest sacrifice for the redemption of mankind, which should be cherished.
The governor, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode, made available in Ado Ekiti on Saturday, urged Christians to emulate Christ’s virtues of humility, love, perseverance and compassion.
The governor said, “I wish all the people of Ekiti State and Christians across the country and other parts of the world, happy Easter as we celebrate God’s greatest sacrifice to mankind.
“Events leading to the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ were epochal in the annals of Christianity and humanity. They remind us of his virtues of sacrifice, love, harmony and peaceful coexistence among humanity.
“As Christians, this period offers us an opportunity to rethink our relationships as individuals, as communities and as a nation. The death and resurrection of Jesus Christ typifies love, affection and tolerance.
“I want to urge Christians to emulate the virtues of Jesus Christ by positively impacting the lives of friends, colleagues, associates, neighbours and family members,” the governor said.
Oyebanji also solicited prayers from the people of the state and other Nigerians for a peaceful and successful conduct of the June 20 governorship election in Ekiti.
He admonished governorship aspirants, party leaders, other politicians and their supporters “to conduct themselves in a peaceful and orderly manner before, during and after the election. Ekiti interest supercedes personal and partisan interests”. (Punch)
President Bola Tinubu in his Easter message yesterday, urged Nigerians, particularly political leaders to embrace restraint, responsibility and civic maturity ahead of the 2027 general elections, while also assuring citizens of his administration’s commitment to building a safer and more secure nation through intensified efforts to tackle terrorism, banditry, and other security threats.
Also yesterday, the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, canvassed for care of the needy and less privileged in society, while Governors and other political leaders charged Nigerians to leverage on the spirit of the season to show love and tolerance for one another.
In his Easter message, addressed to Nigerians at home and abroad, the President acknowledged that, despite the sacrifices of the Armed Forces and other security agencies, challenges to national security have persisted.
Ahead of the 2027 general elections, Tinubu called for political responsibility, restraint, and civic maturity, stressing that the Election Act must guide the conduct of political parties and actors to safeguard democracy, peace, and national stability.
His words: “As the nation gradually approaches another electoral cycle, this season also serves as a call to civic duty and maturity. 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. Democracy flourishes where responsibility, restraint, and informed participation prevail.”
The President expressed optimism that the country is on the path to recovery, citing improving economic indicators as evidence that the right choices are being made.
He, therefore, urged Nigerians to keep faith with the administration’s vision of a safer, stronger and more prosperous nation.
“Fellow Nigerians, you have been very supportive of my administration because you trust our ability to make our nation better. I will continue to serve to retain your trust. I enjoin you to keep the faith and never cease to contribute to the progress and greater future we seek, each in our own way, to the emergence of a democratically stronger, more prosperous, and safer nation,” Tinubu further said.
According to him, the government was making available the necessary resources and strengthening foreign partnerships to enable security agencies to deal decisive blows to terrorists, bandits and other criminal elements.
His words: “Despite the good efforts of the administration and the gallant efforts of our men and women of the Armed Forces who leave behind their families to confront the evil actors in our land, challenges to our security have remained. However, my administration continues to make resources available and forge foreign partnerships to enable us to deal decisive blows to the agents of terror and banditry.”
Tinubu noted that following his condolence visit to Jos, Plateau State, where he commiserated with victims of the recent deadly attack, security chiefs had given strong assurances of progress, while international support was also mobilised to reinforce Nigeria’s response.
He added: “On Thursday, I was in Jos to commiserate with people of Plateau State, share in their grief, and offer reassurances of better days to come. The leaders of the nation’s security institutions have given strong assurances of progress. We have also sought and are receiving assistance from outside our shores.”
He further assured residents of other parts of the country facing one form of insecurity or another that concerted government actions are beginning to produce results, urging citizens to support lawful efforts, remain united, and reject forces that threaten the country’s collective peace and stability.
“I am reassured that the citizens appreciate our efforts. I will continue to remind us of the imperative of unity and oneness. No nation can thrive where fear prevails, and no progress can be sustained without peace.”
The President said no nation can make meaningful progress where fear prevails, assuring communities affected by violence that better days lie ahead.
Tinubu said Easter season symbolises sacrifice, resilience, and the triumph of light over darkness, noting that its message resonates strongly with Nigeria’s present realities as the nation navigates economic stress and security challenges.
Also, wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, charged Nigerians to remember the needy in society and extend necessary support to them.
In her Easter message, the First Lady in a four-paragraph release titled ‘The Blessed Hope in Christ’s Resurrection,’ stated, inter alia: “Easter is a reminder of the enduring power of love and the selfless sacrifice of Jesus Christ and the hope His resurrection brings to all humanity.
“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.
“May the spirit of Easter 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.” (ThisDay)
The Delta State Police Command says it has massively deployed officers and put in place all necessary security measures to ensure a peaceful and hitch-free Easter celebration.
This was contained in a statement signed by the police public relations officer for Delta State Command, Superintendent of Police Bright Edafe, copies of which were made available to journalists in Warri on Friday.
The statement said, ”The Command has deployed personnel strategically to churches, event centres, highways, recreational spots, and other public places, while tactical teams and patrol units have been positioned across the State to deter crime and respond promptly to any security concerns”.
Also, the State Commissioner of Police, Yemi Oyeniyi, has directed all Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, and Tactical Commanders “to intensify visibility policing, sustain intelligence-led operations, and maintain a high level of alertness throughout the festive period.”
In an earlier meeting with Area commanders, the Commissioner of Police directed that they work with religious leaders in the Area of responsibility, and be in close communication with them during the Easter period and beyond.
The CP further charged officers to remain professional, courteous, and respectful in their interactions with members of the public.
The command urged residents to remain vigilant, security conscious, and to promptly report any suspicious persons or activities to the nearest police station or through the Command’s Control Room Number: 08036684974.
Parents and guardians were also advised to keep a close watch on their children and wards during the celebrations.
While wishing all Christian faithful a peaceful, hitch-free and happy Easter celebration, the commissioner of police reiterated the command’s commitment to the protection of life and property and called for continued cooperation from the public in maintaining peace and order across the state. (Punch)
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