VP says present difficulties facing the country temporary
.Don’t relent in prayers, APC national chairman urges Nigerians
.As Bishops Odetoyinbo, Nwokolo urge Nigerians to trust God
CHIGOZIE AMADI
Vice-President Kashim Shettima on Sunday assured Nigerians that the present difficulties facing the country were temporary, with better days ahead under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.
Shettima gave the assurance in an Easter message issued by his spokesperson, Mr Stanley Nkwocha, in Abuja.
He reiterated the administration’s commitment to peace, economic recovery and long-term prosperity, noting that the path to national renewal often required sacrifice and collective resolve.
The vice-president expressed optimism that the country would overcome its current economic and security challenges.
According to him, although Nigerians have endured difficult times with the citizens enduring significant challenges, the nation has never been defined by adversity.
“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.
Shettima urged Nigerians to remain united and continue to support the ongoing reforms of the Tinubu administration.
He stressed that national progress required patience, endurance and a shared sense of purpose.
The vice-president also called on citizens to reject division and embrace the values that bind them together as one people, noting that Nigeria’s diversity remained one of its greatest strengths.
Speaking on the significance of Easter, Shettima said the Christian message of sacrifice, hope and resurrection reminded the nation that no period of hardship lasted forever.
According to him, Easter symbolises the triumph of hope over despair and light over darkness.
“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 through darkness, of hope rising from the shadows of pain and of faith prevailing over fear,” he said.
In his message, the Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang, has joined Christians across the world in celebrating the Easter season.
Governor Mutfwang described the occasion as the very foundation of the Christian faith, centered on the crucifixion, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ for the redemption and salvation of humanity.
“Easter is more than a spiritual event; it offers a sacred opportunity to reflect on the cornerstone of our faith—the death, burial, and glorious resurrection of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.
“It marks the fulfillment of scriptural prophecy and assures believers of eternal life.
“The significance of Easter lies in the hope, salvation, and spiritual renewal it offers to all,” the Governor stated.
He added: “Let us never forget the immeasurable sacrifice on the Cross of Calvary, where Christ bore our sins and suffered so that we might receive forgiveness, salvation, and eternal life. His resurrection assures us of victory over sin, despair, and every adversity.”
On his part, Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra has congratulated Christians in the state and across Nigeria on the occasion of Easter, urging them to embrace selfless love, sacrifice, forgiveness, and reconciliation.
In a statement issued on Sunday in Awka by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Christian Aburime, the governor said the essence of Easter goes beyond mere celebration.
He called for deep reflection and a renewed commitment to values that promote unity and peaceful coexistence.
Soludo emphasised that the season presents a moral obligation for Christians to put others first, forgive grievances, and foster reconciliation within families, communities, and the nation at large.
According to him, the teachings and sacrifice of Jesus Christ underscore the importance of compassion, tolerance, and collective responsibility in building a more just and harmonious society.
The governor wished Christians a joyful Easter and prayed for renewed hope, peace, and national unity.
Similarly, the Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun has extended warm felicitations to Christians in Ogun State and across Nigeria on the occasion of this year’s Easter celebration, which commemorates the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Abiodun in his Easter message, described the season as a profound reminder of sacrifice, love, redemption, and hope for humanity. He noted that the resurrection of Jesus Christ symbolizes victory over adversity and offers renewed assurance of a better future for all.
He urged Christians to reflect on the core values of Easter—selflessness, humility, forgiveness, and compassion—and to emulate these virtues in their daily lives. He emphasized that such values are essential for fostering peace, unity, and sustainable development in society.
The Governor also called on residents of Ogun State to use the festive period to pray for the continued peace, progress, and prosperity of the state and the nation at large. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to delivering good governance and improving the welfare of the people.
While wishing all Christians a joyful and peaceful Easter celebration, Governor Abiodun encouraged citizens to remain hopeful and steadfast, assuring them that better days lie ahead for Ogun State and Nigeria.
“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,” the Governor said.
In his own message, the All Progresaives Congress, APC National Chairman, Prof Nentawe Yilwatda, has extended warm Easter greetings to Christians across Nigeria, urging citizens to embrace sacrifice, hope, peace, love, and national unity.
Yilwatda described Easter as a cornerstone of the Christian faith, reminding believers of Jesus Christ’s redemptive sacrifice and resurrection.
Prof Yilwatda noted that Easter teaches valuable lessons on faith, resilience, forgiveness, and hope in adversity and also emphasized that sacrifice is the pathway to glory and that suffering is not the end of every story.
The APC leader called on Nigerians to draw inspiration from the resurrection story, remaining steadfast in faith and patriotism despite challenges.
He urged Christians, in a statement to recommit to virtues like righteousness, compassion, and unity.
Yilwatda expressed concern over security challenges, commiserating with affected families and communities and emphasised the need for solidarity, vigilance, and cooperation to restore peace and security.
The APC National Chairman acknowledged the Federal Government’s efforts in tackling insecurity, noting strategic interventions and institutional reforms but he urged continued collaboration among government, security agencies and citizens.
Professor Yilwatda called on Nigerians not to relent in their prayers for the nation, its leaders, and security personnel during the Easter season, emphasising the importance of prayer, reflection, and renewed hope.
Also, Most Rev. Peter Odetoyinbo, Bishop, Catholic Diocese of Abeokuta, Ogun State has given assurance that God will bring healing to the Nigeria’s land.
In his Easter message, Odetoyinbo urged Nigerians not to surrender to despair, saying God will give wisdom to the leaders, justice to the institutions, peace to troubled regions, and dignity to struggling families.
Bishop Odetoyinbo said, “As the Church throughout the world celebrates the glorious feast of Easter—the victory of life over death, light over darkness and hope over despair—I extend to you, dear people of God, my heartfelt Easter greetings and pastoral blessings.
“Easter is the foundation of our Christian faith and hope. It is the solemn proclamation that darkness does not endure forever, and suffering is not meaningless in the hands of God since death itself has been conquered through the resurrection of Christ.”
The Catholic priest therefore noted that “sacred mystery speaks directly to our present condition in Nigeria as we grapple with the harsh reality of poverty, hunger, insecurity and insurgency. Many families in our country continue to experience severe economic hardship. The cost of living remains painful for ordinary households. Parents struggle daily to provide food, education, and healthcare for their children. Many young people carry the burden of unemployment and uncertainty, despite their talents and hard work. Many homes live in anxiety because of insecurity, fear of violence, kidnapping, and social instability. The Jos Mayhem is still being felt. May God heal the wounded, comfort the families and grant eternal to the dead.
“As your Bishop, I want to say clearly that Christ sees your pain, hears your cries, and walks with you. Just as our Lord Jesus Christ entered human suffering and carried the Cross, so too He remains present in every burden you carry. The resurrection assures us that God never abandons His people in the darkest hour. This is the message Easter gives to our nation today: God is still working, even when hope appears delayed. The resurrection reminds us that divine intervention often comes after nights of great trial.
“Therefore, let us continue to trust that God will bring healing to our land, wisdom to our leaders, justice to our institutions, peace to troubled regions, and dignity to struggling families.
“Therefore, I urge you: do not surrender to despair. The same God who raised Jesus from the dead remains Lord of history and Lord of nations. He can still restore what appears broken in our nation. Christ trusted His Father all through His sufferings and pains, let us continue to trust God in the midst of the fear and troubles.
“To our young people: do not lose courage. Your future is not cancelled by present difficulties. Continue to develop your gifts, remain disciplined, and trust that honest effort joined with prayer bears fruit in God’s time.
“To parents carrying enormous responsibility: your sacrifices are precious before God. Your hidden tears are not forgotten.
“To those affected directly by insecurity, displacement, violence, or insurgency: the Risen Christ, who overcame death itself, will not abandon you in fear.
This Easter also calls each of us to become instruments of resurrection for others. Let us renew compassion, generosity, honesty, patience, and mutual care. Let us strengthen family prayer, support one another in our parishes, and refuse to allow hardship to destroy our love for neighbour. The future of our nation will not be built only by policies, but also by citizens whose hearts are shaped by truth, faith, justice, sacrifice and moral courage.
“Beloved faithful, do not lose confidence in God. Let us continue to pray for our nation as we ask for mercy, lasting peace, justice, and protection for everyone.”
Also, the Bishop on the Niger, the Rt Rev Dr Owen Nwokolo, has called on Nigerians to place unwavering trust in God inspite of the current insecurity and economic downturn.
In his homily during his Easter message, held at the All Saints’ Cathedral Church, Onitsha, Nwokolo focused on the relevance of Christ’s Resurrection in confronting both national and individual challenges.
He noted that Easter is not merely a celebration, but a powerful reminder that no difficulty is beyond divine intervention.
Drawing parallels between Christ’s victory over death and the struggles confronting citizens, the bishop affirmed that just as Jesus broke through the barrier of the tomb, Nigerians too would overcome obstacles in their families and in the nation at large.
He stressed that situations that appeared impossible to man remained possible with God.
“Where our strenght ends, Jesus takes over,” he said, encouraging Nigerians not to lose hope despite economic hardship, insecurity, and uncertainties.
According to him, Christ’s presence remains constant even in the most difficult moments, assuring that “He is in our midst” and cannot be hindered from bringing help, regardless of closed doors or overwhelming odds.
Nwokolo further urged Nigerians to reject fear and despair, emphasizing that Easter symbolizes victory over negativity and despair.
