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Tag: Easter

  • Easter: Sen. Abe preaches forgiveness

    The Senator representing Rivers South-East Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Senator Magnus Ngei Abe, has appealed to Christians to learn how to forgive one another just as Jesus Christ forgave mankind, advising them to surrender anything in their heart that will prevent God from answering their prayers.

    “I want to use this opportunity to appeal to all of us as Christians, that we should try as much as possible to learn forgiveness. Christ, who was betrayed and crucified, forgave those who betrayed and crucified him, if he can forgive; what is it that people have done to you that you cannot forget and forgive as a Christian”.

    Abe made the appeal while speaking at a special prayer session to mark Easter Good Friday in Port Harcourt, Rivers State Capital and maintained that the period should also be used for sober reflection over our lives as mankind.

    The senator said, “I want to appeal to all of us to use this time to remember our neighbours; sometime the situation they are facing may even be worse than our own. As we were praying today, I was praying to God to answer everyone because different people have different challenges and the one you think is the biggest challenge could actually be a very minor one comparing to the situation that others are facing.

    “I pray that God will remember all of us this Easter season. Finally, I want to use this opportunity to encourage each and every one of you. There is nothing in life that is of value that is easy, there is nothing in life that is useful, that you can just pick like that without struggling for it”.

    Abe, who is the Chairman, Senate Committee on FERMA also appealed to Christians to use the period of the Easter celebration to remember in their prayers, the Dapchi girl who has not been released by her captors because of her refusal to deny Jesus Christ.

    “Let us use the opportunity to specially remember the Dapchi Girl, particularly the little girl that is still being held. I want to urge each and every one of us to use that girl as a point of contact to remember to thank God that you are free to worship God as you like, that you are free every day to take little decisions about your life”.

    “But there is a little girl somewhere away from her parents, away from her friends; she does not know if she will be alive tomorrow or death, but she is hanging on to the same God that you and I worship. I want us to remember that child and to pray for her not just today but every day”.

     

  • Easter: Kumuyi advises Christian leaders to shun corruption

    Pastor William Kumuyi, the General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church on Sunday, urged Christians in leadership positions to shun corruption and act as exemplary leaders for others to follow.

    Kumuyi, who was represented by the church’s Camp Commandant, Pastor Andrew Umor, gave the advice at the grand finale of the 2018 National Easter Retreat of Church in Lagos.
    The cleric said only the righteousness would move the country forward, adding that the retreat was to teach Christians how to shine as light in whatsoever positions they found themselves.

    “We have had so much about corruption in Nigeria, but we know that true Christianity brings a difference and that is what this retreat is all about.

    “It is about teaching believers to shine as light and be different from the unbelievers.

    “Christians should not embezzle money in their offices but live according to the testimony of Christ,’’ the cleric said.

    He also stressed the need for Christians to lead with conscience in leadership position,
    able to deliver a different path to the nation, urging Christian leaders in Nigeria to return to the Bible.

    Cleric said that the message in the convention was about having faith in Christ and repentance into a life that transformed society.

    He underscored the need for Christians to be heirs of God’s Kingdom before they could inherit the provisions and treasures of God’s kingdom.

    “If we return to the Bible and the basis and the truth that the Bible teaches, we won’t be having all these problems we have been having because therein lies all the solutions.

    “The Word of God is the light the nation and righteousness exalts the nation so, if we return to the word, the way it is; then, there will be less problems,’’ he said.

    The Lagos Moderator of the Church, Pastor Bayo Oyeyemi also that the outpouring of the power of God at the convention was because the participants prepared for the programme.

    “We see the excitement and the outpouring of the power of God upon the people of God.

    ‘’It did not just happen ordinarily but people were full of expectations, prayers and preparations.

    “Nigerians should seek more of God and look unto Him because He is our maker and we must put Him first.

    “The solution to crisis in Nigeria is God. God didn’t create man with crisis. Crisis is man-made and the solution is of God.

    “If Nigerians will repent, Nigeria will be another heaven on earth,” Oyeyemi said.

    The annual convention entitled “Heirs of His Kingdom” commenced on March 29 and ended on April 1.

     

  • Easter: Gov. Aregbesola preaches love, peace

    Gov. Rauf Aregbesola of Osun has urged Christians to embrace the lesson of Easter by continuing to live in peace with their neighbours.

    Aregbesola, in a Easter message by his media aide, Sola Fasure on Saturday in Osogbo, said that the ideal of Easter was love manifested in sacrifice.

    ” It was love that motivated Jesus Christ to lay down his life.

    “It was love also that made him adopt non-resistance method, even as he endured a farcical trial that led to his condemnation, crucifixion death, and resurrection.

    “Christians therefore should emulate Jesus by demonstrating love to one another and to their neighbours, just as Jesus admonished his disciples to love their neighbours as themselves.

    “The absence of love is the foundation of all evils in our society.

    ” Those who love others will not steal from them, kill them, tell lies against them or harm them in any way.

    “Christians will only be like Christ if they emulate him and pattern their lives after him”.

    Aregbesola also urged Christians to use the period of Easter celebration to pray for the nation and the state, noting that the challenges before the nation require divine intervention.

    “We should all also, irrespective of our religious persuasion, commit the affairs of our nation into the hands of God.

    “Though we have many challenges which appear to be formidable, but they are nothing in the hands of God.

    “If we pray and seek the face of God, in addition to working hard and eschewing evil, we shall overcome the challenges.

    “The future is bright for us if we can take maximum advantage of our human and material resources” Aregbesola said.

  • Okowa urges Nigerians not to relent

    Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa has called on Christians and all Nigerians to see the Easter period as an opportunity to increase their efforts at showing love and promotion of peace among mankind.

    Okowa, in an Easter message urged Deltans, Nigerians and Christians in particular not to relent in cooperating and supporting governments at all levels in their efforts to put in place programmes and measures that would enhance and improve the standard of living of Nigerians.

    In the message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Charles Aniagwu, Okowa charged Nigerians, particularly Christians, to emulate Jesus Christ who, through his love for mankind, decided to sacrifice his life for people to live.

    “Easter is a period to share love and promote peace. Jesus Christ lived and died for peace and love to reign and we can all emulate the exemplary life of Christ by becoming promoter of peace and love.

    “Easter is the reason why we are called Christians. But Christianity places a demand on all of us, a responsibility to look out for each other and be our brothers’ keepers,” he said.

    The governor felicitated with the people, particularly Christians, on the occasion of this year’s Easter, a period he said was meant for sacrifice and forgiveness as exemplified by the life and times of Jesus Christ.

    He also used the opportunity to thank the people of the state for their unflinching support for his administration, noting that the successes he had so far recorded would not have been possible without them.

     

  • Easter: Residents lament poor ATM services

    Easter: Residents lament poor ATM services

    Residents of Benin have decried poor services of Automated Teller Machines (ATM) in the metropolis during festive periods.

    The respondents spoke in separate interviews with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Benin on Saturday.

    They described it as unfortunate that residents were made to go through stress to withdraw money from the machines during such period.

    They said most of the machines were not been dispensing cash since Friday night, a situation they noted resulted into long queues in the few ones dispensing.

    A resident, John Omoruyi, who said he was unable to get cash from the machines he visited on Friday night, regretted that the situation did not change as at Saturday morning.

    He said “it is annoying that the banks do not make contingency plans for periods such as this.”

    Another resident, Osadolor Ighodaro, said he got to the ATM at 6 a.m. and as at 10. a.m., he was still unable to get cash.

    According to him, he was at more than six ATMs of different banks but the same thing applies: not dispensing cash.

    “It is like a plan by all the banks to deprive customers of their money during holidays: this is because we experienced same situation during 2017 Christmas celebration.”

    Otabor Friday, also a resident, said he trekked from Cultural City at the city centre down to Dawnson junction at Akpakpava road in Benin just to make use of the machines.

    Friday said “I tell you, it was a futile effort as I couldn’t get any of the machines that was dispensing cash in the long stretch of Akpakpava road.

    “The only two machines dispensing cash were like market squares.”

    He said the situation was same at the ATMs along Airport Road and Sapele Road.

    Attempts to get response from security personnel attached to some of the banks proved abortive as they said they were not in position to respond to the challenges.

    One of the security officers attached to one of the new generation banks along Sapele Road, said the challenge would be addressed before the end of Saturday.

    He added that “I am sure that the people responsible for it will come and look into this problem before the end of today.

    “I can tell you that the rush for cash by customers is largely responsible for this problem, but it will be sorted out soon.”

     

  • Easter: Gov. Abubakar calls for unity, tolerance among Bauchi residents

    Easter: Gov. Abubakar calls for unity, tolerance among Bauchi residents

    Gov. Mohammed Abubakar of Bauchi State has called for unity and tolerance among the residents as they celebrate the Easter .

    He said that people should bury their ethnic, religious and political differences for the overall peace and development of the state.

    Abubakar, in an Easter message on Friday, said: “We must preach the virtues of peace and unity among us.

    “We cannot afford to allow ourselves to be divided along religious or ethnic lines.

    “Therefore, we must allow peace to reign in order to achieve progress.”

    He appealed to the Christian community in the state, who just ended the Lent period, to put into practice the lessons of the spiritual exercise.

    “I would like to appeal for sober reflection and self evaluation by all with a view to assessing everybody’s relationship with God and fellow human beings so as to make amends where necessary.”

    The governor noted that the state and the Nation as a whole needed continued prayers to overcome various challenges.

    Abubakar reiterated his administration’s commitment to the maintenance of law and order, adding that government has taken all the necessary measures to ensure a hitch free Easter celebration.

    He however appealed for continued support and cooperation from the people for a peaceful and progressive state.

  • Easter: Secondus calls for prayer for democracy to survive in Nigeria

    The National Chairman of PDP, Prince Uche Secondus, has urged Nigerians to use the period of Easter to reflect on the situation in the country and pray for the survival of Nigeria’s democracy.

    Secondus made the call in an Easter message issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Ike Abonyi, on Friday in Abuja.

    He said that the nation’s democracy since 1999 had been under heavy stress and needed all hands to be on the deck to survive.

    The chairman said Nigeria’s democracy required only truth and sincerity of purpose from critical stakeholders to survive.

    He urged leaders to stand up for the truth and save the country from deteriorating.

    Secondus commended former President Olusegun Obasanjo, former Military Head of State Ibrahim Babangida and former Minister of Defence General Theophilus Danjuma for saying the truth about the state of the nation.

    “Indicators are apparent that the country is under siege and Nigerians should use this solemn period of Easter to pray for God to intervene and raise good leaders for the country,’’ he said.

    Secondus advised the APC-led Federal Government to imbibe the spirit of tolerance and shun all undemocratic tendencies that might heighten tension in the land.

    He urged Christians to see the Easter festivity as ample period to exhibit positive attitudes toward one another.

    The chairman assured Nigerians that the new PDP that would emerge after reformation would take the country to the next level having been equipped with the requisite experience.

    He admonished Nigerian leaders to absorb the lessons of Easter and allow it influence their conducts, especially as it concerned less privileged persons in the society.

    Secondus wished all Nigerians a very happy Easter celebration and urged them to live in peace with one another.

     

  • Easter: MURIC calls for prayers for Leah, other girls in Boko Haram’s captivity

    The Muslims Rights Concern (MURIC) has called on Nigerians to intensify prayers for the release of Leah Sharibu, the Dapchi schoolgirl still in Boko Haram captivity, as they celebrate Easter.

    Prof. Ishaq Akintola, Director of the group in his Easter message on Friday, also urged Nigerians to remember Sharibu in their prayers so that the good Lord would soften the hearts of her captors to make them release her.

    “As Nigerians mark Easter, we call attention to the plight of those in captivity, particularly Leah Sharibu, the Christian girl who dared Boko Haram hoodlums. Let us remember her with prayers.

    “May God grant her more strength and embolden her in her trying moments. Our prayer point should also accommodate the remaining Chibok girls who are still in the hands of the terrorists,” he said.

    The director also urged Nigerians to support the Federal Government’s offer of amnesty to Boko Haram insurgents, adding that it should not be seen as a sign of weakness or surrender.

    “It is the wisest thing to do at the moment. Nigeria needs a peaceful environment for full economic recovery and political stability.

    “Amnesty is also in the interest of our young daughters who are still being held by Boko Haram. It is capable of softening the hearts of the insurgents and reducing their restlessness.

    “As talks of amnesty continue, we jog Federal Government’s memory to make freedom for Leah Sharibu numero uno matter on the table. Boko Haram’s jaundiced and selective justice has singled her out as a major priority.

    “We reiterate our commitment to a united Nigeria. We extend our hands of fellowship to our Christian neighbours. It is not ideal to worship God and hate His creatures at the same time,” Akintola said.

  • Good Friday: Obaseki tasks Christians on sacrifice, passion for national rebirth

    Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has called on Christians to imbibe the virtue of selfless service in commemoration of the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ at Calvary.

    Obaseki made the call to mark Good Friday, a holiday in the Christian calendar which marks the end of the 40 days Lenten season. It is celebrated by several Christian denominations across the world.

    He noted, “As Christian faithful celebrate the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on Calvary, I urge everyone to take this opportunity to reflect on the significance of this day, the solemnity of selfless service and the passion for the downtrodden.

    “As we go about our activities to mark this day, we should not forget to make sacrifices for the development of our nation. This is necessary to set Nigeria on the path of progress.”

    Obaseki added, “Good Friday brings to the fore, the love of Christ for mankind, for which he gave his life. So also should we remember to be our brother’s keeper, upholding the spirit of togetherness and sacrifice for the greater good of all.

    “The spirit of sacrifice as exemplified by Jesus Christ who offered himself for mankind on the cross of Calvary should be a lesson for all Christians. Genuine love for humanity can only be expressed when we take the teachings and examples of Christ to heart.”

    Obaseki urged Christians to use the occasion of Good Friday to pray for peace and progress of the country, noting, “It is only when there is peace that meaningful progress can be achieved. We must all work towards ensuring peace in our neighbourhoods, state and country.”

     

  • Easter: Buhari salutes Christians; preaches against corruption, terrorism

    …assures of the safe return of remaining Dapchi, Chibok Schoolgirls

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday felicitated with Christian faithful across the world particularly in Nigeria on the occasion of this year’s Easter celebrations.

    The president in a special statement he personally signed urged Christians to imbibe the exemplary life of Jesus Christ who paid the ultimate price of redemption for mankind.

    The President who is currently in Lagos to commission some projects and also attended the 10th Bola Ahmed Tinubu Colloquium held Tinubu’s honour on Thursday (today) to mark his 66th birthday anniversary said efforts are in top gear to ensure the release of the remaining girls in Boko Haram’s captivity.

    Read the president’s full speech below:

    PRESIDENT MUHAMMADU BUHARI’S 2018 EASTER MESSAGE TO THE NATION

    Fellow Compatriots,

    I am indeed delighted to join our Christian brothers and sisters to commemorate this year’s Easter celebration.

    We thank the Almighty God for granting us the opportunity to celebrate another Easter at a time of great promise and hope for our dear nation, despite the challenges we also have.

    Easter, the season in which Christians mark the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, represents the triumph of good over evil; and life over death. It is also a time to show love, forgiveness, compassion and renewed hope in the Grace of God.

    The Holy Scripture affirms that happiness and fulfilment in life do not flow from acquiring the best things in life, but in being richer in a relationship with God and fellow human beings.

    Let us use the opportunity of this special season to deeply reflect on how every one of us can imbibe the profound teachings of Jesus Christ with renewed vigour.

    In so doing and by placing the joy, comfort and happiness of others above ours, we will make a statement that vices such as, hate speech, bigotry, corruption, banditry and terrorism have no place in our nation. We must do all it takes to love our neighbours and display increased spirit of tolerance and accommodation.

    I commend those who recognise and support our unwavering efforts to prevent the spread of conflicts in our communities; check wanton criminality and the taking of innocent lives; unite the country; and steer the ship of state to a steady path of economic growth, job creation and development.

    While we enjoin law-abiding fellow compatriots to work for peace and social justice in our beloved country, let there be no doubt of our resolve to firmly resist others who may want to make cheap political capital out of current national security challenges.

    Our programmes and policies in the last three years have resulted in bringing down the prices of staple crops; gradual improvement of road, rail and electricity infrastructure; and making Nigeria the preferred destination for investors. More than ever before, we are ready to consolidate on these gains and ensure that we improve the lot of our communities in the years ahead.

    Thankfully, our Dapchi schoolgirls who were safely released recently after 30 agonizing days in the hands of their abductors, have been reunited with their families. I am very optimistic that all others, including the Chibok girls who are still in captivity will be safely released unconditionally to their families. I urge you to continue to pray for their safe return.