Easter: Sanwo-Olu, Makinde, Zulum, Fayemi, Diri, Oyetola call for prayers, sacrifice, love

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has congratulated Christians in the state on the commemoration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, urging them to emulate His virtues of humility, perseverance and compassion.
 
The Governor also urged Christian faithful in the State to continue to live in peace and harmony with believers in other faiths in the State. 
 
He noted that “good neighbourliness, selflessness and patience were among the several lessons taught and exemplified by Jesus Christ”.
 
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, Sanwo-Olu reminded Lagosians that the events leading to the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ were epochal in the annals of Christianity and humanity. 
 
The Governor therefore enjoined every citizen to reflect on how best to positively impact the lives of friends, colleagues, neighbours and family members.
 
He added that ‘‘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 typified love, affection and tolerance. It also marked the end of evil and beginning of good deeds.’’
 
With the corona virus pandemic threatening to bring the entire world to its knees, Sanwo-Olu said the occasion of the resurrection of Jesus Christ should be a veritable avenue for all to show more love, kindness and care for one another.
 
The Governor said the citizens should join hands with the government in the fight against what he described as the common enemy.
 
“We must brace up and be ready to confront this scourge with uncommon resolve and dedication. We must not be deterred by the speed at which it is spreading, rather we must work harder to eradicate the pandemic and all that it stands for. As a government, we will do everything within our powers to rid the State of this unwanted guest.”
 
Sanwo-Olu commended Lagosians for their steadfastness, resilience and cooperation with his administration since his assumption of office. He assured them of his administration’s commitment to good governance and people-oriented programmes.
Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, has rallied residents of the state to be full of prayers and imbibe Christlike sacrifice this season of Easter.
The governor, who stated this in his Easter message to the people of the state, said that residents and especially those of the Christian faith, must use the  opportunity of the Easter season to engage in more prayers for the State and Nigeria.
A statement made available to the Media by the Chief Press Secretary to Makinde, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, indicated that the governor also encouraged the people to imbibe the lessons of sacrificial living and love, which he said are the hallmarks of Easter.
The statement added that Jesus Christ enormously demonstrated the height of sacrifice and true love for humanity through his death and resurrection.
According to the statement, sacrifice, love and increased prayers were important at a critical time like this, when the world is fighting the novel Covid-19 pandemic.
Makinde said: “As the world marks another Easter, a reminder of the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ on the cross and his resurrection, it is pertinent to felicitate with residents of Oyo State, especially those of the Christian faith.
“While regretting that they could not celebrate the Easter festivity as they are wont to, due to the restrictions brought upon us all by the need control social gathering and movements as a result of moves to contain COVID -19, I must salute the commitment, comportment and prayers of all residents of the State in the last few weeks.
“I also want to assure residents of the State that their government is doing everything possible to protect them and to ensure that the Easter festivity goes as seamless as possible.
“As we celebrate the Easter season, it is another opportunity to offer more prayers to God to heal the world by granting wisdom and direction to humanity on a solution to Covid-19. As the Bible makes it clear that the effectual fervent prayer of the righteous avails much, I am sure that our prayers can go a long way at this critical period.
“Also, as a people, this season offers us the opportunity to put into practice the lessons of sacrifice and love, which are the reasons for Easter. I urge you all to be selfless and sacrificial at a period that the State and the country goes through so much and to also show love in every little way.
“It is my sincere prayer that God in His infinite mercy will heal our lands and make these trying times to pass over us in a short while. I felicitate you all and wish you a Happy Easter.”
Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State has felicitated with Christians in the North-East state and other parts of the country on the occasion of Easter, urging them to sustain their prayers and other precautions to end COVID-19.
The governor in a statement  by his spokesman, Mallam Isa Gusau in Borno on Saturday,  also called for prayers to  end  insurgency which he nicknamed “Convid-2009” in view of killings carried out by insurgents, particularly at its peak in 2009.
“I warmly felicitate with our Christian brothers and sisters in Borno State and beyond at Easter which is a season we should recognise and imbibe selfless sacrifices and renew our hopes and convictions.
“While wishing all Christians a happy and memorable Easter, I share the pain, that the important Easter is being celebrated at time Nigeria, like many parts of the world, is battling to contain a pandemic caused by coronavirus disease..
“Borno State government will remain relentless in fighting this dangerous and highly contagious disease through strict preventive and responsive measures,” he said.
The governor advised that the fight against the pandemic should not distract the world to lose focus on the fight against insurgency.
“The Boko Haram is equally contagious through the spread of violent ideologies and links with terror groups around the world.
”It is also contagious by creating permanent fear and agonies for millions of people. We cannot afford to be distracted.
”We must be simultaneous and consistent in applying and sustaining tough measures against Covid-19 and ‘Covid-2009’.
” With their proven evil mindset, Boko Haram insurgents would expect us to be carried away with Covid-19 so they can exploit the situation to make Covid-2009 worse than it already is. We must never let this happen,” Zulum pleaded.
The governor of Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi, has felicitated with Christians in the state and in the country on this year’s Easter celebrations.
The governor, in a goodwill message in Ado-Ekiti on Saturday, said witnessing the Easter is a special grace from God in view of prevailing situation all over the world.
Fayemi said Easter is very significant because it is an annual event marking the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.
He urged Christians and adherents of other faiths to emulate the sacrifice and selflessness of Jesus Christ in their daily lives.
He described this year’s Easter as “very peculiar” because it came when Nigeria and other countries of the world are grappling with the Coronavirus pandemic, which has necessitated a low key celebration.
While noting that although this year’s Easter may not allow for elaborate celebration and services in places of worship, the Governor said Christians should not lose sight of the lessons of the season, which centre on love and sacrifice.
He urged the people of the state and other Nigerians not to allow their spirits to be dampened by the raging pandemic and the attendant lockdown in many states, but to have faith that it will be overcome.
The governor said measures adopted to contain the pandemic including closure of places of worship are sacrifices that should be accepted in good fate at an unusual time like this.
The measures, he said further, are aimed at preventing needless loss of lives and in the overall interest of the people as a responsible government that cares for the people.
Fayemi also reiterated the need to abide by directives to prevent the spread of the virus like social distancing, washing of hands under running water, use of sanitizers, avoiding handshakes, body contacts and crowded places, among others.
The governor called on Christians to make use of the Easter period to pray for God’s intervention to overcome the COVID-19 pandemic and for a return to normal life as soon as possible.
“This is certainly an unusual time. The coronavirus has altered many plans and programmes. Yet we should be grateful to God for being alive to witness another Easter celebration. While we celebrate the season without the usual festivities, we should however spare some time to pray earnestly to God to help us overcome the present circumstance.
“While wishing Christians and entire Nigerians a happy Easter celebration, it is my belief that God will intervene, answer our prayers and bring an end to this scrounge so that normal life can return.
Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State has urged Christians to remain steadfast and keep their hope in Jesus Christ alive in the face of challenges posed by COVID-19 pandemic.
Diri said in his Easter message on Saturday in Yenagoa, said that the Coronavirus pandemic was only a temporary setback as there was always light at the end of the dark tunnel.
The Bayelsa governor admonished Christians not to be despaired by the pains brought about by COVID-19.
He noted that the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ offered great hope to everyone that believed in Him and in the overcoming power of His resurrection, which the season of Easter exemplified.
Diri prayed for the healing and speedy recovery of everyone infected with coronavirus.
He said his administration had taken measures to prevent the spread of the virus in the state, and would frequently review them in accordance with prevailing circumstances.
“This year, like millions of people the world over, we mark Easter in an uncommon and perplexing background of fear, worries and death.
“The COVID-19 pandemic, which has affected the whole world, has also upset the way Easter is celebrated.
“In the midst of all these desperate moments, the message of Easter endures as one of courage and hope.
“As Christians, let us be encouraged by the words in Corinthians 4:8: We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair.
“Let us be reminded that despite the difficulties we may be experiencing at this time due to COVID-19, Christ died so we might live.
“He rose again from the dead to give us authority and boldness to confront death, destruction, fear, doubt and insecurity.
“Our government will continue in solidarity with all Bayelsans, both in prayers and in all policies that will make the lives of our people better ” he said.
The governor further expressed hope that COVID-19 pandemic would come to an end soon.
“At the end of every dark lining, there is light. So, there is hope for Bayelsa, there is hope for Nigeria and there is equally hope for mankind,” Diri said.
Governor Gboyega Oyetola of Osun State has called on Christians to emulate the good virtues of Jesus Christ by making sacrifices that would advance development of the state as they celebrate His death and resurrection.
Oyetola, in his Easter message on Saturday in Osogbo, said “Easter exemplifies the sacrifice that Jesus paid to save mankind”, urging Christians to take into consideration the welfare of others as they celebrate Easter.
The governor also called on the people of the state to re-dedicate themselves to the service of God and mankind as they reflect on the ideals of Good Friday and Easter Celebration.
Oyetola urged Christians to also use the occasion to intensify prayers and devotion for God’s intervention as the country and the world at large were fighting the scourge of Coronavirus.
He appealed to them to be their brothers’ keepers by reaching out to the less privileged around them.
The governor said that the lockdown imposed to curb the spread of COVID-19 in the state had expanded the population of the needy and the vulnerable group.
“As the country and the world are ravaged by the Coronavirus pandemic, Christians should use the time to portray good Christianity and reach out to the less privileged around them.
“I wish the people of the state Happy Easter Celebrations, and I can assure you that this administration is committed to people’s welfare,” the governor said.
Oyetola, however, said that the stay-at-home order was still in force, urging residents of the state to continue to adhere to the directive and observe all other preventive measures.