Easter: Nwifuru preaches love, charity, unity

From Uchenna Inya, Abakaliki

Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru has enjoined Christians in the state to take advantage of the Easter Season and extend love to the needy.

He also charged Christian faithful to, as instructed by Jesus Christ Himself, “pursue, follow and stick to peace” even as he prevailed on them to pray for Nigeria’s eternal peace, harmony and social cohesion.

Nwifuru gave the charge in his Easter message.

“On this most sacred and solemn occasion of Easter, I send my warmest greetings and heartfelt felicitations to all Christian faithful across Ebonyi State and beyond as we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ,” he declared.

“Easter remains the cornerstone of our Christian faith, a profound reminder of sacrifice, redemption, and the triumph of light over darkness, hope over despair, and life over death.

“The death and resurrection of Jesus Christ on the third day is not only a spiritual victory but a moral compass that calls us all to live in peace, love, humility, and selflessness,” he said.

Acknowledging the fragility of the current economic and social realities and their wider implications across sectors and spheres, he noted, “At a time when our society is confronted with diverse challenges, security concerns, economic pressures, and social uncertainties, the message of Easter becomes even more urgent and relevant.

“It is a call for us to rise above division, to reject hatred and violence, and to embrace unity, compassion, and forgiveness as exemplified by Christ.

*As a government, we have remained resolute and proactive in confronting the plethora of challenges facing our dear state.

“Through deliberate policies and strategic interventions, we have strengthened our security architecture, enhanced community vigilance, and continued to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to safeguard lives and property.

“We have also intensified our efforts in infrastructure development, healthcare delivery, youth empowerment, and agricultural transformation guided by our commitment to the People’s Charter of Needs.”

“However, governance alone cannot build the society of our collective dreams. It requires the active participation of all citizens.

“Therefore, I call on all Christians and indeed all Ebonyians to align with the teachings of Jesus Christ; we must be our brother’s keeper, we must promote peace in our villages, communities, wards and local government areas, and we must extend love and charity to the less privileged among us,” the governor stated.