By Nkechi Eze
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, has extended warm Easter greetings to Christians across Nigeria, urging citizens to embrace the enduring values of sacrifice, hope, peace, love and national unity as the country marks the 2026 Easter celebration.
In his Easter message to Nigerians, Professor Yilwatda described the celebration as the cornerstone of the Christian faith, noting that the season serves as a powerful reminder of the redemptive sacrifice, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
He said Easter is not only a time of celebration for Christians but also a solemn period for reflection on deeper lessons of faith, resilience, forgiveness, humility and hope in the face of adversity.
“Easter teaches us that sacrifice is the pathway to glory, that suffering is never the end of the story, and that with faith in God, hope can rise again even in difficult times,” he stated.
The APC national chairman noted that the message of Easter remains profoundly relevant to Nigeria’s current realities, urging citizens to draw inspiration from the resurrection story and remain steadfast in faith and patriotism despite the challenges confronting the nation.
He called on Christians to use the Easter period to recommit themselves to the virtues of righteousness, compassion, unity, prayer and service to humanity, stressing that the nation needs men and women who will not only profess faith but also live out its values both in public and private life.
Professor Yilwatda also expressed concern over the security challenges affecting parts of the country and commiserated with families and communities that have suffered losses due to violence, banditry, insurgency, kidnapping and other forms of criminality.
According to him, the pain and losses experienced by many Nigerians remain a source of collective national grief, stressing the need for greater solidarity, vigilance and cooperation among citizens and institutions in restoring peace and security across the country.
“At a time like this, we must not allow fear, division, or despair to define us as a people. Rather, we must stand together in unity and resolve, trusting God and supporting all lawful efforts aimed at restoring peace, order and safety in our communities,” he said.
Yilwatda also acknowledged the ongoing efforts of the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu in addressing insecurity and stabilising the country. He noted that the Federal Government has continued to demonstrate commitment through strategic interventions, institutional reforms and renewed support for the nation’s security architecture.
He further urged sustained collaboration among all levels of government, security agencies, community leaders, faith institutions and citizens to ensure that peace, justice and security prevail across the federation.
The APC chairman also called on Nigerians to use the Easter season as a time for prayers for the nation, its leaders, security personnel and all those who continue to serve the country.
“This is a time for prayer, reflection and renewed hope. As Christians celebrate the resurrection of Christ, we must also pray for the renewal of our nation; for healing where there is pain, peace where there is conflict and hope where there is despair,” he added.
Expressing confidence in Nigeria’s future, Professor Yilwatda said the country would overcome its present challenges through faith in God, responsible leadership and a collective commitment to national unity and progress.
He concluded by wishing Christians across the country a peaceful and spiritually fulfilling Easter celebration, urging Nigerians to remain hopeful, law-abiding and committed to building a secure, united and prosperous nation.
