By Blessing Chinagorom
Country leaders have extended their wishes, warm greetings to their citizen to celebrate this Easter, a most significant season of the Christian calendar, when Churches around the world celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ who died and shed His blood for the sins of mankind.
United States President, Joe Biden in a statement released by the White House, said himself and his wife, Jill send their warmest wishes to Christians around the world who are celebrating Easter, saying Easter reminds the power of hope and the promise of Christ’s Resurrection.
He said, “As we gather with loved ones, we remember Jesus’ sacrifice. We pray for one another and cherish the blessing of the dawn of new possibilities. And with wars and conflict taking a toll on innocent lives around the world, we renew our commitment to work for peace, security, and dignity for all people”.
The United Kingdom Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak who used the season to pay tribute to the incredible work of Christians in the country, asked that this weekend, people should come together to celebrate and reflect on the message at the heart of the Easter festival.
He said this in a statement, adding, “To the churches, charities, volunteers and fundraisers who live the Christian values of compassion, charity and self-sacrifice, supporting those in need and demonstrating what it means to “love thy neighbour”.
“Many, I know, will also be thinking of those in pain and suffering around the world and Christians, persecuted because of their faith, who are unable to celebrate Easter freely. For many of us in the UK, Easter is a chance to pause, reflect, and an opportunity to spend some precious time with our families and a moment to enjoy the start of spring”.
Canada’s Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau said in a statement on Sunday, “Today, millions of Christians in Canada and around the world will celebrate Easter. Commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ, Easter is a celebration of rebirth and beginning anew.
He said the resurrection of Christ provides hope for the past, present, and the future. “It serves as an enduring reminder of the power of belief, forgiveness, and resilience.
“As the holiest day in the Christian calendar, Easter invites us to reflect on the values Christ lived by and died for, and to reaffirm these values in our lives – from loving our neighbours to taking care of those most vulnerable.
“Whether you celebrate this weekend by attending church services, organizing your own Easter egg hunt, or simply enjoying quality time with your loved ones, I hope you find joy in togetherness, and look to the future with hope.
“On this holy day, we also reflect on the contributions Canadians of Christian faith of all backgrounds make to our country. With kindness and selflessness, they give back to their communities and help make Canada the diverse, inclusive, and welcoming place we know and love”, he said.
Nigerian President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu joined the Christian faithful to commemorate Easter, saying it’s a significant moment and a glorious celebration of the triumph of life over death.
The President who warmly greeted Christians in Nigeria and around the world on this occasion, emphasized love, sacrifice, and compassion as the patent themes of this solemn season.
In a statement released his aide, Tinubu noted that the sacrifice of Jesus Christ for humanity is an emphatic lesson for leaders and all Nigerians to yield to selflessness and compassion, and be steadfast in the pursuit of a united, peaceful, and prosperous nation.
He commended Nigerians for the sacrifices they have made in the past few months for the nation to be steered to path of recovery and sustainable growth, assuring them that the seeds of patience which they have sown are beginning to sprout and will in no time bring forth an abundance of good fruits.
As Christians celebrate the victory of life over death as exemplified by the resurrection of Christ, the President assured all citizens that Nigeria will triumph over its challenges as his administration remains firmly committed to this end, while wishing Nigerians, Happy Easter.
