As Christians across the world marked Easter, prominent Nigerian leaders, including former President Goodluck Jonathan, several state governors, and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, extended heartfelt messages encouraging peace, national unity, and selfless service.
In his 2025 Easter message, former President Jonathan called on Nigerians to draw inspiration from the resurrection of Jesus Christ, emphasizing hope, faith, and victory over the nation’s current challenges. He urged leaders to embody the virtues of sacrifice and servanthood, mirroring Christ’s example.
“This season reminds us of Christ’s boundless love and the power of faith and redemption,” Jonathan said. “Let us recommit to peace, justice, and selfless leadership. May Easter renew our faith and strengthen our unity as a people.”
In Katsina State, Governor Dikko Radda extended greetings to Christians, describing Easter as a time of renewal and reflection. He highlighted the values of sacrifice and forgiveness, urging residents to pray for unity and work collectively towards a peaceful and prosperous state.
“Easter reminds us of the power of sacrifice, forgiveness, and redemption—principles that should guide our actions,” Radda said in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed.
Niger State Governor, Mohammed Bago, also called on Christians to pray for the country’s leaders, stressing that divine guidance was necessary for effective governance. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fulfilling its developmental goals under the New Niger agenda.
Describing Easter as the cornerstone of Christian faith, Bago encouraged citizens to celebrate responsibly and uphold the moral standards of their faith.
In Bauchi, Governor Bala Mohammed emphasized the importance of peace, love, and selflessness in his Easter message. He urged citizens to transcend political, ethnic, and religious divides to foster unity and development in the state.
“This is a time for deep reflection and renewed commitment to peaceful coexistence,” he stated through his Media Aide, Mukhtar Gidado. “Let us examine our actions and relationships, and work towards becoming better citizens.”
FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, echoed similar sentiments, congratulating residents of the capital on the Easter celebration. He encouraged them to live out the values of compassion, sacrifice, and forgiveness as exemplified by Jesus Christ.
“The FCT symbolizes national unity,” Wike noted. “Let us remain a model of peaceful coexistence and use this season to pray for our leaders, especially President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as they work towards achieving the Renewed Hope Agenda.”
Wike also urged residents to support the FCT administration by fulfilling their civic responsibilities, especially in tax compliance, which he said is vital for infrastructure development and service delivery.
Meanwhile, Pernod Ricard Nigeria, in partnership with the Lagos State FRSC Command, NDLEA, NURTW, and other stakeholders, launched a road safety awareness campaign themed “Don’t Drink and Drive – Safe Roads.”
Speaking during the campaign, FRSC Lagos Sector Commander, Kehinde Hamzat, stressed the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol and called for responsible road use.
“There is a need to avoid drink-driving to prevent avoidable losses, especially during the festive season,” Hamzat warned.
Pernod Ricard Nigeria’s Managing Director, Michael Ehindero, said the initiative aims to reduce road accidents through awareness and stakeholder collaboration.
“We believe road safety is a shared responsibility. This campaign helps drivers understand the risks of drink-driving and promotes safer choices,” Ehindero said.
Echoing the message, Lagos NDLEA Commander, Abubakar Liman Wali, represented by Assistant Commander Stella Amechi, called for sustained public education on drug and alcohol abuse. He emphasized the agency’s commitment to a drug-free society, particularly during festive periods.
The nationwide messages and campaigns underscored the collective call for peace, responsibility, and national cohesion during the Easter celebrations.