Nigeria’s leaders and religious figures have used the Easter season to deliver a unified message of hope, resilience, and national renewal, urging citizens to remain steadfast despite current economic and security challenges. Vice President Kashim Shettima assured Nigerians that the hardships being experienced under the administration of Bola Tinubu are temporary, expressing confidence in the Renewed Hope Agenda. He emphasized that national progress requires sacrifice, collective resolve, and patience.
In his Easter message, Shettima highlighted the spiritual significance of the season, noting that it symbolizes hope, sacrifice, and eventual triumph. He said the message of Easter reminds Nigerians that no difficult phase lasts forever and that brighter days lie ahead.
“Easter is a reminder that history often bends in favour of those who refuse to surrender to despair. It is the story of light piercing through darkness, of hope rising from the shadows of pain, and of faith prevailing over fear,” he said.
Reaffirming optimism, the vice president added, “I remain confident that by our collective will, shared sacrifice, and abiding faith in the promise of this nation, we shall triumph over whatever challenges beset us momentarily,” while urging unity and support for ongoing reforms.
Globally, Pope Leo called on world leaders to end conflicts and embrace peace in his Easter message. He warned against growing indifference to violence and urged nations to abandon ambitions of domination and war.
“Let those who have weapons lay them down!... Let those who have the power to unleash wars choose peace!” he declared, adding, “On this day of celebration, let us abandon every desire for conflict, domination, and power, and implore the Lord to grant his peace to a world ravaged by wars.”
Senate President Godswill Akpabio expressed confidence that insecurity would soon be overcome, acknowledging the grief many families face. He said, “Across our country, many families are passing through moments of grief and loss… our brave men and women in uniform… put their lives on the line to defend our nation.”
Across states, governors including Peter Mbah, Babagana Zulum, Hyacinth Alia, Umo Eno, and Dikko Radda emphasized unity, peaceful coexistence, and shared responsibility in nation-building. Zulum warned against divisive tendencies, stating, “We must not allow enemies of peace to derail our progress,” while Radda stressed, “When Christians and Muslims stand together, nothing can stop our development.”
Religious bodies also echoed calls for hope and reform. The Christian Association of Nigeria said, “No matter how hard life has been, rising again is always possible… But this is not the end,” urging leaders to deliver tangible improvements. Similarly, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria stated, “It is our fervent prayer that… the heavy stone of anguish and pain… be rolled back…,” assuring Nigerians that God would not abandon them.
Political leaders, including David Mark and several senators, called for unity, peaceful coexistence, and continued support for government reforms, stressing that Nigeria’s diversity should remain a source of strength rather than division.
Overall, the Easter messages converged on a common theme: enduring hardship with faith, rejecting division, and working collectively toward peace, stability, and national progress.