By Sylvia Kodilichukwu, Enugu, and Stephen Gbadamosi, Ibadan
Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has stepped up preparations to guarantee peace and security during this year’s Easter celebrations just as prominent Nigerians including Rep Akin Alabi; Alaafin of Oyo, HRM Oba Abimbola Owoade 1; chieftain of New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in the South-West, Ambassador Ajadi Oguntoyinbo; and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Oyo State governorship aspirant, Otunba Olugbenga Peter Obafemi, have saluted Nigerians during the festive period, urging love, patience, unity, sacrifice and other virtues.
In Enugu, the State Command of NSCDC said it has deployed no fewer than 1,284 officers and men to ensure hitch-free Easter celebrations in the South-East state.
The State Commandant of NSCDC, Dr Elijah Willie, disclosed this in his Easter goodwill message to Christians in the state.
Dr Willie noted that the Command had also deployed logistics and operational assets to all nooks and crannies of the state to ensure all forms of criminality and disturbance to the existing peace in the state are “proactively forestalled.”
According to him, armed uniformed officers and men as well as plain cloth personnel were strategically manning critical infrastructure and public places within the state.
He stated: “As we draw near to the celebration of Easter, I extend warm greetings to the good people of Enugu State on behalf of the Commandant-General of the NSCDC, Dr Ahmed Audi, and the entire NSCDC Enugu State Command.
“Easter is a season that symbolises hope, renewal and love. It offers us a timely reminder to reflect on the values of sacrifice, compassion and unity that bind us together as one people.
“To ensure a peaceful and hitch-free celebration across the state, the NSCDC Enugu State Command has deployed personnel, who are already strategically positioned at worship centres, markets, recreational spots and other public areas.
“The personnel will also be on intensified patrols throughout the state to maintain security and order throughout the Easter period.”
The Commandant urged members of the public to be vigilant, law-abiding and to cooperate fully with security agencies.
“We also appeal for timely and actionable intelligence that will support the Corps in its mandate of protecting critical national assets and infrastructure as well as safeguarding lives and property.
“As we celebrate, let us do so with joy, responsibility and renewed commitment to peace and progress,” he added.
Rep Alabi Preaches Sacrifice, Prayers For Leaders
On his part, House of Representatives member representing Egbeda/Ona-Ara constituency, Rep Alabi enjoined Nigerians to seize the Easter period to embrace the spirit of sacrifice and show of humanity.
The Chairman of House Committee on Works extended warm greetings to the people of his constituency and Nigerians at large.
A statement by his media aide, Mustapha Ramadan, on Saturday, April 19, quoted Alabi as describing Easter as “a time of deep reflection, sacrifice and renewal, urging all citizens to embrace the spirit of love, unity, and service to humanity.
“This season reminds us of Christ’s selfless love and the power of sacrifice in bringing about redemption and new beginnings.
“Just as Christ gave Himself for the good of others, we must come together, beyond our differences, to build a more united, peaceful, and prosperous Nigeria.”
Rep Alabi also emphasised the importance of infrastructure as a tool for national unity and development.
He appealed to citizens to support efforts aimed at improving the nation’s road networks and public infrastructure “which are essential for economic growth and social cohesion.”
“Good roads and solid infrastructure do more than connect places, they connect people, communities, and opportunities.
“As we continue to work towards a better Nigeria, let us commit ourselves to building not only roads, but also relationships across our diverse backgrounds,” he added.
The lawmaker used the occasion to call for compassion and collective responsibility, urging citizens to remember the less privileged, support victims of violence, and keep praying for Nigeria’s leaders.
“Easter offers a chance to reach out with kindness, to heal divisions, and to rekindle hope. Let us make this season count by being a source of strength to one another,” he said.
Oguntoyinbo Hails Easter As Christ’s Victory Over Death, Emphasizes Compassion
Also felicitating Nigerians, Amb. Oguntoyinbo joined the Christian faithful to commemorate Easter, which he called “a significant moment and a glorious celebration of the triumph of life over death.”
In a statement he issued on Good Friday, April 18, Oguntoyinbo sent his greetings to Christians in Nigeria and around the world on the occasion, emphasising love, sacrifice, and compassion as the patent themes of the solemn season.
He noted that the sacrifice of Jesus Christ for humanity was an emphatic lesson for political leaders and, indeed, all Nigerians to yield to selflessness and compassion as well as love for one another, “no matter the differences in tongues and tribes.”
He said Easter was a celebration of the victory of life over death as exemplified by the resurrection of Christ.
Oguntoyinbo, therefore, urged all Nigerians to imbibe the spirit of love, which, he said, was the essential message of Christ’s ministry of priceless sacrifice and limitless love of God for mankind.
“I offer my best wishes to Christians in Nigeria and all over the world who are celebrating Easter on Sunday.
“As we all enjoy the well-deserved break, I urge every Nigerian to reflect on the priceless sacrifice and limitless love of God for mankind.
“It is divinely obligatory for us to love ourselves regardless of differences in tongues, faith and tribes.
“I also call on our political leaders to shun selfishness and imbibe selflessness, compassion and true love for the people they are governing.
“To the Christians, I call on them to maintain humility and sustain all the sacrifices they endured during the 40-day Lenten season.
“I urge the Christians to remember that the resurrection of Jesus Christ is a sign that there is always hope and that should guide us that the present hardship in our country will evaporate with prayers for our political leaders,” the NNPP stalwart said.
Easter, Christ’s Ultimate Love Sacrifice For Mankind,Says Obafemi
On his part, Obafemi, in a statement he also personally signed, said: “On this sacred occasion of Good Friday, I extend my warmest wishes and heartfelt prayers to all indigenes of Ekiti State, both at home and in the diaspora.
“Today, we remember the ultimate sacrifice of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ —a sacrifice made out of boundless love, humility, and redemption.
“May this day of reflection renew our spirits and draw us closer to the path of grace, mercy, and forgiveness.
“To every Ekiti son and daughter, wherever you may be in the world, let this holy day be a reminder that we are bound not just by our shared heritage, but by our shared values of faith, resilience, and compassion. May this Good Friday bring peace to your hearts, hope to your dreams, and strength to your faith.
“Let us use this time to pray for our families, our communities, our beloved Ekiti State and Nigeria — for continued unity, progress, and divine guidance.”
Alaafin Rallies Nigerians Against Murderers, Terrorists
Similar message came from the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade 1, who called on Nigerians to stand together against blood guzzlers and enemies of state, nature, and sound reasoning, who see joy in mindless killing of innocent souls.
This, he said, would reinforce collective will to completely snatch the country and destiny from the jaws of insanity and barbarism.
The royal father said socio-cultural orientations that upheld the sanctity of life and the intrinsic dignity in the human person ought not to be surrendered to the ungodly.
A statement issued by the Director of Media and Publicity to the Alaafin, Bode Durojaiye, said Oba Owoade gave the admonition in his message to felicitate with Christians on the Easter celebrations.
Durojaiye said the Alaafin, who lamented about “the mindless killings in the country,” with a warning that there could be no national development without relative peace and stability, admonished Nigerians on “love that considers others first, prefers others above personal and selfish desires, and which seeks to emancipate, unshackle and liberate.”
According to the monarch, “it was love that took Jesus to the cross. If His heart was not willing and overflowing with love, He could not have offered Himself as a sacrifice.
“At this time in our country, we commend this love to all citizens. Love that considers others first, love that prefers others above personal and selfish desires, love that seeks to emancipate, to unshackle and liberate.
“In our country today, there is the dire need for unfeigned love. This is the vital lesson of Easter. Love will take us above mindless killings.
“Let us imbibe this love, and let them inspire non-Christians with their genuine display of the attribute.’’
Alaafin pointed out that Easter should be days filled with love, with appreciation of what God has done and continues to do for mankind.
“They should be days of goodwill to our neighbours, days of divine expectation to see the Lord, even as His disciples saw Him at Galilee.
“This would transform our nation, heal our relationships, and give us the polity of our dreams. If we love with the spirit of Easter in our hearts, governance would work, electoral reforms would be easier to accomplish, funds would be judiciously utilised for the good of the larger number.
“The leadership would love and cherish the led. That is the essence of Easter, which we recommend to all Nigerians and, indeed, to all humanity at this time,” he said.
Oba Owoade further noted that Jesus Christ lived a life that was completely submitted to the will and desires of God Almighty, adding that every day, He sought to please God.
“If we imbibe this in all areas of our lives, both secular and spiritual, then, we are on the path to a glorious life; a life that pleases God, and which honours mankind.
“We will obey the laws of the land implicitly, seek only the good of our fellow men, and serve others with humility and fear of God.
“Let all these prevail in our hearts and lives, and the essence and spirit of Easter would have been achieved. It would not just be time for revelry, carousing and other forms of debauchery,’’the traditional ruler added.
