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Easter Message By Rev. Dr. Rufus Okikiola Ositelu
Beloved in Christ, Congratulations for the grace to celebrate another Easter in the land of the living. Glory be to God (Hallelujah)! It is a time of gathering when people come together to enjoy quality time with those around them. Easter is also the celebration of God’s agape love for mankind. “For God so love the world that He gave His only begotten son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life”. (John 3:16; NKJV). In the same vein, Christ’s crucifixion and death on the cross confirm His love and sacrifice for believers. He paid the supreme price in order to reconcile us back to God after the fall of man in the Garden of Eden, thereby fulfilling God’s redemption plan for man. “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for His friends” (John 13:4; NKJV). Our Saviour’s Resurrection encapsulates His victory over sin, death and Satan. We should praise God and live daily in the consciousness of the resurrection power. By it, He has nailed all our tribulations trials and challenges on the cross. He said, “it is finished”(John 19:30; NKJV). His victory is our victory, we have been redeemed by His precious blood. He is RISEN! (Mathew 28:6). Halleluyah! I therefore, enjoin all believers to emulate Christ example of sacrifice and love in our relationships with one another. In spite of the challenging times Nigeria is going through, I urge you all to remain focused on our Lord Jesus Christ, the Author and Finisher of our faith.
Permit me to use this occasion to call on government at all levels to give due attention to the following areas.
PEACE AND SECURITY
The constitutional duty of any Government is to protect lives and property of her citizens. At a time like this, Nigerian leaders should remember their oath of office and show more compassion and empathy to the populace and govern with the fear of God There can be no sustainable development in an atmosphere devoid of peace. The need to beef up security in the land cannot be over-emphasized. Innocent people are being killed daily. There is an urgent need to put an end to wanton destruction of lives and property, kidnapping and banditry in Africa and particularly in Nigeria. The recent killing of seventeen officers and soldiers in Delta State is tragic. The perpetrators should be brought to book. I will however like to commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR for giving houses and scholarships to the deceased families as well as posthumous honours for the slain soldiers. All hands must be on deck to ensure Peace and Security.
ECONOMY
The rising cost of living is worrisome. The prices of goods and services are skyrocketing daily. There is an urgent need to bring down inflation. I call on Federal and State Governments to continually make policies and take critical steps to ease the burden of the masses.
At this juncture, I will like to commend the Federal Government, Governors Senators and House of Representatives Members who have been giving palliatives to their people to alleviate the economic situation of their people. I hereby urge other leaders to emulate this good gesture. We also thank God that the naira is begining to appreciate.
CORRUPTION
Unfortunately, corruption the hydra headed monster remains a big issue and continues to eat deep into the socio-economic and political fabric of the nation. I call on the Tinubu-led administration to combat it frontally and courageously so that Nigeria can move forward.
I equally want to encourage Nigerians not to give up on God, but to keep hope alive. The future of Nigeria is bright and may Almighty God preserve us all till then and beyond. I enjoin my Prelate colleagues to continue to intercede earnestly for Nigeria, for peace, love, security and prosperity to reign in the land. There is equally the need to pray for world peace especially in war zones such as Gaza and Ukraine.
Beloved in Christ, may you experience Joy, Love Peace and Prosperity this Easter 2024 in the Mighty Name of Jesus. HAPPY EASTER!
Signed;
His Holiness,
The Most Rev. Dr. Rufus Okikiola Ositelu, The Primate of The Church of the Lord (TCL) Worldwide and President of the World Council of Churches (WCC) from Africa.
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