11th April, 2020
Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum and Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, has urged Christians across the country to focus their Easter prayers on the spiritual defeat of the Coronavirus pandemic.
The governor made the call on Saturday in a goodwill message commemorating Easter in Ado Ekiti.
He said that he believed a spiritual solution was also desirable, even as he felicitated with Christians in the state and in the country on this year’s Easter celebrations.
According to him, witnessing the Easter this year is a special grace from God, in view of the prevailing situation all over the world.
He described this year’s Easter as “very peculiar”, coming when Nigeria and other countries of the world were grappling with the Coronavirus pandemic, which had necessitated a low key celebration.
Fayemi said although this year’s Easter may not allow for elaborate celebration and services in places of worship, Christians should not lose sight of the lessons of the season.
The lessons, according to him, centre on love and sacrifice.
He urged Nigerians not to allow their spirits to be dampened by the raging pandemic and the attendant lockdown in many states, but to have faith that it would be overcome.
The governor said measures adopted to contain the pandemic, including the closure of places of worship, were sacrifices that should be accepted in good faith at an unusual time like this.
According to him, the measures are aimed at preventing needless loss of lives and in the overall interest of the people.
The governor called on Christians to make use of the Easter period to offer intense prayers for God’s intervention to overcome the coronavirus pandemic and for a return to normal life as soon as possible.
“This is certainly an unusual time. The coronavirus has altered many plans and programmes. Yet we should be grateful to God for being alive to witness another Easter celebration.
“While we celebrate the season without the usual festivities, we should, however, spare some time to pray earnestly to God to help us overcome the present circumstance.
“As I wish Christians and entire Nigerians a happy Easter celebration, it is my belief that God will intervene, answer our prayers and bring an end to this scourge so that normal life can return,” he said.
Fayemi said Easter is very significant because it is an annual event marking the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.
He urged Christians and adherents of other faiths to emulate the sacrifice and selflessness of Jesus Christ in their daily lives.