The Bishop of Lagos, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Ifedola Senasu Gabriel Okupevi, has called on Nigerians and political leaders to emulate the sacrificial love demonstrated by Jesus Christ, urging them to reflect the values of humility, justice and selfless service in their dealings with fellow citizens.

The bishop made the call in Lagos during his Good Friday message commemorating the suffering and sacrificial death of Christ for the redemption of mankind.

Speaking on the significance of the day, Okupevi said Good Friday remains one of the most solemn moments in the Christian faith, as believers across the world gather in reverence to remember the passion and crucifixion of Christ.

“On this solemn and sacred day, the Church across the world gathers in reverent silence at the foot of the Cross to commemorate the suffering and sacrificial death of our Redeemer,” he said.

According to him, the Cross presents humanity with the highest model of leadership and service, noting that true leadership is rooted in love, humility and selflessness rather than personal ambition or the pursuit of power.

He stressed that Nigeria today stands in urgent need of such sacrificial and committed leadership that prioritises justice, accountability, compassion and the welfare of the people at all levels of governance.

The cleric explained that Good Friday reminds Christians that salvation was not purchased with material wealth but through the precious blood of Christ, who willingly gave His life for the world.

Reflecting on the current realities facing the country, the bishop observed that many Nigerian families are struggling under the weight of economic hardship, rising cost of living, unemployment, insecurity and social tension.

“These challenges have created anxiety and uncertainty about the future for many households. In several homes, hope appears fragile and the future uncertain,” he said.

Okupevi, however, noted that the message of Good Friday offers hope even in difficult times, recalling that the crucifixion of Christ occurred in a world also marked by injustice, oppression, political tension and social unrest.

“The Cross assures us that God does not abandon His people in moments of suffering. Rather, He enters into their pain,” he said, adding that Christ understands the cries of the oppressed and the frustrations of those who feel neglected.

The bishop also used the occasion to call for national repentance, stressing that personal and societal sins such as corruption, injustice, greed and indifference to the suffering of others have continued to wound the nation’s collective life.

According to him, national transformation begins with spiritual renewal, noting that when individuals change their hearts and lives before God, society and the nation at large can also experience healing and restoration.

While acknowledging the sorrow associated with Good Friday, Okupevi reminded Christians that the day ultimately points toward hope and victory through the resurrection.

“To those who witnessed the crucifixion, the Cross appeared to be the triumph of darkness over light. Yet Good Friday is not the end of the story; it is the gateway to resurrection,” he said.

He therefore urged Nigerians to embrace the spirit of the Cross by deepening their commitment to prayer, righteousness, compassion and service to others.

The bishop further encouraged citizens to become instruments of peace in their communities and voices of truth in the nation, expressing hope that through God’s grace, renewal and restoration remain possible for Nigeria.

Okupevi prayed for God’s mercy upon the country, asking that peace reign in the hearts of Nigerians while the hope of the resurrection sustains them through the nation’s present challenges.