Ajimobi, Aregbesola preach love, peaceful co-existence

Oyo State Governor, Abiola Ajimobi, has enjoined Christians to imbibe the spirit of love and selflessness exhibited by Jesus Christ, as they celebrate this year’s Easter.

Special Adviser on Communication and Strategy, Yomi Layinka, in an Easter message he endorsed said the governor also urges Christians to continue to pray for the country to overcome the current socio-economic challenges.

He expressed appreciation to Christians for their fervent prayers for the state and the country during the 40-day fasting, which culminated in the Easter celebrations.

Emphasising the need for the faithful to sustain their prayers and piety beyond this season, the governor prayed that their supplications would manifest in their individual lives and in the life of the country.

While imploring the people to move closer to their creator, he urged them to emulate Jesus Christ, who, he said, offered himself as a living sacrifice for the redemption of mankind.

The governor urged Christians to continue to pray for the safe return of the Chibok girls, who have been in captivity for more than three years.

Governor Rauf Aregbesola, of Osun State, on his part has charged Nigerians to keep hope alive, in spite of the daunting economic challenges facing the country saying in doing so, the citizens can be galvanized towards contributing their quota to the overall progress of the country.

Aregbesola in his Easter message signed by the Director, Bureau of Communications and Strategy, Office of the Governor, Semiu Okanlawon, urged Christians to reflect on the import of Easter celebrations in their dealings, not only with other Christians, but with people of other religions.

The governor said: “I urge you all to let the significance of the celebration reflect in our relationship with one another both Christians and the people of other religions. There is no doubt that these are tough times in our country but we must all keep hope alive that life will be better.”

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, has urged Nigerians to pray for Troops in the frontline fighting Boko Haram, even as they celebrate the Easter season.

A statement by the Director Army Public Relations (DAPR) Brig. Gen. Sani Usman, said the COAS facilitates with all troops for successfully witnessing this sacred period, calling on all Nigerians to “pray for our dear country and troops, especially those deployed in the fight against insurgency in the North East and in other theatres.”

He said the period of Easter preceding Lenten “reminds us of personal sacrifices for the common good, care for the less privileged, protection of the vulnerable and love for fellow citizens.”