The Bishop of Lagos, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), the Rt. Rev. Ifedola Senasu Gabriel Okupevi, has urged Nigerians, particularly those in leadership positions, to embrace a new way of life characterised by righteousness, love, justice and peace as Christians celebrate this year’s Easter.

In his Easter message in Lagos, the cleric described the resurrection of Jesus Christ as the greatest declaration of God’s power over death, noting that the season offers renewed hope for a nation facing numerous socio-economic and security challenges.

Okupevi observed that many Nigerians are currently grappling with economic hardship, insecurity and uncertainty about the future, but stressed that the message of Easter provides reassurance that no situation is beyond God’s power to transform.

“We celebrate this year’s Easter in the midst of the complex realities facing our dear nation. Many of our people continue to endure economic hardship, insecurity, uncertainty and the daily struggle to sustain hope in difficult times,” he said.

According to him, the resurrection of Christ speaks directly to such moments of despair, reminding believers and every Nigerian that even when circumstances appear hopeless and beyond recovery, God remains able to bring forth new life.

“The resurrection assures us that even when situations appear hopeless, lifeless and beyond recovery, God is able to bring forth new life. Easter proclaims that no condition is beyond redemption and no circumstance is beyond the transforming power of God,” the bishop stated.

He added that the resurrection of Jesus Christ is profoundly relevant to Nigeria’s national life, as it calls citizens to believe that renewal and restoration are possible for the country.

Okupevi said just as the stone was rolled away from the tomb where Jesus was laid, God is also able to remove the obstacles that hinder Nigeria’s collective progress, unity and peace.

The cleric, therefore, urged Nigerians to reject hopelessness and instead embrace faith in God’s ability to bring transformation to the nation.

Reflecting on the biblical account of the first Easter morning, Okupevi noted that the resurrection emerged from the sorrow and silence that followed the crucifixion on Good Friday.

He recalled that the disciples who witnessed the death of Christ were initially filled with fear, discouragement and uncertainty, believing that their hopes had been buried in the tomb.

However, he explained that the resurrection transformed despair into joy, fear into courage and mourning into celebration.

“In one decisive act, God raised Jesus from the dead. The empty tomb became the symbol of divine victory and the assurance that God is still at work even when human eyes cannot see it,” he said.

The bishop emphasised that the significance of Easter goes beyond celebration, urging Nigerians to live as “resurrection people” by reflecting the values of Christ in their daily lives.

He noted that the risen Christ calls believers to become agents of reconciliation in a divided society, uphold integrity in a culture threatened by corruption and spread hope in a world burdened by fear.

Okupevi further charged leaders at all levels to exercise their responsibilities with humility and a renewed commitment to the common good, while urging citizens to promote unity above division, compassion above indifference and truth above falsehood.

He also encouraged Nigerians to renew their commitment to prayer for the nation, those in authority, communities and future generations.

“As we celebrate the victory of Christ, let us refuse the temptation to despair, knowing that the God who raised Jesus from the dead is still at work in the affairs of humanity,” he said.

Okupevi prayed that the joy of the risen Christ would fill the hearts of Nigerians, while His peace and hope guide the nation toward renewed faith, unity and a brighter future.