By Angela Atabo

The Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission (NCPC) has tasked leaders to embrace humility, empathy and sincere service to the people in the spirit of Good Friday.

The Executive Secretary of the commission, Bishop Stephen Adegbite, made the call in a message to commemorate Good Friday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Good Friday is a solemn Christian holy day commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus and his death observed during Holy Week.

Adegbite, therefore, urged leaders to reflect on the ultimate sacrifice made by Jesus for humanity and to allow those values to guide their approach to leadership by moving away from selfish ambitions and focus on delivering dividends of democracy to Nigerians.

According to him, both Islam and Christianity revealed the vanity of amassing wealth through their method of burying people empty handed, not leaving the earth with anything.

He said “when you die, you are not going to be buried with anything. So, what is the problem that you acquire everything and you cannot be good and kind to people around you?

“How much do you need in a day? Do you have more than 24 hours in a day; more than seven days in a week; more than 31, 30 , 28 or 29 days in a month?

“Your year can never exceed 366 or 365 days; so, if you build 50 or 100 houses, you cannot sleep in more than one room at a time.”

Adebgite, therefore, urged service to humanity and touching lives positively, adding that “let it be prosperity for all, the more the merrier and that is the message of Easter. Let us learn from the life of Christ.”

The executive secretary, who also urged leaders to focus on fulfilling their promises to the people in view of the 2027 general elections, said “let people see the work of your hand, they will decide what they will do.” (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

By Philomina Attah

The Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, Most Rev. Ignatius Kaigama, has urged the Federal Government and security agencies to adopt new strategies in tackling insecurity in the country.

Kaigama made the call during the 2025 Chrism Mass of the archdiocese, held at Our Lady Queen of Nigeria Pro-Cathedral, Area 3, in Abuja.

Kaigama, who decried the recent killings in some parts of Plateau, called on the government and security agencies to be decisive in ending the menace.

“I think there is a need for inter-agency cooperation; the security agencies must collaborate to end this circle of killings in our country.

“These attackers are not ghosts; they are people who can be identified and punished. So, I am hoping that the government will take a new step in that regard.

“Our President has promised us to do something about the insecurity. We are with him; we will support,” he said.

The prelate stressed that while prayer could be vital, sincere and transparent action from leaders remained essential towards nation-building.

He tasked government officials on honesty and accountability, noting that Nigerians needed only basic things such as food, safety, affordable transport, education, and healthcare.

“People are asking for just their rights and basic amenities; It is not a big deal to pay salaries, provide schools and hospitals with facilities.

“In Britain and America, schools are free. We have Nigerians who are schooling there; Catholic schools are free over there.

“This is because the government supports the Catholic Church to provide qualitative education. What is stopping us here?” he asked.

The Archbishop also praised the resilience of Nigerians, who continue to celebrate Easter in spite of the economic situation, called on leaders to examine their consciences and serve selflessly.

“Nigerians are very good people, very resilient, and even in very tough and harsh times, they are ready to celebrate.

“And you can be sure they will celebrate the Easter, all we ask is providing security for them. These are people who don’t ask for much,” he said.

He reminded priests of their calling to serve without seeking personal gain.

He called for a Jubilee of Hope, urging all Nigerians regardless of faith to embrace repentance, justice, and unity as the path to national renewal. (NAN)
(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Nyisom Fiyigon Dore

By Toba Ajayi

Pastor Joseph Omorinoye, General Overseer of House of Prayer Assembly (Basilica) Ilorin, on Sunday distributed 1,000 bags of 10kg rice to church members.

Speaking during the Palm Sunday Service, Omorinoye said that the rice was a gift for Easter and also to cushion the effect of the economic hardship in the country.

He said that the church members deserved special package to celebrate the Easter.

“Today is Palm Sunday and I deem it necessary to support my members towards the upcoming Easter celebration.

“We have 1,000 bags of 10kg rice to distribute to members today because they deserve special package.

“We want every member to celebrate the resurrection of Christ Jesus with smile and hope,” the General Overseer said.

He also advised members to always emulate the love of Christ and be blessings to others.

The clergyman implored other men of God and religious leaders to always support their members and not just seek their financial support for church projects.

In separate interviews with some of the members of the congregation, they commended Omonrinoye for the Easter gift.

Mrs Alice Abolarin, who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), said that Omorinoye had always been supportive to members of the church.

“Omorinoye has been trying for us every time. He always surprises us when we least expect. May God continue to bless Baba for us,” she said.

Another beneficiary, Mr Emmanuel Afolabi, said the rice gift came at the right time as he was expecting his relatives to come and celebrate Easter with him.

“I am the happiest man; I am expecting my family members from Lagos to come and celebrate with me and have been thinking on how to get money for rice. Thank God for Baba,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Nkiru Ifeajuna/Bayo Sekoni

By Philomina Attah

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has urged leaders to rise to the occasion with humility and a clear sense of purpose to ensure peaceful coexistence among their citizens.

The CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, said this in Abuja as Christians all over the world mark Palm Sunday, the beginning of Holy Week.

Okoh said that Palm Sunday commemorates the triumphal entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem, where He was welcomed with palm branches and shouts of “Hosanna”.

According to him, this signifies a powerful symbol of peace, humility and hope which is recorded in the Gospels of Matthew 21:1–11, Mark 11:1–11, Luke 19:28–44, and John 12:12–19.

Okoh said that these offered enduring lessons for the nation as it navigates uncertain and challenging times.

“These lessons are especially pertinent as we are once again confronted with a painful reminder of the fragility of peace in our land.

“Jesus’ choice to enter Jerusalem on a donkey symbolising peace and servanthood remains a timeless example.

“Our leaders must embrace the principles of servant leadership, placing the welfare of the people above personal or political interests.

“Amidst insecurity, economic hardship, and displacement, let their actions be marked by compassion, justice and a steadfast commitment to national healing,” he said.

The Association also condemned the recent killings in Plateau State, particularly the attacks of April 4, which claimed the lives of dozens of innocent citizens in Bokkos and Mangu Local Government Areas.

“These senseless acts of violence represent not only a gross violation of human dignity and the sanctity of life, but also a serious threat to our national unity and peace.

“We call on the security agencies to act swiftly and decisively in bringing the perpetrators to justice.

“We also urge all tiers of government to intensify efforts to secure all communities and prevent further bloodshed.

“The continued loss of lives in such tragic circumstances is simply unacceptable,” he said.

The CAN President further appealed to all Nigerians, regardless of ethnicity, religion, or political affiliation, to rise above division and embrace “our shared identity as one people under God”.

According to him, the diverse crowds in Jerusalem were united in hope.

He urged Nigerians to come together in similar manner, with a common purpose to heal the land and build a future grounded in mutual respect, compassion and solidarity.

“Palm Sunday reminds us that even in times of trial, there is hope. The journey to national renewal begins with each of us.

“Let us be mindful of our words and actions, choosing to be peacemakers in our homes, communities, and workplaces.

“Through a shared commitment to truth and justice, we can overcome the pain of the present and help shape a Nigeria where every citizen has the opportunity to thrive,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Nkiru Ifeajuna/Kadiri Abdulrahman