Bishop Calls for Sacrificial Love and Leadership in Nigeria on Good Friday
Bishop Ifedola Senasu Gabriel Okupevi of the Lagos Diocese, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), has issued a heartfelt appeal to all Nigerians and political leaders, urging them to adopt the sacrificial love exemplified by Jesus Christ. In his Good Friday message delivered in Lagos, he emphasized the need for humility, justice, and selfless service in interactions with fellow citizens, marking a solemn commemoration of Christ's suffering and death for humanity's redemption.
Solemn Reflection on Good Friday's Significance
Speaking on the profound importance of Good Friday, Bishop Okupevi described it as one of the most sacred moments in the Christian faith, where believers worldwide gather in reverence to remember Christ's passion and crucifixion. "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 stated. He highlighted that the Cross serves as the ultimate model of leadership and service, rooted in love, humility, and selflessness rather than personal ambition or power-seeking.
Urgent Need for Committed Leadership in Nigeria
The bishop stressed that Nigeria is in dire need of such sacrificial and committed leadership, which prioritizes justice, accountability, compassion, and the welfare of the people at all governance levels. He explained that Good Friday reminds Christians that salvation was achieved not through material wealth but through Christ's precious blood, who willingly gave His life for the world. Reflecting on current national realities, Bishop Okupevi observed that many Nigerian families are grappling with economic hardship, rising living costs, unemployment, insecurity, and social tensions.
"These challenges have created anxiety and uncertainty about the future for many households. In several homes, hope appears fragile and the future uncertain," he noted. However, he pointed out that the message of Good Friday offers hope even in difficult times, recalling that Christ's crucifixion occurred in a world also marked by injustice, oppression, political tension, and social unrest.
Call for National Repentance and Spiritual Renewal
Bishop Okupevi used the occasion to call for national repentance, emphasizing that personal and societal sins—such as corruption, injustice, greed, and indifference to others' suffering—continue to harm the nation's collective life. He asserted that national transformation begins with spiritual renewal, noting that when individuals change their hearts and lives before God, society and the nation can experience healing and restoration. "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.
Hope and Victory Through Resurrection
While acknowledging the sorrow associated with Good Friday, the bishop 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 explained. He urged Nigerians to embrace the spirit of the Cross by deepening their commitment to prayer, righteousness, compassion, and service to others.
Encouragement for Peace and Truth in Communities
Bishop Okupevi 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. He concluded with a prayer for God's mercy upon the country, asking for peace to reign in the hearts of Nigerians and for the hope of the resurrection to sustain them through present challenges.
