Bishop of Lagos Calls for National Renewal Through Love and Hope at Easter
The Bishop of Lagos, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), the Rt. Rev. Ifedola Senasu Gabriel Okupevi, has issued a powerful Easter message, urging all Nigerians, particularly those in leadership roles, to embrace a transformative new way of life centered on righteousness, love, justice, and peace. In his address delivered in Lagos, Bishop Okupevi highlighted the resurrection of Jesus Christ as the ultimate demonstration of God's power over death, offering renewed hope to a nation grappling with significant socio-economic and security issues.
Easter as a Beacon of Hope Amid National Struggles
Bishop Okupevi acknowledged the complex realities facing Nigeria, noting that many citizens are enduring economic hardship, insecurity, and uncertainty about the future. He stressed, however, that the Easter message 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 stated.
According to the bishop, the resurrection of Christ speaks directly to moments of despair, reminding believers and every Nigerian that even when circumstances appear hopeless, God remains capable of bringing 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," Okupevi emphasized.
Relevance to Nigeria's National Life and Leadership
Bishop Okupevi connected the resurrection to Nigeria's national context, asserting that it calls citizens to believe in the possibility of renewal and restoration for the country. He likened the obstacles hindering Nigeria's progress to the stone rolled away from Jesus' tomb, expressing faith that God can remove barriers to collective unity and peace. The cleric urged Nigerians to reject hopelessness and instead place their faith in God's ability to bring about national transformation.
Reflecting on the biblical narrative, Okupevi noted that the resurrection emerged from the sorrow and silence following the crucifixion on Good Friday. He recalled how the disciples initially felt fear and discouragement, but the resurrection transformed their despair into joy and courage. "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 explained.
Call to Action for Leaders and Citizens
The bishop emphasized that Easter's significance extends beyond celebration, urging Nigerians to live as "resurrection people" by embodying Christ's values in daily life. He called on believers to act as agents of reconciliation in a divided society, uphold integrity amidst corruption, and spread hope in a world burdened by fear.
Okupevi specifically charged leaders at all levels to exercise their responsibilities with humility and a renewed commitment to the common good. He also urged citizens to promote unity over division, compassion over indifference, and truth over falsehood. Additionally, he encouraged Nigerians to renew their commitment to prayer for the nation, its authorities, 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," Okupevi concluded. He prayed that the joy of the risen Christ would fill Nigerians' hearts, guiding the nation toward renewed faith, unity, and a brighter future.
