Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has rejoiced with Nigerians, particularly Christian faithful and residents of the State as they celebrate this year’s Easter-the commemoration of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
The Governor urged Lagos residents, particularly Christians to emulate Jesus Christ’s virtues of humility, perseverance and compassion, which made Him die on the cross for the atonement of our sins and reconciling us with God.
Governor Sanwo-Olu in his Easter Message issued on Friday by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, urged Christians to continue to live in peace, love and harmony with believers in other faiths, noting that good neighbourliness, selflessness, patience, and love were among the several lessons taught and exemplified by our Lord Jesus Christ.
The Governor also implored Nigerians, particularly, Christians to use the occasion to seek the face of God for continuous peace in Lagos State and Nigeria, especially as the country begins the transition from President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration to the President-Elect, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He said: “I wish all Lagosians and Christians across the country and other parts of the world, a Happy Easter as we remember the sacrifice and love of Jesus towards mankind. The message of Easter is that of sacrifice, tolerance, harmony, perseverance, and undying love.
“As we commemorate the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, I want Lagosians and Nigerians in general to make togetherness and unity of the country the central goal of our nationalities.
“Let us remember to be Christ-like in our love for fellow citizens and our country. As Christians, this period offers us an opportunity to rethink our relationships as individuals, as communities, and as a nation.
“We should also use the period to pray for peace in Lagos State and Nigeria as the country prepares for the May 29 hanging-over ceremony.
“Let us all emulate the virtues of Jesus Christ by simply impacting the lives of friends, colleagues, associates, neighbours, and family members, as well as contributing to the growth and development of our dear Lagos State and Nigeria.
“We should mirror the virtues of humility, compassion, and undying love as demonstrated by Jesus Christ. May the blessing of Easter and the power of the resurrection rekindle our faith in God and humanity. I wish you all a happy celebration.”
The Governor used the opportunity of Easter celebration to commend and thank Lagosians for their steadfastness, resilience, support and cooperation with his administration during his first term, while also reassuring residents of his government’s commitment to continued good governance and more people-oriented programmes during his second term in office.
IGP Alkali Baba assures Christians on adequate Security at Easter
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba, has reassured Nigerians of the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all citizens and visitors to the country during the 2023 Easter celebrations.
The IGP has ordered in-depth security checks and patrols of all public spaces and essential government assets. Particularly, all State Commissioners of Police (CPs) and their supervising Zonal Assistant Inspectors-General of Police (AIGs) have been ordered to ensure efficient deployment of police personnel, and operational assets to areas of likely security threats within their respective areas of responsibility (AoRs).
The IGP equally charged all supervising officers that intensive and proactive visibility patrols should be carried out at all worship centres, train stations, highways, motor parks, airports, waterways, recreation centres, banks and other financial institutions while taking necessary precautions to ensure a crime-free and peaceful environment for religious, cultural and other socio-economic activities and boost the confidence of the general public.
In addition, the IGP has directed that all officers and men deployed for these duties must be properly supervised to ensure professional and courteousness to law-abiding citizens but firm and ruthless to criminal elements who might want to take the advantage of the festive period to perpetrate their unholy and criminal acts.
While felicitating with Nigerians, and the Christian community in particular, on the commemoration of the crucifixion, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the IGP appreciates the citizens for their support and calls on them to continually cooperate with the Nigeria Police and other security agencies by providing prompt and actionable information that would help in the prevention and detection of crime.
