Tinubu, First Lady preach hope amid insecurity at Easter

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, alongside First Lady Oluremi Tinubu and other prominent Nigerians, has called for unity, hope, and resilience as Christians across the country mark the Easter season.

In his 2026 Easter message released on Good Friday, the President acknowledged ongoing security challenges, while assuring citizens that his administration is intensifying efforts, both locally and through international partnerships, to combat terrorism and banditry.

Tinubu noted that despite sustained operations by security forces, threats to peace persist in several parts of the country.

He, however, commended members of the Armed Forces for their sacrifices in defending the nation.

Referencing his recent visit to Jos, where he met victims of violence, the President expressed optimism that security agencies are making measurable progress, based on assurances from top officials.

He also used the Easter message to caution political actors ahead of the 2027 general elections, urging strict adherence to the Electoral Act and calling for responsible political engagement.

“Democracy flourishes where responsibility, restraint, and informed participation prevail,” he stated.

First Lady, Religious Leaders Preach Compassion and Unity

In a separate message titled “Blessed Hope in Christ’s Resurrection,” the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, urged Nigerians to reflect the virtues of love, sacrifice, and compassion, especially toward vulnerable members of society.

Similarly, the Emir of Ilorin, Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, described Easter as a season that underscores forgiveness and hope, calling for sustained religious harmony.

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Wahab Egbewole, highlighted the coincidence of Ramadan and Lent this year as a symbol of unity among different faiths.

Also, the Ansar-ud-Deen Society of Nigeria stressed the importance of tolerance and peaceful coexistence, noting that shared values remain critical in navigating the nation’s socio-economic challenges.

Christian Leaders Decry Rising Insecurity

Despite the calls for unity, the Forum of Northern Christians raised concerns over persistent attacks across Northern Nigeria, warning that violence has overshadowed this year’s Easter celebrations.

Chairman Joseph Hayab and Secretary-General Mohammed Naga lamented that many communities are observing the season in fear due to recurring violence in states such as Plateau, Kaduna, Benue, Borno, Niger, and Taraba.

The group condemned recent attacks in Jos and parts of Kaduna State during Palm Sunday, describing the incidents as part of a troubling pattern of insecurity during religious periods.

They called on the Federal Government to move beyond routine condemnations and implement decisive actions to end the cycle of violence and bring perpetrators to justice.

Hardship Deepens as Nigerians ‘Merely Survive’

Adding to the national discourse, former lawmaker Farah Dagogo urged governments at all levels to align policies with the spirit of Easter by addressing economic hardship.

According to him, many Nigerians are “merely surviving” amid rising inflation, unemployment, high electricity tariffs, and the lingering effects of fuel subsidy removal.

Dagogo stressed that despite Nigeria’s vast resources, worsening living conditions have left citizens struggling for basic survival, calling for people-centered reforms that promote economic relief and national development.

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