The Bishop of the Kwara Diocese, Anglican Communion, Rt. Rev. Sunday Adewole, has urged Nigerians to return to godly living, cautioning that the country’s ongoing economic and security problems stem from declining moral standards.
Speaking during his Easter message at the Cathedral of Saint Barnabas on Sunday, he said the resurrection of Jesus Christ should inspire both personal change and national renewal.
Addressing the theme “The Empty Tomb and Its Implications,” the cleric explained that Easter goes beyond celebration, calling on citizens to reflect deeply on their spiritual responsibilities and role in society.
“Today, as we commemorate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, we appeal to everyone, in the name of God, to live a holy life. Living a holy life is a precursor to God’s abundant blessings,” he said.
He emphasized that righteousness must be paired with love for others and dedication to nation-building, urging Nigerians to promote peace and unity.
“We should love our neighbours, pray for our country, pray for our state, pray for our communities, and love others as ourselves. If we do this, the challenges we face will become things of the past,” he added.
Adewole, who also serves as the Kwara State Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, linked the nation’s socio-economic difficulties and insecurity to a decline in spiritual and moral values, stressing that renewed reverence for God could help reverse the situation.
“If Nigerians truly embrace the fear of God, issues such as corruption, violence, banditry, and insurgency will be drastically reduced,” he said.
He further noted that division along ethnic and religious lines continues to slow national progress, urging citizens to embrace unity.
“No nation can progress in disunity. We must come together as one people if we are to confront our challenges effectively,” the bishop stated.
Considering the economic hardship faced by many, he also encouraged Nigerians to show compassion and actively support those in need.
“We must not wait until we are asked before helping others. Let us be intentional in offering our time, talents, and resources to support those around us,” he advised.
He offered prayers for the country, expressing hope for healing and transformation through divine intervention.
“It is our prayer that the power that brought Jesus out of the grave will work in our nation, in our families, and bring the needed miracles,” he prayed.
He encouraged Nigerians to remain hopeful, noting that faith in God, unity, and adherence to divine principles are essential to overcoming the nation’s challenges and achieving lasting peace and prosperity.
In the same vein, the Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Adeyemo Adejugbe, called for prayers for peaceful elections in Ekiti State and across Nigeria.
In his Easter message, he congratulated Christians and urged them to embrace the virtues of forgiveness, love, selflessness, and tolerance, as demonstrated by Jesus Christ.
He described Easter as a symbol of God’s love for humanity. “This season is the celebration of the promise of eternal life. I urge well-meaning members of society to show more love and give hope to the hopeless in the spirit of the season,” he said.
The monarch also pointed to the nation’s challenges, noting that they require prayers and decisive action from government authorities, especially in addressing insecurity.
He prayed for strength and blessings for all, urging that the joy of the resurrection be reflected in peaceful coexistence nationwide.
