Easter: Christians throng worship centres in FCT

Christian faithful in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) yesterday joined their counterparts across the globe to celebrate Easter. Many of them went in their numbers to churches for prayers to mark the celebration. Abuja Metro observed as family members moved in droves in their best dresses to attend the church across the area councils. At St […]

Christian faithful in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) yesterday joined their counterparts across the globe to celebrate Easter.

Many of them went in their numbers to churches for prayers to mark the celebration.

Abuja Metro observed as family members moved in droves in their best dresses to attend the church across the area councils.

At St Peter’s Catholic Church in Abaji Area Council, many worshipers joined the congregation as part of the celebration.

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The parish priest of the church, Rev Father Benjamin Daudu, in his sermon titled, ‘Easter Sunday, Power Encounter’, said he decided to give the message that title because of the power of God that resurrected Jesus from death.

The cleric quoted Romans chapter 8 verse 11, from which, he said, the spirit of God, which is the power of God, entered the tomb and resurrected Jesus from the dead.

He said the Catholic Church is celebrating the power of God and also celebrating the son of God, Jesus Christ, which, according to him, is the hope of Christianity worldwide.

He noted that some of the problems bedeviling society today are due to lack of trust by leaders, saying the Easter message should be a lesson to them, especially in Nigeria.

“Nigeria is suffering more, if I am not exaggerating, than any other country in the world today. A leader should always remember that everyone who is born must die. Jesus was born as the son of God and he died. So, everybody should also expect that one day, he or she will die, no matter the position you occupy,” he preached.

Rev Daudu told leaders to fear God in whatever they are doing and also ensure they do justice to those they represent in society.

He also urged the youths to live a decent life and distance themselves from any form of social services that are inimical to the well-being of society.

Also, in his sermon, Rev Ishaya S. Nana, of ECWA Church, Abaji, said Easter was the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, adding that anyone who believes and has trust in Jesus Christ would continue to be happy.

He also urged leaders to have the fear of God in their hearts and always think of the last day, saying anyone living with the fear of God, God will surely shower his mercies and blessings upon them.

In his message to the residents, the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, congratulated Christians on the successful completion of the Lenten season and prayed that all supplications find favour with the Almighty.

He reminded Christians that Easter is a season that reminds us of the timeless virtues of compassion, sacrifice and forgiveness.

He said, As the nation’s capital and the symbol of our collective unity, the FCT occupies a unique place in the heart of our great country. We must continue to be the example of peaceful coexistence, mutual respect and harmonious living.’’

He urged all residents to embrace the spirit of Easter by showing love to one another, being our brother’s keeper, and fostering an environment where unity, tolerance and understanding prevail.

In his own message, the chairman of Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Christopher Maikalangu, urged the Christian faithful to remember the less fortunate and extend a hand of kindness to them.

A statement signed by the Senior Special Assistant to the Executive Chairman of AMAC on Media and Public Affairs, Kingsley Madaki, Maikalangu, urged them to continue to reflect on the lessons from the sacrifices Jesus made on the cross.

He urged Christians to continue to pray for the unity and progress of all tiers of government and for the success of their leaders at all times, as Easter signifies a significant moment in Christendom.