‘How we intend to celebrate Easter amidst lockdown’

Christians all over the world will be celebrating the resurrection for their Lord Jesus Christ on Sunday 12 April, 2020. But this year’s celebration will not be the same as others. Some four billion persons all over the world are in lockdown following the spread of the deadly coronavirus disease in the globe. Hence, some […]

Christians all over the world will be celebrating the resurrection for their Lord Jesus Christ on Sunday 12 April, 2020. But this year’s celebration will not be the same as others.

Some four billion persons all over the world are in lockdown following the spread of the deadly coronavirus disease in the globe. Hence, some churches have adopted virtual service to keep having fellowship.

Daily Trust spoke with some Nigerians and they have revealed their plans for the celebration.

Mark Ogba, Consultant, Kano

During the Easter holidays, I would have some time to rest at home and bond with my family. I see time as the most valuable resource in life, which I either judiciously use or never get back. I would practically demonstrate to my children how we could help the needy around us with what we have. We would be giving out food, clothings and shoes.

Daniel Mamza, 27, Administrator, Borno

In Borno State, there is no total lock down; we still go to church, the markets are still open, only that you have to wash your hands before you can be allowed to go into the market. My family and I intend to celebrate Easter by going to church, making special delicacies and some snacks to make the Easter complete. After that, we would share the good tidings with our neighbours as part of display of our affection and love towards them.

Mary Abraham, 43, Trader, Kaduna

The joy of celebrating Easter will not be there since major processions to mark the day will not take place. We have always been told to heed to the call of our leaders and the lockdown will not be an exception. This year, I will not stress myself to shop and since I am not expecting anyone to visit me, I will pray together with my family. I know celebrating it in large gathering will make us prone to the virus so my husband and I have agreed to spend the holy day at home with our children.

Isa Haruna, 35, Project Manager, Adamawa

I would visit my family house during the Easter season so I can spend some time with my mother, siblings, nieces and nephews. I intend to take a walk around the area with my nieces and nephews at least three or four of them, as well as visit extended family members, neighbours and friends.

Adebambo Bukola, Banker, Abeokuta

I don’t think there is anything much, Covid-19 has already disrupted so many plans because even now that there is no celebration, everything is down – I can’t go to work, so many plans changed, a lot of things have to be on hold, no movements and all that. And you know for festive celebration, there’s usually lots of preparations for cloths, accessories, places to visit, refreshments and so on, but with this lockdown everything can’t go the normal way again because there’s no money even. So, I will celebrate my Easter by just staying at home with my guardians and cooking the little food we have and making ourselves happy. However, this Easter will be remembered for life.

Isaac Emmanuel, 46 Engineer, Kaduna

As far as I am alive, coronavirus will not stop me from celebrating this Easter, I will surely celebrate it with joy and gladness. It is not only when we gather together that Easter can be celebrated, as a family man, I will pray with my wife and children and if God should bless me with little ‘change’, I will buy foodstuff to ensure it is a day of merriment. If it is goat or ram I can buy, I will share it with my neighbours. Since the day is all about celebration of the resurrection of our lord Jesus Christ, we are expected to see lots of families and friends but because of the lockdown, I will do it with my family. Possibly, later in the day I will call my friends and families to wish them well.

Pwakim Jacob Choji, 36, Development worker, Jos

We really didn’t envisage not celebrating Easter but here we are doing it indoors so as to stay safe from the virus. Even the Holy week events that predate the Easter celebration, visits to friends, family and the less privilege are all missing. We will use the moment to pray to God to inspire our scientists and people in position of authority to take the right decisions that will guarantee us going back to our normal lives again.

Oluwadamilola Ajayi, Entrepreneur, Abeokuta

As we all know, the present lockdown also affected church activities, so I plan to worship my God at home with my family, while reflecting on His mercy over my life, my family and all my loved ones. And after that, I will celebrate with my family with a delicious meal to mark Easter, and also extend the love to my neighbours by sharing food with them, as part of spreading the love of Christ. I wish everyone a happy Easter celebration and pray that the reason for this season will be made manifest in our lives.

Douglas Francis, 40, Media Practitioner, Jos

The Easter will be spent with my family and it’s going to be a splendid get-together because the exigencies of the work has made it difficult to sometimes spend time with your family as you wish. The kids are happy having me around and the house has been bubbling since the partial lockdown in Plateau State began.
Above all, however, we will use the moment to pray for the nation, and for God’s intervention to take care of the Coronavirus pandemic raving the world. I believe that all will end well and everything will turn out for the best at the end of the day.