As Christians around the world mark Easter, Nigerian church leaders are calling for more than celebration. They believe the season must inspire reflection, moral rebirth, and a stronger national conscience. In a country facing hardship and division, they say the message of Easter is more relevant than ever.
A Time for Renewal — Baba Aladura Akinadewo
According to Baba Aladura Israel Akinadewo, President of the Organisation of African Instituted Churches (OAIC), Easter offers deep spiritual lessons. He emphasized that the journey from Ash Wednesday to Passion Week reminds believers of Christ’s ultimate sacrifice.
“Jesus fasted for 40 days to defeat temptation,” he said. “This teaches the power of discipline and the need to separate from sin.”
He also highlighted the significance of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem, noting that it calls Christians to forgiveness and a life of selfless service.
“Easter is not about pageantry,” Akinadewo added. “It is about rededication, humility, and prayer.”
Furthermore, he warned both leaders and believers against materialism. In his view, flashy living contradicts the spirit of Easter.
“True leaders must show simplicity and selflessness,” he said. “Pride and wealth display weaken Christian growth.”
He also dismissed critics who downplay Easter celebrations, calling them “Holier-than-thou Christians” who often ignore the season’s spiritual meaning.
A Call to Love — Emmanuel Udofia
Similarly, former Primate of The African Church, Emmanuel Udofia, described Easter as the greatest symbol of God’s love. He pointed out that Jesus died not for the perfect, but for those in need of redemption.
“Christ’s sacrifice wasn’t based on our worth,” he explained. “It was based on our need for salvation.”
Udofia argued that Easter should push Nigerians to embrace unity and unconditional love. According to him, these values can heal the country’s deep divisions.
“When we truly love one another, we reject hate, division, and violence,” he said.
In addition, he believes genuine love can rebuild broken communities. He urged Nigerians to rise above tribal and religious barriers.
“Love forgives. Love restores. Love unites,” Udofia said.
A Moment of Remembrance — Archbishop Joseph Ojo
Meanwhile, Archbishop Joseph Ojo of Calvary Kingdom Church International stressed the importance of remembering Christ’s sacrifice.
“Jesus paid a debt He didn’t owe. That’s the heart of Easter,” he said.
He cautioned against over-intellectualizing Christian doctrine. In his view, debates often distract from the core message of Christ’s death and resurrection.
“No argument can undo the truth. Christ died and rose again,” he declared.
Moreover, he said Easter should inspire believers to live for others.
“If we remember His sacrifice, we must also be willing to give up something for the greater good,” Ojo added.
A Wake-Up Call to the Church — Bishop Chidi
On his part, Bishop Chidi, President of the Pentecostal Ministers Forum, issued a strong warning to the Nigerian Church. He believes many pulpits have shifted from truth to comfort.
“Despite the number of churches, Nigeria remains deeply corrupt,” he said. “This means we are not preaching the right message.”
He urged pastors to return to the core message of repentance and righteousness.
“We must stop preaching hyper-grace that tolerates sin,” he said. “The cross demands transformation.”
According to him, the Church must reflect the power of Easter not just in words, but in action.
“Easter is about change. It’s time we lived that message, in our pulpits and in our lives,” he concluded.
