• Be Vigilant As You Celebrate, DSS Warns Christians, Releases Emergency Numbers
• NSCDC Deploys 2,500 Personnel In Oyo
President Bola Tinubu yesterday commended Nigerians for their sacrifices in the past few months for the nation to be steered to the path of recovery and sustainable growth, assuring that their seeds of patience, which they have sown, are beginning to sprout and will in no time bring forth abundance of good fruits.
President Tinubu, who joined the Christian faithful to commemorate Easter, a significant moment and a glorious celebration of the triumph of life over death, also extended greetings to Christians in Nigeria and around the world on the occasion, emphasising love, sacrifice and compassion as the patent themes of the solemn season.
Wishing them the best, President Tinubu noted that the sacrifice of Jesus Christ for humanity is an emphatic lesson for leaders and all Nigerians to yield to selflessness and compassion, and be steadfast in the pursuit of a united, peaceful and prosperous nation.
As Christians celebrate the victory of life over death as exemplified by the resurrection of Christ, President Tinubu, in a statement issued by his Spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale, further assured the citizens that Nigeria would triumph over its challenges as his administration remains firmly committed to this end.
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, yesterday, also congratulated the Christian faithful in the state and across Nigeria on the occasion of the Easter festivity.
Makinde, who congratulated Christians on witnessing another Easter season, urged them to use the special occasion to pray for Oyo State and Nigeria as well as the leadership.
According to the governor, it has become important to engage in more prayers and supplications for the country and the state amid current economic situations. He equally charged Christians to imbibe the lessons of love and sacrificial living taught through Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection, saying it is important for Christians, now more than ever before, to put into practice the lessons of love and sacrificial living of Christ.
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has also felicitated with Nigerian Christians as they celebrate this year’s Easter, urging them to pray for the unity, peace, political stability and prosperity of the country.
In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Edwin Olofu, Ganduje called on Christians to seize the opportunity of the Easter holiday to reflect deeply on what more they need to do as a people, to ensure that the current political cum security situation in the country turns around for a better Nigeria to be enjoyed by all citizens.
He also solicited the support of all patriotic Nigerians as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu continues to provide solutions to the current economic hardship being faced by Nigerians, which he described as temporary; adding that the government’s efforts were already yielding the much-desired result.
On its part, the management of Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) Plc has extended its warm greetings to Christians and all Nigerians as they commemorate the Easter season.
In a statement, the Managing Director of the company, Kingsley Achife, emphasised the significance of Easter, highlighting its essence of love, renewal and sacrifice, which are fundamental principles for societal harmony and progress. Achife urged all citizens, particularly Christians, to embody the spirit of love and compassion, fostering unity and collective prosperity.
Meanwhile, the Department of State Services (DSS) has admonished Nigerians to be vigilant during the Easter celebrations. Spokesman of the Service, Dr. Peter Afunanya, who gave the warning in a statement, urged Nigerians to shun alcoholism, illicit drugs and bigotry throughout the celebrations.
The statement read: “We wish to felicitate the Christian faithful on the celebration of Easter. We also use this opportunity to call on Nigerians to draw lessons from the forbearance and humility of Jesus Christ and apply the same in their daily affairs.
“The Service reminds them to use the event, which illustrates sacrifice and forgiveness to refocus their love for one another, the nation and humanity at large.
“On this note, citizens are encouraged to adopt self-control, discipline and compassion in their dealings and conduct. The Service enjoins them to eschew bitterness, disloyalty, fake news, hate speech and violence.
“Similarly, celebrants are advised to restrain from such behaviours as illicit drugs, excessive alcoholism as well as reject all forms of bigotry and other social vices during the ceremony. They are, therefore, implored to renew their commitment to the peace, unity of Nigeria and work towards her inclusiveness.
“Consequent upon these, everyone is urged to be vigilant and report attempts to breach security to relevant law enforcement agencies. The DSS website www.dss.gov.ng; email address- dsspr@dss.gov.ng and telephone lines +234915 339 1309; +234 908 837 3514 remain relevant for public guidance.”
The Oyo State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) yesterday announced the deployment of 2,500 personnel across the state to ensure security of lives and property during the Easter celebrations.
The State NSCDC Commandant, Augustine Padonu, said the deployment was part of the proactive measure by the command to ensure the safety and security of citizens in Oyo State.
Padonu disclosed that the deployment was aimed at safeguarding strategic locations, critical national assets and infrastructure, as well as protecting vulnerable citizens in and across the state..
He pointed out that deployment of personnel to various key areas such as motor parks, churches, amusement centres and critical infrastructure was part of the command’s concerted efforts to proactively mitigate potential cases of insurgency, kidnapping and attacks on vulnerable citizens.
