Gov. Nasir El Rufai of Kaduna State, has advised Nigerians to continue to practice the lessons of sacrifice, care for the poor, deep spiritual reflection, and love for all humankind, irrespective of tribe or religion, as observed during the period of Lent.
The governor gave the advice in his Easter message to the people of the state on Sunday in Kaduna.
El Rufai, who described Nigerians as people of faith, counseled that citizens should never let hope depart from their hearts.
The message, which El Rufai personally signed, said; “Let us uphold each other in our common humanity and pray for peace in our land.
“Let us do our best to promote harmony in our communities and reject strife in our land.”
The governor congratulated the Christian faithful in the state on the completion of the Lent and the great feast of Easter.
“This festival of triumph follows the Holy season of Lent, during which the Christian community engaged in fasting, prayers, and works of charity,’’ he said.
El Rufai pointed out that Easter symbolises the triumph of hope over despair and an affirmation that darkness cannot trump the plans and wishes of the Almighty God.
“Jesus Christ set an example of sacrifice that has moved men and women through the ages.
“As we celebrate the triumph of Christ, let us embrace all the lessons of Easter, never losing faith in the will of Almighty God, and the triumph of good over evil,’’ he added.
The governor called on everyone who calls Kaduna state home, ‘’to work together to uphold our state, its hard-working people, and their accomplishments from those who seek to destroy”.
‘’We pray God Almighty that the blessings and lessons of Easter will spread through our State, and move us all to be better people, that the Almighty will comfort all our people, who have been affected by the security challenges that confront us,’’ he added.
El Rufai prayed that “the good Lord bestows His grace upon us, bless our state and its people, reward the endeavours of our citizens and protect us all from danger and discord.”