The Bishop of Abeokuta Diocese, Peter Odetoyinbo, has urged Nigerians to embrace hope, resilience and faith.

The cleric also described Easter as “the celebration of new life and a bright future.”

In his 2026 Easter message on Sunday, Mr Odetoyinbo greeted Christians and stressed that Christ’s resurrection remained the foundation of Christian hope.

Offering words of reassurance, the bishop reminded the faithful that God remains present in their struggles.

He said, “Christ sees your pain, hears your cries, and walks with you. The resurrection assures us that God never abandons His people in the darkest hour.”

The bishop urged Nigerians not to give in to despair, stressing that divine intervention often followed periods of trial.

 “The same God who raised Jesus from the dead remains Lord of history and Lord of nations. He can still restore what appears broken in our nation,” Mr Odetoyinbo said.

Addressing young people, he encouraged perseverance and faith in the face of uncertainty.

“Do not lose courage. Your future is not cancelled by present difficulties, remain disciplined and committed to developing your talents,” the bishop said.

Mr Odetoyinbo called on citizens to embody the spirit of Easter by promoting compassion, honesty and mutual support.

He emphasised the role of moral values in national development, stating that the future of the nation would not be built only by policies, but also by citizens whose hearts were shaped by truth, faith, justice, sacrifice and moral courage.

Mr Odetoyinbo described leadership as a sacred responsibility, saying that authority must serve truth, justice with the dignity of human life and protect fundamental human rights.

The bishop urged continued prayer for Nigeria and expressed hope for a better future.

(NAN)