The Auxiliary Bishop, Orlu Catholic Diocese, Most Rev. Thomas Obiatuegwu, and Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, have urged Christians to remain steadfast in faith, embrace love, and renew their hope for eternal life.

They made the call on Sunday at the St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, Ozuh Omuma in the Oru East Local Government Area of the state during the Easter Sunday mass.

Delivering his homily, Mr Obiatuegwu described the resurrection of Jesus Christ as the “ultimate victory over darkness, fear, and death.”

He said that no situation is beyond God’s transforming power.

He spoke about the sharp contrast between human attachment to legacy and the profound humility of Jesus Christ.

According to him, while humans obsess over securing a permanent final resting place, Christ required only a borrowed tomb because “He was never meant to stay there.

The cleric stated, “That tomb was only for three days. Christ did not need a permanent grave because death could not hold Him. This serves to remind us the faithful that earthly life and death are merely temporary.”

He, therefore, urged Christian faithful to focus less on materialism and more on the eternal hope promised by the resurrection.

Mr Obiatuegwu said that Jesus fulfilled His divine mission despite rejection and opposition, adding that His resurrection remains the greatest victory in human history.

“The battle is over. No more defeat. No more fear. No more darkness,” he said.

The bishop also called for prayers for the sick, the suffering, and the departed, hoping that all believers would share in eternal joy.

In an Easter message at the mass, Mr Uzodimma described Easter as “the foundation of Christianity and a call to selfless living. Without the resurrection, our faith would have been in vain.”

He urged Nigerians to embrace love and unity, saying that peace remains the bedrock of development and prosperity.

He acknowledged the current economic hardship in the country and expressed optimism in the ongoing reforms by President Bola Tinubu.

“The reforms are working. Though there is hardship, it will not last long,” he said.

Highlighting his achievements in the state, Mr Uzodimma disclosed that his administration was paying ₦104,000 minimum wage – one of the highest in the country.

He listed other achievements to include the construction of over 135 roads, training of over 50,000 youths in digital skills, and empowerment of 80,000 artisans.

He noted that his administration also recorded great feat in the areas of improved healthcare, school infrastructure, and expansion of electricity supply through power projects.

The governor attributed the giant strides to improved security and peace in the state.

“We are no longer looking back, we are moving forward,” he said.

He thanked Imo State people and residents for their support and urged Nigerians to recommit to Christian values.

“Let us love one another, forgive, and serve in humility,” he said.

He concluded with prayers for peace, protection, and national progress. 

(NAN)