Local government chairmen in Lagos State have urged Christians to use the opportunity of Easter to pray for peace, unity and development of the country.

In separate Easter messages to the people of their respective councils on Monday, the chairmen also urged residents and citizens to use the celebration to show love to their neighbours and live peacefully with one another.

Ahmed Apatira, executive chairman of Itire-Ikate Local Council Development Area (LCDA), called on Christians to live by the teachings, virtues and messages of love by Jesus Christ.

“We will make faster progress toward achieving the peaceful, united, strong, progressive and prosperous country we all desire if we eschew divisive, parochial, ethnic and religious sentiments and rivalries.

“We should begin to live more harmoniously with our compatriots and pray for infrastructural development in the country,” he said.

Bola Sobowale, the chairman of Ayobo-Ipaja LCDA, called on all citizens to take advantage of Easter to advance peace, intensify prayers and commit themselves to God.

“We want the residents to dedicate themselves to virtues that will promote peace, love, unity and progress of the LCDA, Lagos State and Nigeria at large,” she said.

Also, the executive chairman of Agege Local Government, Ganiyu Egunjobi, also called on residents and citizens to pray for the next administration to move the country forward.

“The next administration will no doubt take our nation to greater heights, and this requires prayers from Nigerian citizens.

“On the part of my administration, we will continue to engage in positive synergy with relevant stakeholders for us to continue enjoying peaceful coexistence at all times,” Mr Egunjobi said.

In his message, the chairman of Somolu Local Government, Hamed Salawu, said the resurrection of Jesus Christ was selfless, and his commitment to humanity was unwavering, even after over 2000 years.

“In emulating Jesus Christ, we must all love our neighbours as ourselves and remember never to think evil, plan evil and talk no evil against people and our dear nation, Nigeria,” he said.

Also, David Famuyiwa, the chairman of Agbado Oke-Odo LCDA, said Easter was a time to remember the sacrifices Christ made for everyone.

“May I admonish us to recommit ourselves to following His example – to love and serve one another, particularly the least among us, just as He loves every one of us.

“As we celebrate, may the lessons and blessings of Easter open unto us doors of blessings, favour and all the good things our heart’s desire,” he said.

Chairman of Odiolowo-Ojuwoye LCDA, Rasaq Ajala, called on Christians to imbibe the character of Jesus Christ, show love to one another and pray for the country’s progress.

He said the 2023 Easter was special as it coincided with the Muslim fasting month, Ramadan.

“Irrespective of our faith, let’s live with one another in peace and harmony as exemplified by Christ and Prophet Muhammad,” he said.

The LCDA chairman prayed that the blessings of Easter would bring happiness, peace, and prosperity to the nation.

(NAN)