The Governors of Ekiti and Kwara States, Dr. Kayode Fayemi and Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed, have enjoined Nigerians, especially Christians, to exhibit more tolerance as Easter is celebrated this weekend.
Fayemi, who congratulated the people of the state for witnessing another Easter season, urged them to emulate the virtues of Jesus Christ who laid down his life for the salvation of mankind.
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Olayinka Oyebode, Fayemi also congratulated Christians for the successful completion of the Lenten season, a period of 40 days of fasting and prayer, which culminated in Easter, an important festival in the Christian calendar.
He called on Christians in the state to emulate love and sacrifice, which the Lord Jesus Christ exhibited in ensuring the salvation of humanity.
Fayemi noted that the Easter period offers Christians and the entire people of Ekiti State an opportunity for sober reflection.
The governor urged Christians in the state to use the period to pray for peace, development and prosperity of Ekiti State, which he noted is undergoing transformation in the key sectors of the economy.
He commended Christians in the state for living in harmony with adherents of other religions, which has contributed immensely to the peace being enjoyed in the state.
While calling for prayers from the people of the state for his administration, Fayemi said although the task before him and his team is enormous but tremendous success is achievable with the support of the electorate who voted him into office.
Fayemi advised the people of the state to be moderate in celebrating Easter, noting that the period is not for eating and drinking alone but to reflect on the past and hope for a better future for themselves and the state.
Ahmed has advised Christians to use the Easter period to show greater commitment to peace and unity of the country.
In an Easter message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Alhaji Abdulwahab Oba, Ahmed said the period should be used to reflect on the essence of nation building.
Ahmed said the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ climaxed his mission on earth, which is the redemption of mankind and the restoration of the essence of God.
He thanked Christians and other religious leaders in the state for cooperating with his administration, which has ensured that the state remains the State of Harmony.
Alhaji Ahmed advised Nigerians of all religious persuasions to use the period to imbibe and entrench the values of good neighbourliness and patriotism so that Nigerians would continue to live together in peace.
Ahmed emphasised that the Easter period also provides a good opportunity for Nigerians to work towards resolving the present peace and security challenges confronting the country.
He admonished Christians to use this period to rededicate themselves to the service of God and sacrifice in consonance with the sterling examples set by Jesus Christ.
The governor wished Christians in particular and Nigerians as a whole a happy Easter celebration.