Easter: Akanji Greets Christians, Unveils Activities For 113th NBC Annual Session In Abuja

The President of the Nigerian Baptist Convention (NBC), Rev. Dr. Isreal Adelani Akanji, has extended Easter greetings to Christian faithful across the country, particularly members of the Baptist family, as they mark this year’s celebration.

Speaking during an interview on the Network News of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRRN) on Easter Monday, Akanji urged Christians to reflect on the core values of Easter, which he said revolve around sacrifice, compassion, forgiveness, and hope for humanity.

According to him, Easter signifies the celebration of the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.

“The celebration indicates that we also have the hope of resurrection and that is one of the joy of Easter and we as Christians believe that the victory of Jesus over death calls for celebration because by that victory, we know that Christ is alive and He’s at the right hand of the Father and continuing interceding for us,” he said.

“We believe that the victory of Jesus on the cross makes us know that if He can be victorious over death, He can also be victorious over every other things.”

Akanji further called on Nigerians to embrace a life of sacrifice, love, and peaceful coexistence as a pathway to national growth and development.

He also advised political leaders to allow the spirit of Easter to guide their actions in governance, stressing the need for responsible leadership to prevent further deterioration in the country.

“Jesus came to save us from the powers of darkness, the power of the devil to make us children of God and we too should be willing to bring people out of their penury, challenges and difficulties because what we’re seeing in Nigeria now where some people are going to kill other people, attacking and shooting them in broad daylight is not complimentary at all because this is direct opposite of Easter which is meant to give life, hope and feelings of joy to all mankind,” he emphasised.

Speaking On the forthcoming 113th Annual Session of the Nigerian Baptist Convention slated for Abuja later this month, the cleric said preparations were underway to ensure the successful biggest gathering of Baptists in Nigeria.

He disclosed that the event, themed “Entering into Newness through the Fruit and Gifts of the Holy Spirit,” was scheduled to hold from April 18 to 23 in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

According to him, the convention will take place at the Baptist International Convention Centre (BICC) in Kubwa and will feature Bible teachings, reflection on the past year, and prayers for Nigeria and its leadership.

While wishing all messengers and delegates a safe journey, Rev. Akanji expressed optimism that the convention would deepen the spiritual growth of participants.