The President of the Christian Council of Nigeria and Archbishop of the Anglican Province of Owerri, His Grace Most Rev. Dr. David Onuoha has assured Nigerians that the current suffering and hardship in the country will not endure, declaring that it will ultimately “end in praise at God’s appointed time.”
In his 2025 Easter message to Christians and all Nigerians, the Archbishop, who also serves as Bishop of the Okigwe South Diocese, described Easter as a season that signifies hope, victory, and divine purpose in the face of adversity.
He described the resurrection of Jesus Christ as a testament to the triumph of light over darkness, truth over falsehood, hope over despair, and life over death.
The cleric emphasised that the resurrection remains a powerful reminder of God’s mysterious ways and His ability to turn even the wicked schemes into instruments of divine fulfilment.
“It is amazing how the conspiracies and intrigues of those who thought they were fighting to destroy Jesus became part of the process that worked out the plan of God for the world,” he said.
According to him, Easter affirms that no force or circumstance can hinder the will of God.
“Even when prevailing events and circumstances suggest otherwise, we must remind ourselves that all things work for the good of those who love God, and that the Almighty rules over the affairs of men,” he noted.
Archbishop Onuoha acknowledged the widespread pain, hardship, fear, poverty, and sense of hopelessness in the land, but urged Nigerians to remain hopeful and courageous.
“We must not allow hope and faith to forsake us or courage fail us,” he said. “Let us see all that is happening to and around us now as part of the process for a new Nigeria that will usher in peace, prosperity and love, which will surely birth at God’s own time.”
He called on Nigerians to be encouraged by the assurance that no individual or group, regardless of wealth, power, or privilege can derail God’s plan for His people.
“Let us always encourage ourselves with the assurance that no human being nor group of people can derail God’s purpose and plan for His people,” he stated.
Archbishop Onuoha urged those who promote evil, injustice, and division to repent and lay their deeds “at the foot of the cross” to become part of God’s redemptive plan for the nation.
“We appeal to all merchants of death, pain and evil in the society, promoters of injustice and unfairness, and agents of division in the land to lay their evil ways and deeds at the foot of the cross,” he said.
He further reminded all people, regardless of nationality, that the resurrection of Jesus Christ is a source of eternal hope and assurance.
“Nigerians and indeed people of every nation should rejoice because Jesus Christ has conquered death. He is alive to die no more and will surely give us life both here and in eternity,” he affirmed.
Archbishop Onuoha expressed confidence that just as the agony of Good Friday gave way to the joy of Easter morning, Nigeria’s present challenges would give way to divine restoration.
“As the sufferings and pains of Good Friday gave way to the joy of Easter morning, so also shall the sufferings and pains of today end in praise at God’s appointed time,” he declared.
“May the blessings of this season be upon us all now and always. Amen. Happy Easter to you all,” he concluded.
