As Christian faithful in Nigeria mark Good Friday today, it is important to reflect on the significance of this day and its relevance in contemporary times. Good Friday is the day when Christians all over the world commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and his subsequent death on the cross. It is a somber occasion that precedes the highest point in the Easter celebration, His resurrection on Sunday. It is important to observe that this Holy Week is the most important in the Christian calendar.
For Christians around the world and particularly in Nigeria, Good Friday is more than just a religious event; it is a day of deep spiritual significance that resonates with many people, regardless of their religious beliefs. It is a day when people come together to reflect on the meaning of sacrifice, love, and redemption. It is also a time to remember the suffering and death of Jesus Christ and the hope that his resurrection brings.
Good Friday is also an opportunity to reflect on the state of the Nigerian nation and the challenges that we face as a people. Nigeria is a country that is grappling with numerous problems, including insecurity, corruption, economic instability, and social and political unrest. These issues have caused immense suffering and hardship for many Nigerians, and they continue to threaten the stability and progress of the nation.
In the opinion of this newspaper, this Good Friday, ought to provide for the people an opportunity to ponder over what can be done to overcome these challenges and move forward. Primarily, it is an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the values of sacrifice, love, and redemption that are central to the Easter story and apply same to our lives and our country. We must also remember that the Easter story is one of hope and resurrection, and that no matter how dark our circumstances may seem, there is always the possibility of renewal and rebirth.
As we mark Good Friday, we must also remember the importance of unity and solidarity. Nigeria is a diverse country with many different ethnic, religious, and cultural groups. It is our diversity that makes us unique and vibrant, but it is also a source of tension and conflict. We must learn to understand our differences and find ways to work together for the common good.
In recent years, Nigeria has witnessed an increase in inter-ethnic and inter-religious conflicts, which have claimed countless lives and caused untold suffering. These conflicts are often fueled by political interests, economic disparities, and social inequalities. Sadly, in our view, the recent general election in the country has exacerbated our fault lines of ethnicity and religion. We condemn, in its entirety, ethnic profiling in the country.
As we mark Good Friday, we must renew our commitment to building a more peaceful and harmonious society, where all Nigerians can live in dignity and security. Furthermore, on this Good Friday, we must also remember the vulnerable and marginalised in the society. Nigeria is a country where millions of people live in poverty, with limited access to basic services such as healthcare, education, and clean water.
According to a report by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) 133 million Nigerians are multidimensionally poor. This is unacceptable.
To put it in proper perspective, this is more than the population of the United Kingdom (67.33 million) and several European countries. The poor people in Nigeria are often the most affected by the challenges that face the nation, and they are also the ones who need support the most.
As we mark Good Friday, we must also renew our commitment to address the root causes of poverty and inequality in the society. We must work towards creating a more just and equitable society, where everyone has the opportunity to live a decent and fulfilling life.
Consequently, Good Friday is a day of deep spiritual significance for Nigerians, and it is an opportunity for us to reflect on the values of sacrifice, love, and redemption. As we mark this occasion, let us remember the challenges that we face as a nation and renew our commitment to building a more peaceful, harmonious, and equitable society. Let us also remember the vulnerable and marginalised in our society and work towards creating a better future for all Nigerians.
Above all else, we must not forget the real significance of this day when Jesus paid the ultimate price for the salvation of mankind. It should call to mind the relevance of sacrifice even in political and economic leadership.
