President Buhari gave the charge Friday morning in his Easter message to Nigerians, encouraging all citizens to persevere through the hardship and unusual unpleasantness coming with the measures instated to cut down the spread of the global pandemic, the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), in the country.
The President acknowledged the fact that the occasion of the COVID-19 pandemic had seriously impeded the usual joy, mirth and excitement that come with such festivities as the Easter, reminding all that the currently imposed way of life is humanity’s surest way of subduing the scourge.
He, however, called on all, especially Christians, to revive their faith and hope, coupled with prayers and other personal efforts, noting that without these, overcoming the current circumstances might be unreachable.
“I rejoice with our Christian brothers and sisters as well as all Nigerians on the occasion of the celebration of this year’s Easter.
“This year’s commemoration of Easter comes amid the grip with which COVID-19 has held the entire world.
“Unprecedented in living memory, majority of Christians have found themselves marking Easter in a subdued manner, away from the usual congregation in churches. This is unusual and very unfortunate.
“However, I wish to enjoin our Christian compatriots to rekindle their faith in Christ who overcame persecution, sufferings and displayed endurance, steadfastness and above all piety.
“Jesus Christ represented man’s ability to withstand temporary pains in the hope of everlasting glory.
“I urge you to imbibe and live the values of humility, discipline, perseverance, sacrifice and obedience which Jesus Christ demonstrated during His stay on earth.
“There is no better opportunity than now for all Christians in particular, and Nigerians in general, to remain faithful and hopeful that with intensified prayers backed by personal and collective responsibility, the nation shall pull through this most difficult trial.
“I have no doubt that if all stakeholders – individuals and groups – play their part to the fullest as advised by our scientists and medical experts in confronting COVID-19, the inherent resilience and determination of our people will enable us to pull through.
“As I stated in my national broadcast on Sunday, March 29, 2020, since there is currently no known vaccine against the virus, ‘the best and most efficient way to avoid getting infected is through regular hygiene and sanitary practices as well as social distancing”, he observed.
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