Nigerians Mark Good Friday Amid Biting Economy
Christians across Nigeria have joined their counterparts globally to mark Good Friday – a prelude to the Easter celebration – amid the high cost of living and security challenges in the country.
Good Friday is a remembrance of the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ. In cities across the country, some churches are expected to hold services later in the day. Processions tagged the Passion and Crucifixion of Jesus Christ would also take place.
To mark the day, top government dignitaries including President Bola Tinubu, governors, and others, felicitated the Christian faithful on the occasion.
In his message, Tinubu called on Nigerians to be compassionate to one another and work in unity. He called on Christians to imbibe the virtues of love, and sacrifice associated with the season.
“The President warmly greets Christians in Nigeria and around the world on this occasion, emphasising love, sacrifice, and compassion as the patent themes of this solemn season,” presidential spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, said.
“President Tinubu notes that the sacrifice of Jesus Christ for humanity is an emphatic lesson for leaders and all Nigerians to yield to selflessness and compassion, and be steadfast in the pursuit of a united, peaceful, and prosperous nation.”
Governor Godwin Obaseki also echoed similar sentiments with Tinubu, preaching love, sacrifice, and patience.
“I celebrate with our Christian brothers and sisters as we mark Good Friday, a remembrance of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on Calvary for the redemption of mankind,” Governor Obaseki said.
“I urge everyone to, in the spirit of the season, reflect on the significance of this day by imbibing the virtues of sacrifice, love, tolerance, and selflessness.
“There is no better time to show this than now when we are faced with dire economic conditions which have put many in distress.
“As we celebrate this year’s Good Friday, we must remember to be our brothers’ keepers and look out for each other at this difficult time, while remaining resolute in our love for God and our nation.”
This year’s Easter festivities come amid a biting economy shaped by the rising cost of living, plummeting value of the nation’s currency, and worsening security challenges.
In February, the country’s inflation figures pushed to 31.70 percent, rising from the 29.90 percent recorded in the previous month, according to data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).
Food inflation also moved to 37.92 percent on a year-on-year basis in February.
“The rise in food inflation on a year-on-year basis was caused by increases in prices of bread and cereals, potatoes, yam and other tubers, fish, oil and fat, meat, fruit, coffee, tea, and cocoa,” the NBS said.
