By Oluyinka Onigbinde
As Christians across Nigeria and the world celebrate Easter, the President-General of the Maritime Workers’ Union of Nigeria, Francis Bunu Abi, and the Deputy President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Adewale Adeyanju, have jointly called for peace, love, and unity, urging Nigerians and the global community to embrace the enduring values of Jesus Christ.
In separate Easter goodwill messages, both labour leaders emphasized the significance of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ as a symbol of sacrifice, redemption, and reconciliation between God and mankind.
Comrade Bunu noted that Christ’s resurrection signifies victory over death and the redemption of humanity from sin, urging people to live by the virtues of love, tolerance, and forgiveness. He stressed that the sacrifice on the Cross of Calvary remains the greatest demonstration of divine love, calling on Nigerians to reflect these values in their daily lives and interactions.
According to him, “Easter is a time for mankind to rekindle the spirit of love and forgiveness as exemplified by Jesus Christ, who devoted His life to doing good, healing the sick, and restoring hope to the hopeless.”
He further appealed to Christians to remain steadfast despite prevailing challenges, including insecurity in parts of the country, assuring that ultimate victory belongs to God. Bunu also encouraged Nigerians across religious divides to celebrate together in unity, while extending compassion to the less privileged in society.
On his part, Adeyanju described Easter as a season of hope and reassurance that a better and more peaceful world is attainable. He reiterated that Christ’s sacrifice was the ultimate price paid for the redemption of mankind, noting that His life and death remain a powerful symbol of humility, endurance, and unconditional love.
The labour leader expressed concern over ongoing insecurity and violence in Nigeria and other parts of the world, particularly the activities of insurgents and armed groups, which have led to loss of lives and displacement of communities. He condemned the spate of killings and ransom demands, urging perpetrators to desist and embrace peace.
“There is no justification for the taking of human life. Only God has the authority over life and death. Dialogue, not violence, remains the pathway to peace,” Adeyanju stated.
He also called on the Federal Government to take advantage of the Easter season to make policy decisions that would strengthen accountability in the maritime sector, including reconsidering the restoration of onboard tally clerks to enhance cargo monitoring and safeguard government revenue.
Both leaders concluded by urging Nigerians to remain resilient and hopeful, emphasizing that the teachings of Jesus Christ—centered on love, sacrifice, patience, and peace—remain the foundation for building a better society.
They also offered prayers for Nigeria and the global community, expressing optimism that the world would overcome its current challenges and move towards a future defined by harmony, justice, and shared humanity.
