The Vice Chancellor of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti, Prof. Joshua Ogunwole, has called on Christians to emulate Jesus Christ by promoting reconciliation and peaceful coexistence, reflecting the purpose of Christ’s coming into the world.
Easter is one of the most significant festivals in the Christian calendar, commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ on the third day after his crucifixion.
It is observed by millions of Christians around the world as a time of spiritual reflection, renewal, and celebration of hope and redemption. The festival traditionally follows the Lenten season, a 40‑day period of fasting, prayer, and repentance.
In a message to the Christian community on Friday, marking this year’s Easter celebrations, Ogunwole emphasised that the central mission of Jesus Christ was to reconcile humanity with divinity.
Ogunwole, a scholar and university administrator, extended warm Easter greetings to the Christian community, wishing them peace and joyous celebrations.
He stressed that Christians should mirror this mission by fostering understanding and harmony in their communities.
The Vice Chancellor, through a statement released by the university’s Director of Public Affairs and Communication, Dr Sunday Saanu, urged Christians not to treat Easter solely as a festive occasion but as an opportunity to live out the teachings of Christ.
Addressing the faithful, Ogunwole said, “On this Easter celebration, let me urge Christians to emulate Jesus Christ by ensuring that we are agents of peace and reconciliation wherever we find ourselves.
“We must not just celebrate; rather, we must reflect and imbibe Christ’s teachings on this occasion. It is when we do this that people will see us as true children of God.
“It is when we do this that God and people will know that we truly appreciate the essence of the suffering of Jesus for the sake of humanity.”
He further explained the practical implications of this message, stating, “The best way to celebrate Easter is to ensure that where we perceive strife, we facilitate understanding and reconciliation.
“Where we see hatred, we preach love. God will be happy with us, and Christ will be happy that we have truly imbibed His teachings.”
Online reports that religious leaders and university administrators in Nigeria often issue Easter messages highlighting themes of peace, reconciliation, and moral values, especially at times of national or community challenges.
In recent years, such calls have been particularly emphasised amid social and security challenges in parts of the country, with officials encouraging citizens to embrace unity, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence.
Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, is home to a diverse religious landscape, with Christianity and Islam being the two largest faiths.
Inter‑religious harmony and peaceful coexistence have been longstanding national goals, with leaders across sectors—government, academia, and community—frequently advocating for mutual respect and unity among citizens of different faiths, especially during major religious observances such as Easter and Ramadan.