Today is Easter Sunday, Christians all over the world celebrate the festivity meant to commemorate the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.
It is a day observed on the first Sunday after the “Pascal full moon” or the first full moon of spring following the spring equinox, which constantly falls on any Sunday between March 22 and April 25, according to the Gregorian calendar introduced by Pope Gregory in 1582.
The day is preceded by Ash Wednesday, Palm Sunday and Good Friday, a 40 period of fasting known as lent, all of which are associated with the events leading to the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ and his ultimate resurrection.
However, Easter for eastern orthodox churches comes later, according to the Julian calendar, a solar calendar adopted by Julius Caesar in 45BC, which they also follow instead of the Gregorian calendar.
Meanwhile, in Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial capital, Christians marked the day at various churches with lots of dance and singing.
At The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM) headquarters, Bishop (Dr) Mike Okonkwo, used the occasion to honour the exemplary character of a 36 year old lady, Josephine Ugwu, who found N15 million at the Lagos airport and reported it to the authorities.
Other churches in the Metropolitan City such as the Celestial Church Of Christ (CCC) and the Methodist Church also marked the day.
Nigerians In Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, also joined the rest of the world to observe the Easter celebration.
The Primate of the Anglican Communion and Bishop of Abuja, Most Reverend Nicholas Okoh, advised all Nigerians to continue to work and pray for the peace and unity of Nigeria.
In a special Easter message delivered in Abuja, Rev. Okoh said no nation can experience progress in an atmosphere of chaos.
He stressed that the outcome of the March 28 presidential election was the will of God for Nigeria and called on political leaders to refrain from provocative statements and actions.
It was no different in South Africa as Channels Television correspondent, Betty Dibiah, visited some churches in Soweto and Kempton Park where she spoke to Nigerians and some friends of Nigeria on their expectations from the incoming administration in the country.
