By Michael Ofulue, Osogbo

The Catholic Bishop of Osogbo Diocese, Most Rev. (Dr) John Akin Oyejola, has declared that the resurrection of Jesus Christ remains the eternal symbol of hope for humanity, stressing that it serves as a reminder that light triumphs over darkness and good ultimately prevails over evil.

In his 2025 Easter message made available to journalists in Osogbo, Bishop Oyejola described Easter as a celebration of enduring joy, one that signifies the gift of eternal life freely offered by God to His beloved children.

The revered cleric said despite the numerous socio-economic and political challenges bedevilling the nation, Nigerians must remain hopeful, as Christ, through His resurrection, remains the beacon of light and hope for all believers.

“In our country, filled with darkness in its various manifestations and despair in all the ways it presents itself, Easter reminds us that no matter how difficult our circumstances may seem, God is always with us, working for our good,” he stated.

Drawing from the scriptures, the Bishop noted that the joy of Easter is one that no one can take away from those who accept and follow Jesus wholeheartedly.

“According to John 16:22, the message of Easter is a divine message of life, peace, hope, healing, restoration, and the assurance of eternal life,” he said.

He further encouraged Christians to embrace the peace of Christ, noting that Easter signifies not only the resurrection of the Lord from the dead but also the beginning of a renewed journey of hope and faith.

“With faith and enthusiasm during the Lenten season, we walked the way of the cross with Christ as convinced pilgrims moving towards the joy of Easter,” he said. “As pilgrims of hope on the path to eternal life, our journey continues with the resurrection of the body in view after our earthly sojourn.”

Bishop Oyejola maintained that even though the journey of hope is often marked by trials, setbacks and uncertainty, believers must remain steadfast, knowing that Christ walks with them. “We experience darkness and uncertainty, but as pilgrims of hope, we are never alone. The presence of Christ continues to guide and strengthen us.”

Quoting Apostle Paul, the Bishop declared: “‘Death, where is your sting? Tomb, where is your victory?’ The Lord has risen as He promised. Death did not have the last laugh; Jesus Christ did.”

He emphasised that the resurrection of Christ remains the bedrock of Christian faith, referencing 1 Corinthians 15:14: “If Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain, and your faith is in vain.”

He said the resurrection reminds Christians of their new life in Christ and the obligation to live as children of light. “As pilgrims of hope, we are expected to walk in the light of the resurrection with enthusiasm and unwavering faith,” he said.

Speaking on the state of the nation, Bishop Oyejola lamented the moral bankruptcy in public service, the persistent power outages, and the widespread poverty across the land. He, however, cautioned against silence, urging the faithful to boldly speak against societal ills and continually pray for a better tomorrow.

“As Christians and Catholics in particular, we must not become part of the problem. We must live in the presence of Christ, trust in His goodness, and follow His footsteps. We must be beacons of hope in a nation that desperately needs it,” he admonished.

Citing John 20:20–21, he recalled Jesus’ words to His disciples: “Peace be with you,” noting that this greeting, spoken after the resurrection, carries a profound message of reconciliation and divine love.

“The peace of Christ is not merely the absence of conflict. It is the presence of God’s love and forgiveness in our lives. His resurrection signifies His victory over physical, spiritual, moral, and psychological death,” he added.

He urged Christians to live out this message of peace by practicing forgiveness, reconciling with others, and showing love and compassion to all, regardless of background or status. “We must work to restore broken relationships, build bridges with people of goodwill, and stand up for justice to create a more equitable and peaceful society,” he said.

“Dear people of God, may the light of the resurrection shine brightly in your hearts and lives. May you feel the presence of Christ and His peace, guiding and strengthening you on your life’s pilgrimage.

“May God sustain you as pilgrims of hope, walking in the light of the risen Christ in glory. May you be transformed into authentic messengers of hope and reconciliation, bringing peace to those around you.”

The Bishop concluded his message with a heartfelt Easter blessing: “I wish you a happy, fruitful, grace-filled Easter celebration in good health and under the protective care of God always. Be assured of my prayers for your families and intentions.”