Writing By By Daniel Karlmax; Editing By Godwin Duru
Christians have been advised to reflect on the lessons learned during the Lenten season by embracing humility, sacrifice, and peaceful living in line with the lifestyle of Jesus Christ.
The General Superintendent of the Assembly of God Northern Nigeria, Reverend Yakubu Pam, gave the advice at the closing of the National Easter Retreat themed “Unstoppable Together” at the Assembly of God, Kakuri, Kaduna.
Represented by the Secretary of CAN North Western Nigeria, Reverend James Wuye, the General Superintendent explained that Easter remains the cornerstone of the Christian faith.
He described it as a reminder of the suffering, death, and victorious resurrection of Jesus Christ—through whose cross grace was released, and in resurrection the Church was empowered to become an unstoppable force in the world.
According to him, the retreat provided a platform for prayer, reflection, fellowship, and spiritual renewal.
“Easter is very significant to every Christian. Without Easter, there is no Christianity. Because Jesus has risen, we believe that we shall also rise on the resurrection day.
“What we are expected to do while we are alive is to be generous, reflect on the lessons learned during Lent, remain humble, help one another, and coexist peacefully with others.
“Every Christian should emulate Christ through sacrificial giving and peaceful living with everyone around them.
“This retreat, which started on Friday, is to reflect on the Passion of Christ, how He died so that we may live. For this reason, we gathered here for three days to reflect on His death, burial, and resurrection. We believe He went into the grave and rose again today.
“During this period, we teach holiness and purity, emphasizing that unity makes us unstoppable in achieving peace, progress, and development. We are called to be examples of Christ by living like Him. That is the essence of this three-day retreat.
“It is about leaving everything behind, focusing on Christ, sharing in His suffering, and celebrating His resurrection,” he explained.
In the spirit of interfaith relations, the Ciroma of Zazzau and Hakimin Gunduman Makera, Alhaji Shehu Tijani, felicitated with Christians on the Easter celebration and called on youths to embrace peace and unity regardless of religious differences.
Represented by the Sarkin Corner of Kakuri gwari, Muhammad Sani Abdullahi, the traditional leader conveyed the message of the Emir of Zazzau, stressing the importance of peace, education, and good neighborliness, noting that with peace, everything can be achieved.
Some youths, both Christians and Muslims, were seen carrying placards around the church with messages such as “We say no to violence” and “We want peace and unity in Kakuri and its environs.”
They expressed the belief that the Easter season offers an opportunity to grow closer to God, emphasizing that the resurrection of Jesus Christ symbolizes hope despite life’s challenges.
In their separate remarks, former Secretary of Assembly of God Northern Nigeria, Reverend Confidence Ajayi, and the Councillor of Kakuri Ward, Mary G. Galadima, expressed gratitude and called on both Christians and Muslims to demonstrate love, kindness, and forgiveness in order to promote peace and harmony.
The guest speaker, His Royal Highness Reverend Nuhu Dangata from Jos also emphasized the importance of peace, urging people to love one another and avoid using religion as a tool for division and conflict.
The three days retreat featured prayer for the country and its leaders, especially on the need to end insecurity and economic hardship, alongside ministration of songs and worship.
Daniel Karlmax
