Easter Message: Nigerians Must Never Succumb To Hopelessness And Despair

President Jonathan

(Being text of Easter message to the nation from dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR, President, Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria, April, 2012)

Dear Compatriots,
I greet you all on this happy occasion of Easter celebrations for the year 2012.
For our Christian brothers and sisters, the significance of Easter which commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ lies in its promise to the faithful of ultimate triumph over all challenges and adversity.

We are a people of great faith and the vast majority of our people are adherents of the world’s major faith-based religions.

My message to the nation therefore, as we celebrate one of Christianity’s most holy days, is that we should continue to have faith in our collective ability to overcome all present challenges and take our rightful place in the comity of nations as a strong, united and prosperous country.

As people of faith, we must never succumb to hopelessness and despair.  We must rekindle and retain deep faith in our shared vision of greatness, and continuously renew our determination to achieve our immense potentials through total commitment and dedication to the fulfillment of our national aspirations.

I fervently believe that as the resurrection of Jesus Christ signifies the triumph of light over darkness, Nigeria will overcome its developmental challenges in the shortest possible time if we all resolve to set aside our differences, work together as one people, and foster peace, harmony and security in our country as requisite conditions for steady socio-economic growth and development.

My administration will continue to give dynamic, purposeful and effective leadership towards the attainment of our goal of faster national progress and development. We shall continue to put the greatest effort into achieving a positive transformation in the lives of our people with the effective implementation of our agenda for national transformation.

I shall continue to count on your support, cooperation and prayers for the progress and well-being of our dear nation.

Happy Easter celebrations.

Goodluck Ebele Jonathan
President, Federal Republic of Nigeria

Easter Message: President Obama Advises “The Triumph Of Hope Over Despair”

President Obama

For millions of Americans, this weekend is a time to celebrate redemption at God’s hand.  Tonight, Jews will gather for a second Seder, where they will retell the story of the Exodus.  And tomorrow, my family will join Christians around the world as we thank God for the all-important gift of grace through the resurrection of His son, and experience the wonder of Easter morning.

These holidays have their roots in miracles that took place thousands of years ago.  They connect us to our past and give us strength as we face the future.  And they remind us of the common thread of humanity that connects us all.

For me, and for countless other Christians, Easter weekend is a time to reflect and rejoice.  Yesterday, many of us took a few quiet moments to try and fathom the tremendous sacrifice Jesus made for all of us.

Tomorrow, we will celebrate the resurrection of a savior who died so that we might live.

And throughout these sacred days, we recommit ourselves to following His example.  We rededicate our time on Earth to selflessness, and to loving our neighbors.  We remind ourselves that no matter who we are, or how much we achieve, we each stand humbled before an almighty God.

Christ’s triumph over death holds special meaning for Christians.  But all of us, no matter how or whether we believe, can identify with elements of His story.  The triumph of hope over despair.  Of faith over doubt.

The notion that there is something out there that is bigger than ourselves.
These beliefs help unite Americans of all faiths and backgrounds.  They shape our values and guide our work.  They put our lives in perspective.

So to all Christians celebrating the Resurrection with us, Michelle and I want to wish you a blessed and Happy Easter.  And to all Americans, I hope you have a weekend filled with joy and reflection, focused on the things that matter most.  God bless you, and may God bless the United States of America.

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