Catholic Bishops tell Nigerians: The resurrection offers us a new beginning. Hold on to hope!

Paul Samasumo – Vatican City

President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), Archbishop Matthew Man-oso Ndagoso of Kaduna Archdiocese told Nigerians on Easter Sunday: “Because the tomb is empty, no grave, not even the challenges facing Nigeria, can hold back the power of a new beginning. The dawn is coming. Don’t let go now, hold on to hope!” he said this in a statement seen by Vatican News.

The dawn is coming

“To the majority of Nigerians who feel the fatal sting of bad government, banditry, instigated and politically-motivated communal attacks, loss of dear ones, hardship and joblessness: your scars make the promise of the Resurrection even more meaningful … The Risen Christ is proof that even the deepest darkness must eventually give way to light. The dawn is coming. Just as He arose, so too shall Nigeria be restored in victory into a season of peace and plenty,” said Archbishop Ndagoso.

Many of you are disillusioned.

The President of the Bishops’ Conference also alluded to Nigeria’s 2027 General Elections, urging citizens not only to resist voter apathy but to actively organise themselves, and participate fully in voting for candidates who will best serve their aspirations.

“To the electorate, we say, it is not unexpected that many of you are disillusioned, feeling that your votes do not count. This has led to dangerous voter apathy. However, you cannot choose to abandon your moral duty to promote the common good. Faithful citizenship means becoming informed, active, and responsible participants. We therefore appeal to all eligible voters to ensure their voter cards are ready and verified. All well-meaning Nigerians must use the eyes of faith to ensure that only people with competence and integrity are elected,” he emphasised.