MAITAMA, APRIL 14, 2020 (CISA)-Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama of the Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja has commended the Federal Government for the prompt response to the Coronavirus pandemic, especially for making the difficult decisions to lock down the hard-hit states of Lagos, Ogun, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
“The active role of the state governments, especially states where cases have been reported, is equally deserving of praise. The generosity of the private sector, well-meaning citizens and philanthropists, through acts of compassion, solidarity and self-sacrifice at this time can only rekindle hope in the resilience of the Nigerian spirit,” he said as he celebrated Easter Sunday Mass at the Holy Trinity Church, Maitama on April 12.
He encouraged citizens not to lose hope noting that God is still close even in the middle of the pandemic that has added to the problems of Nigerian citizens dwindling the economy, causing fear, depriving humans of closeness and affecting worship.
“Everything seems gloomy, dark and frightening, like an extended Good Friday night. But we must never give up even as we are afraid of kidnappers, militant herdsmen, loss of jobs or money or material resources, illness, etc. Easter tells us that Jesus has overcome the night; you don’t need to be afraid anymore, Christ is alive,” he said.
“The resurrection of Christ teaches us that Jesus is alive forever. The victory of evil and the cruel plans of men could only be temporary. The message of Easter is that God does not forget or forsake us, and that the darkest hour is just before the dawn. But soon, it will be daylight again,” he added.
Nigeria has as at April 14 reported 343 confirmed coronavirus cases, 10 deaths and 91 recoveries.
