Lagos, Nigeria – Bishop Francis Wale Oke, National President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), has urged Nigerians to live out the true meaning of Easter by embracing righteousness, sacrificial love, and national unity, even as the country commemorates the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
In a special Easter message released on Easter Sunday, April 5, 2026, Bishop Oke described the celebration as the cornerstone of the Christian faith, reminding believers of Christ’s ultimate sacrifice on the cross and His triumphant resurrection, which secured redemption and justification for humanity.
“Jesus Christ paid the ultimate price for our redemption, shedding His precious blood for the salvation of mankind, and rising again for our justification,” the PFN leader stated. “Easter therefore is not merely an event we commemorate, but a reality we must live daily in righteousness, holiness, and unwavering faith in God.”
The cleric called on all Nigerians, regardless of faith, to uphold godly values and become instruments of peace and positive transformation in the nation. He emphasized practical expressions of faith, including caring for the less privileged, standing firmly for truth and justice, and modeling the life of Jesus, who “went about doing good all his life.”
Bishop Oke particularly challenged those in positions of authority to prioritize the peace, security, and welfare of citizens above all else. “Leadership is a sacred trust, which must be exercised with the fear of God, integrity, and a deep commitment to the common good of all,” he said.
The PFN president’s message comes at a time when Nigeria continues to grapple with economic challenges, security concerns, and calls for national cohesion. Religious leaders have often used festive seasons like Easter and Christmas to appeal for calm and responsible governance.
While extending warm Easter greetings to Christians across the country on behalf of the PFN, Bishop Oke offered prayers for divine intervention.
“We pray that you will experience the fullness of God’s love, and that the power of the risen Christ would rest upon you all. We pray that His peace shall reign across our land, and that His grace shall continue to guide our nation into greater unity, stability, and prosperity.”
He concluded with blessings for individuals and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria remains one of the largest umbrellas for Pentecostal churches in the country, playing influential roles in spiritual, social, and moral advocacy. Bishop Oke’s message reinforces the organization’s commitment to using Christian festivals as platforms for national reflection and moral reawakening.
