As Christians in Nigeria observe Easter, the occasion is unfolding against a backdrop of economic hardship and insecurity. While the day holds profound religious significance, many families are scaling back celebrations due to rising costs of food, transportation, and other essentials. In cities and rural communities alike, worshippers attended early morning services, but the usual festive atmosphere is muted. YETUNDE AJANAKU reports that churchgoers in Lagos, Abuja, and Kano noted the absence of the grand meals and gift exchanges once common during the holiday. One parishioner in Ibadan said, "We are fasting not by choice but by circumstance." Insecurity in parts of the South-East and North-East has also limited movement, with some churches holding services under heightened vigilance. Church leaders have called for peace and resilience, urging congregants to find hope amid hardship. The Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, Most Rev. Alfred Adewale Martins, in his Easter message, said, "True resurrection joy is found not in abundance but in perseverance." Despite the challenges, many Nigerians expressed gratitude for life and faith, even as they navigate tough realities.
The sight of Nigerians celebrating Easter with empty tables but full hearts speaks louder than any economic statistic. When a parishioner in Ibadan says fasting is no longer by choice but by circumstance, it underscores how deeply the cost-of-living crisis has penetrated even the holiest of seasons. For millions, faith is not just spiritual sustenance but a daily coping mechanism in the face of economic policies that have yet to ease their burden. This Easter did not bring divine intervention — only the familiar reality that resilience has become a national default.
