The Vice Chancellor of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti, Prof. Joshua Ogunwole, has urged Christians to reflect the teachings of Jesus Christ by promoting peace and reconciliation during this Easter season. In a statement issued Friday through the university's Director of Public Affairs and Communication, Dr Sunday Saanu, Ogunwole described Christ's mission as one of restoring harmony between humanity and divinity. He encouraged believers to go beyond festive celebrations and embody the values of forgiveness, love, and unity in their daily lives.
Ogunwole emphasized that true Easter observance involves active peacemaking. "On this Easter celebration, let me urge Christians to emulate Jesus Christ by ensuring that we are agents of peace and reconciliation wherever we find ourselves," he said. He added that living out Christ's teachings allows both God and society to recognize genuine faith. The VC stressed that fostering understanding in times of conflict and replacing hatred with love honors the sacrifice of Jesus.
Religious and academic leaders in Nigeria frequently use Easter messages to advocate for moral renewal and social cohesion, particularly amid ongoing security and societal tensions.
A university vice chancellor urging peace during Easter is not news—it's routine. What stands out is the quiet admission embedded in Prof. Joshua Ogunwole's message: that Nigerians still need to be reminded to avoid strife and choose unity. When such basic appeals become annual rituals from public figures, it signals how shallow the hold of coexistence remains. If leaders must repeat the same call every year with no visible shift in public behavior, then the messages may comfort the faithful, but they're not changing the country.
