BY IFEOMA EJIOFOR
A business mogul and philanthropist as well as a leading aspirant in the November 6 Anambra State governorship election, Mr Valentine Ozigbo has encouraged Christians to adopt a lifestyle of compassion, forgiveness, and selfless sacrifice as they mark Easter Sunday, the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
In a statement issued on Sunday, April 4, 2021, from his country home in Amesi, Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State, Mr Ozigbo enjoined the entire Christian community to emulate Christ who “paid the ultimate price so that we may live life abundantly”.
According to Ozigbo, the Easter season calls for solemn reflection among believers. Quoting from the scriptures, he called for more compassionate living and noted that forgiveness is one of the most powerful acts of love.
“The Easter period is a celebration of the love that Jesus Christ showed to us. ‘Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends,’ the Master said before he made the ultimate sacrifice on the Cross that we might be forgiven of our sins and have eternal life.
“John 3:16 says, ‘For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.’
“The message of Easter is the message of love, sacrifice, and forgiveness. These are the three practices of Christian living that will enrich our lives and our communities.
Let us consciously practice compassion towards those around us, forgive all offences, and go the extra mile to provide comfort to others. Our lives will be richer for it,” the respected business leader admonished.
Ozigbo, the founder of one of the leading non-profit charities in Nigeria, Valentine Chineto Ozigbo (VCO) Foundation, also admonished all Christians to reach out to those less fortunate in their communities at this Easter, which some people are marking in a challenging economic environment.
“The best way to appreciate the love of God in our lives is to show love to the people around us. Do extend a hand of charity to those in need around us, knowing that in so doing, we touch the heart of Christ,” Ozigbo added.
Ozigbo, a leading aspirant in the upcoming gubernatorial elections in Anambra State, also prayed for the peace, progress and prosperity of the state.
He urged Ndi Anambra to be vigilant and security conscious as they go about their Easter celebrations and prayed for lasting peace in the state.