THE Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has congratulated Nigerians and all people of goodwill on this year’s Easter celebration which kicked off with subdued Good Friday rituals yesterday across the world as a result of imposed lockdown in many cities all over the world.
In a goodwill message signed by its President, Comrade Ayuba Wabba, and titled: “Easter: A Will… A Sacrifice… A Love Greater Than Covid-19,“ the NLC described this year’s Easter celebration as unique against the backdrop of the challenges posed by the global coronavirus pandemic.
“I congratulate all our Christian brothers and sisters and all people of goodwill on the occasion of the 2020 Easter celebration. This year’s Easter celebration will be remembered for many years to come given the circumstance of its commemoration. For the first time in a long time, Easter festivities, the world over, is taking place behind closed doors owing to the insurgence of the novel corona virus disease (Covid-19).
“The unfortunate encroachment of Covid-19 in the way we work, play, live and worship especially during this season of Easter inspires us that what began as doom and death on Easter Friday[sic] would soon give way to the brightness of resurrection and victory on Easter Sunday. This is no mere coincidence. God is sending us a message of hope that after this night of weeping, there shall be joy in our morning,” the NLC stated.
According to the Congress, the pandemic is incapable of overshadowing human spirit as humankind has overtime “overcome more calamitous plagues.” It urged Nigerians to learn serious lessons from the coronavirus pandemic; look ahead and focus on the victory that is ahead.
The NLC further stated: “While we focus on the victory ahead, we must also reflect on the lessons that the sobriety enforced by the Covid-19 pandemic and the resulting global lockdown offer. These lessons are also the lessons of Easter. Easter reminds us of God’s love for the whole world. Covid-19 reminds us of a shared humanity. We are in this together. Covid-19 reminds us that what touches the nose would soon touch the eyes. Rich countries, poor climes, developed economies, struggling societies, workers, owners of capital, politicians, peasants, aristocrats, artisans, are all affected by this global pandemic that fears neither class nor status.
“This imposes on us a new sense of awakening to re-order our priorities. Government must now major on the major. We must rededicate ourselves to issues that bother the majority. The focus must be efficient, resilient and inclusive health and education systems. Given the impact of Covid-19, we must prioritize jobs preservation, income recovery and the creation of new jobs. This is about our collective will to survive.” Read full statement here.
