By BONIFACE AKARAH

President of the Alumni Association of the National Institute (AANI), Emmanuel Obi Okafor, has called on Nigerians to embrace unity, resilience and collective responsibility in addressing the country’s security and socio-economic challenges.

In his Easter message issued Sunday, Okafor extended greetings to members of AANI and Nigerians, describing Easter as “a timeless testament to sacrifice, redemption, resilience and the ultimate victory of hope over despair.”

He said: “Its timeless message is profoundly relevant to our country at this critical period, as Nigeria continues to navigate complex security, economic and social challenges that test our resilience, collective resolve, national unity and shared destiny.”

The AANI president noted that Nigeria was at a critical juncture, citing ongoing threats including insurgency, terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and communal tensions.

He said: “We must draw strength from the enduring lessons of Easter: faith, courage, selflessness and renewal.”

Okafor commended the efforts of security agencies, stating: “I wish to specially commend the steadfast dedication, sacrifices and patriotism of our Armed Forces, intelligence community, police and other security agencies, who continue to work tirelessly, often at great personal risk, to safeguard our sovereignty, protect lives and property and preserve national peace and order.”

He added: “Their service and sense of duty remain deserving of our collective appreciation, prayers, and support,” while urging them “not to relent and do more to make our country more secure.”

Calling for national unity, he said: “The Easter message calls on all Nigerians to rise above fear, divisions and uncertainty and to recommit ourselves to the ideals of peace, unity, mutual understanding and more responsible citizenship.”

Okafor also urged members of the association to contribute to national development, noting: “Our unique experiences, knowledge, strategic insight and enduring commitment to national development, place us in a vantage position to continue providing constructive engagement and enduring solutions.”

He further called on members to participate in the AANI Awareness Walk scheduled for April 11, 2026, ahead of the association’s 46th Annual General Meeting and National Colloquium on April 18 in Abuja.

“Let us rise to this moment – united in purpose, resolute in spirit, and unwavering in our commitment to a safer, stronger, and more prosperous Nigeria,” he said.