Gov. Rauf Aregbesola of Osun has called on Nigerians to keep hope alive in spite of the daunting economic challenges facing the country.

The governor made the call in his Easter message issued by Mr Semiu Okanlawon, a media aide to the governor in Osogbo on Saturday.

The governor said it was in this attitude that citizens could be galvanized towards contributing their quota to the overall progress of the country.

The governor however urged Christians to reflect on the importance of Easter celebrations in their dealings, not only with other Christians, but with people of other religions.

He said Nigerians must eschew bitterness and all forms of violence, stressing that the progress, peace and security of the nation was anchored on good neighbourliness and peaceful co-existence.

“I urge you all to let the significance of the celebration reflect in our relationship with one another both Christians and the people of other religions.

“There is no doubt that these are tough times in our country but we must all keep hope alive that life will be better,” he said.

Aregbesola also reminded Christians that having gone through forty days of fasting and praying, Easter was a better time for them to purge themselves of things that are not Christlike.

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“The major lesson of Easter is for us as Christians to reconsider the reality of our faith.

“The passion and death of Jesus underscores the love of the Father, who gave his only begotten son in love for us and the willingness of the Son to sacrifice himself for others to be liberated from the weight of sin,” the governor said.

Aregbesola, however, reiterated the commitment of his administration to making life better for all citizens and residents.