Anglican Bishop of Nike Diocese in Enugu, The Rt. Rev. Christian Onyia has emphasised the need for unconditional forgiveness as vital ingredient for national and global peace, unity and progress.
Onyia in an Easter message delivered on Saturday in Enugu, said noted that unconditional forgiveness as exemplified by the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ’s would reconcile all mankind to God.
Speaking on the theme, ‘The Forgiven Must Be Forgiving,’ the cleric urged Nigerians to embrace forgiveness as a moral, spiritual and civic imperative essential for national renewal.

“As we celebrate the resurrection of Christ this Easter, we are reminded that forgiveness is not optional.
“Christ’s triumph over death calls us to rise above bitterness, resentment, and division, embodying His compassion in our families, communities, and nation,” the bishop said.

He added that forgiveness was a moral and civic necessity in a nation burdened by poverty, violence, mistrust, and unresolved grievances.
According to him, forgiveness interrupts cycles of retaliation, restores dignity, opens pathways to dialogue and enables reconciliation.
“It is moral courage, not weakness. Forgiveness begins at home, in neighborhoods, workplaces, and local communities.

“Each citizen has a role in breaking cycles of mistrust, violence, and corruption through deliberate acts of reconciliation and ethical conduct.
“Globally, unforgiveness, which is direct opposite of forgiveness, has exacted a heavy toll on humanity as violent conflicts have affected over 78 countries.

“These crises reflect unresolved grievances and revenge-driven politics,” the cleric noted.
He further explained that forgiveness joined with justice, accountability, and reform could break cycles of violence, restore institutional trust and renew social bonds.
He called on the church, traditional institutions, civil society, and government to model forgiveness publicly through mediation, advocacy, trauma healing, and ethical leadership.

“Nigeria’s future will not be secured by weapons, policies, or elections alone. It will be secured when a forgiven people, through Christ death, become a forgiving people.
“Forgiveness is the covenantal soil from which justice, peace, unity and national renewal can grow.
“As we celebrate the risen Christ, may His resurrection power inspire us to forgive, reconcile, and rebuild our nation on the enduring foundations of truth, justice and love,” he added.