Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, on Saturday advised residents of the state to pray for the state and Nigeria in general as they celebrate Easter.

Makinde implored Christians to use the opportunity of Easter season to engage in more prayers to God to grant wisdom and direction to humanity on a solution to COVID-19.

Makinde in a statement by Mr Taiwo Adisa, his Chief Press Secretary, urged the people to imbibe the lessons of sacrifice and love which are the hallmarks of Easter.

The statement reads in part: “Sacrifice, love and increased prayers are important at a critical time like this, when the world is fighting the novel COVID-19 pandemic.”

The governor, expressing regrets that residents would not be able to celebrate the Easter festivity as they wanted due to the restriction order to contain COVID-19 said, “I also want to assure residents of the state that the present administration is doing everything possible to protect them and to ensure that the Easter festivity goes on as seamless as possible.

“As we celebrate the Easter season, it is another opportunity to offer more prayers to God to heal the world by granting wisdom and direction to humanity on a solution to COVID-19.

“As the Bible makes it clear that effectual fervent prayer of the righteous avails much, I am sure that our prayers can go a long way at this critical period.

“It is my sincere prayer that God will heal our lands and make these trying times to pass over us in a short while. I felicitate with you all and wish you a Happy Easter,” Makinde added.