As Easter unfolded in Port Harcourt, the city found itself at a crossroads of faith, sacrifice, and renewal.
From the solemn observance of Good Friday to the joy of Easter Sunday, many across the city navigated not just the rituals of the season but the realities of a country weighed down by economic hardship.
This year, Easter in Port Harcourt was more than just a holy date on the calendar. It was a journey: a spiritual, emotional, and economic journey.
Good Friday: A Day of Reflection and Solemnity
Good Friday was marked by a deep sense of reflection across Port Harcourt. As Christians remembered the crucifixion of Jesus, churches across the city held solemn services to commemorate His sacrifice. Special services, prayer vigils, and reenactments brought His suffering to life for many believers.
The Passion of Christ was brought to life in a touching reenactment in Rumuokoro, where several residents gathered to witness the visual depiction of Jesus' journey to the cross. This tradition, carried out by St. Jude’s Catholic Church, serves as a yearly reminder of the depths of Christ's love and the price He paid for humanity’s sins.
“We do this every year so people won’t forget what Jesus went through. His death wasn’t just history—it’s love in action. It reminds us that no matter our sins, He is always willing to die for us again,” they said.
Rev. Father Roland Okoli, a Catholic priest, called on Christians to renew their understanding of Good Friday and the Easter season. He urged believers to go beyond routine celebration and embrace the spiritual depth of the moment.
“Jesus brought light to a world filled with darkness. Christianity has brought many positive things to mankind. Christians should reflect on what Easter truly means and celebrate with understanding,” he said.
Father Okoli also described the resurrection of Jesus as the ultimate sign of victory over death, reminding Christians that their faith offers hope beyond the grave.
“The resurrection of Christ changed the concept of death. While the body may die, the soul remains immortal. We believe we will rise again with Christ,” he added.
A Transition to Easter Sunday
The shift from the mourning of Good Friday to the joy of Easter Sunday is always noticeable, yet this year, it comes with a bittersweet undertone. As churches in the city echoed with the songs of praise and the resurrection story, the celebration felt more subdued than usual. For many, the economic challenges of the day weighed heavily, even on a day meant to celebrate hope and renewal.
In the church, Rev. Father Benerdine Anaele of St. Jude’s Catholic Church, Rumuokoro, and Rev. Taiwo Abayomi of Emmanuel Anglican Church stressed the need for personal reflection and a renewed commitment to the true teachings of Christ during the Easter celebration.
“Easter celebration is proof of God’s faithfulness to humanity,” said Father Anaele. “Jesus didn’t just say ‘I love you.’ He demonstrated it. His death gave us access to God, and that alone is worth celebrating,” said Rev. Abayomi
Rev. Father Anaele also cautioned against hatred and discrimination in society.
"Let us emulate the example of Jesus, that is of humility, kindness, love, and compassion. All are embedded in the action of Jesus' death. Hatred, envy, and discrimination are becoming common. Jesus never discriminated," he said
Economic Hardship Dampens Easter Spirit
Outside the church walls, however, the celebration feels different this year. At Rumuokoro Market, traders lamented low patronage and rising prices, describing the 2025 Easter season as one of the toughest in recent years.
“Before, everyone could afford rice, chicken, meat—but not this year. Some of us can’t even buy new clothes for our children. The market is dry,” one trader said.
“You carry money to the market, but the prices don’t match. You start wondering if you lost money or paid too much. We’re not happy that things are not the same anymore. The market is just dry. People come, price and waka go. No money,” they said
Remembering Easter's Past
For Elder Ezechinyere Ibe, Easter memories from his youth are filled with joy, togetherness, and celebration.
“Once Easter came, they would buy us clothes. Things were affordable. We would iron our clothes and go to church excited. But now, those traditions are disappearing,” he recalled.
Conclusion: Rising Again
As Port Harcourt wraps up the Easter weekend, the roads are slowly getting busier. Some are returning from family visits. Others are back to the grind. But for many who took part in this year’s observances, something spiritual has been reignited.
From the solemn observance of Good Friday to the light of Easter morning, Port Harcourt city is bustling with faith on one hand and survival on the other.
