The Easter break is over, office desks are filled again, and buses are back on the roads, hustling in full action. But what Port Harcourt witnessed during the holidays shouldn’t be left behind with the long weekend, because in the city, it was a quiet story of reflections and hardship.
Good Friday was marked by a deep sense of reflection across Port Harcourt. As Christians remembered Jesus' crucifixion, 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,” one 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 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.
The 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 came with a bittersweet undertone. As churches in the city echoed 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 added.
In the Market: A Struggle to Celebrate
Outside the church walls, however, the celebration felt 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, and 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.
Looking Back: Easters That Were
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
So, how did Easter go in Port Harcourt in 2025? It went quietly, but deeply. It was a season of renewed faith, prayer, and gatherings, but also one where hardship walked hand in hand with celebration. From the pain remembered on Good Friday to the hopeful songs of Easter Sunday, Port Harcourt rose again, not just in religious tradition, but in spirit.
