Abuja: The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has called on political, religious, and business leaders to match the daily sacrifices of ordinary citizens with honesty, restraint, and a visible commitment to national healing. CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, made the appeal in a statement while felicitating with the Muslim faithful on the occasion of the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations. Okoh noted that this year’s celebration comes at a difficult and defining moment in Nigeria’s history.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, hardship is no longer measured in statistics, but in skipped meals, unpaid school fees, and shuttered businesses. Okoh emphasized that sacrifice must not remain a burden carried only by ordinary citizens and urged leadership to reflect sacrifice through honesty, restraint, service, compassion, and visible commitment to the well-being of the people.
He urged leaders across government, politics, business, security institutions, and religious organisations to set aside their indifference and blame-shifting. Instead, he challenged them to focus on restoring public confidence and easing the economic pressures facing millions of Nigerians. According to the CAN President, Nigerians currently need ‘hope they can see, not promises they no longer believe,’ stressing that public trust cannot be rebuilt through speeches alone.
The cleric cautioned citizens against allowing hunger and frustration to deepen religious, ethnic, or regional divisions, stating that poverty and insecurity do not discriminate. He highlighted that hunger does not ask for tribe or religion, and division only deepens the nation’s wounds in challenging times.
Okoh further called on religious leaders of all faiths to promote peace, truth, moderation, and reconciliation to calm rising tensions in various communities. He also appealed to privileged individuals, corporate organisations, and public-spirited citizens to extend hands of fellowship to the poor, widows, orphans, and displaced persons during the festive season. The CAN President also prayed for wisdom for leaders and protection for vulnerable communities.