The Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, has urged the Federal Government and leaders at all levels to move beyond promises and take concrete action to address insecurity and economic hardship confronting Nigerians.
CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, made the call in a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja to commemorate this year’s Eid-el-Maulud celebration.
Okoh said many Nigerians were facing difficult economic conditions and insecurity, stressing that citizens were increasingly looking beyond promises for tangible improvements in their lives.
“People are tired of promises; they want to see their lives improve,” he said.
The CAN president urged government leaders to prioritise the security and welfare of citizens, saying Nigerians needed greater protection, economic relief and leadership that puts their interests first.
“Leadership is not measured by what we promise, but by what Nigerians can see and feel,” Okoh stated.
He urged Nigerians to draw lessons from the life and teachings of Prophet Muhammad, particularly his emphasis on mercy, justice, compassion for the poor and vulnerable, honesty and peaceful coexistence.
According to him, the values associated with the Prophet’s teachings remain relevant to Nigeria’s current challenges and should be translated into practical actions that promote peace and national development.
“These values are especially important today because they challenge us to care for one another, protect human dignity and pursue peace even when our differences are exploited for political or personal gain,” he said.
Okoh, while felicitating Muslim faithful across the country, prayed for peace and blessings upon their families and communities.
He said the Eid-el-Maulud celebration provided an opportunity for Nigerians, irrespective of religious affiliation, to reflect on the importance of compassion, justice and peaceful coexistence.
The CAN president also warned politicians against exploiting religious and ethnic differences for political advantage as the country moves towards the 2027 general elections.
He urged political actors to avoid actions capable of deepening divisions among Nigerians, stressing that the country’s unity should remain more important than electoral interests.
“Elections will come and go, but the bonds that hold Nigeria together must remain,” he said.
Okoh further called on Christians and Muslims to resist attempts by political actors to divide them along religious lines.
He said both faith communities had a shared responsibility to protect their communities, support vulnerable Nigerians and work together towards lasting peace.
“I remain hopeful about Nigeria, but our hope must be backed by action, responsible leadership, good citizenship and justice,” he said.
The CAN president prayed that the Eid-el-Maulud celebration would renew Nigerians’ commitment to mercy, peace and compassion, while inspiring collective efforts towards building a country where citizens could live with dignity and hope.
He wished Muslim faithful across the country a peaceful and blessed Eid-el-Maulud celebration.