The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), an umbrella body of Christians in Nigeria and the clergy, has called on the government to address hardship, hunger, and religious extremism in Nigeria.
CAN President Archbishop Daniel Okoh, in his Christmas message to Nigerians noted that strengthening the agricultural sector, reducing food prices, and addressing inequality will help in the fight against hunger and urged Nigerians to commit to fostering peace and order in their communities.
Okoh called on political leaders to remain resolute in the fight against hunger and take decisive steps to ensure that no Nigerian is left hungry, “as political leaders commemorate the birth of Christ, Christmas should inspire them to be agents of change in their society.
“Leaders must act with compassion and wisdom to create a nation where every individual’s basic needs are met. As individuals, let us strive to live out the teachings of Jesus by showing love, patience, and care to those around us.
Also in his Christmas message, the Catholic Archbishop of Kaduna, Most Rev. Matthew Man-Oso Ndagoso advised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reverse his economic policies, expressing dismay that Nigeria has never had it this bad before, saying that the recent stampedes in Oyo, Anambra, and Abuja were caused by hunger.
Archbishop Ndagoso lamented that Tinubu’s policies make life unbearable for most Nigerians, and noted that the removal of the fuel subsidy has caused Nigerians more pain and led to the loss of lives.
He, however, advised Nigerians to show love to one another during this season of Christmas.
In his Christmas message, Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah of the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto has urged the Federal and State Governments to tackle unemployment and religious extremism as critical steps toward addressing Nigeria’s persistent insecurity.
Bishop Kukah stressed the need for holistic solutions to the nation’s challenges and noted that insecurity has led to corruption.
“Insecurity cannot be overcome without addressing unemployment and violent religious extremism, which breed conditions for violence,” he stated.
The cleric called for the enforcement of laws to prosecute perpetrators of religious extremism, describing them as criminals and murderers, and appealed to Christians to remain steadfast in their faith and moral responsibilities, regardless of the nation’s structural failures.
Bishop Kukah also cautioned Christians to adhere to their baptismal vows and prioritize divine law over human instruments, such as the Constitution.
“We are the light of the world; a city on a hill that cannot be hidden. We must not allow the weaknesses and failures of the Nigerian state to become an excuse for doing wrong.
“The Constitution has its flaws, but the Word of God is a divine command, inerrant, and written in the hearts of good Christians,” he noted, referencing 2 Corinthians 3:3.
“These tragedies were avoidable. The government must collaborate more effectively with institutions that promote the common good to prevent such loss of life,” he stated.
Bishop Kukah called on the government to fulfill its duty to ensure the dignity of all Nigerians.
He urged Nigerians to embrace the spirit of Christmas, a season of joy and renewal, and to recommit to the values of love, humility, and service for which Christ was born.
“As we celebrate Christmas, let us open our hearts and recommit to living the ideals Jesus taught us. May this season bring joy and the New Year bring blessings,” he said.
On his part, the Archbishop of the Anglican communion of Kaduna province, Most Reverend Timothy Yahaya, urged Nigerians not to fear, stressing that the present challenges will soon be over.
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