The Christian Association of Nigeria has called on Nigerians to use the 2026 Eid al-Fitr celebration as a moment for national renewal, urging citizens to embrace unity, compassion, and collective responsibility as the country continues to grapple with economic hardship and insecurity.
In a goodwill message released on Friday, CAN President, Daniel Okoh, extended warm felicitations to the Muslim Ummah, describing the conclusion of Ramadan as a period marked by deep spiritual reflection, discipline, and moral growth.
Archbishop Okoh noted that the enduring values reinforced during Ramadan — kindness, sacrifice, self-restraint, and concern for the vulnerable — should serve as guiding principles for building stronger national cohesion and restoring hope across the country.
“At a time like this, our nation needs unity more than ever. From insecurity to economic hardship, the challenges before us are real, but so too is our shared strength,” the statement said.
He stressed that Nigeria’s diversity in faith, ethnicity, and culture should not be viewed as a fault line, but rather as a powerful source of national strength capable of driving peace and development.
According to him, CAN remains convinced that Nigeria can only thrive when citizens rise above divisions and work together toward a common national purpose.
“Our future depends on standing together — not divided by religion or ethnicity, but united by a shared vision of peace, justice, and prosperity,” he stated.
The CAN President urged Nigerians to reject division and suspicion, promote dialogue over hostility, and make deliberate choices that strengthen social harmony rather than deepen existing fault lines.
He further described Eid-el-Fitr as an opportunity for the country to reassess its priorities and recommit to peace, justice, and inclusive progress.
Archbishop Okoh said the association joined millions of Muslim faithful in offering prayers for divine intervention, particularly for enduring peace, improved national security, and accelerated economic recovery to ease the burden on citizens.
He added that CAN also prayed for wisdom, compassion, and ethical leadership for those entrusted with governance, stressing the importance of responsible leadership at a critical time in the nation’s history.
“Let this Eid be more than a celebration; let it mark a reset for our national conscience. I pray for joy, health, and peace in every Nigerian home,” he said.
