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Eid-el-Kabir: CAN Calls for Sacrifice, Compassion, Accountability and National Healing

Published

4 months ago

May 27, 2026

Joel Ajayi

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) felicitates with Muslim faithful across Nigeria and around the world on the occasion of this year’s Eid-el-Kabir celebration.

In a statement signed by the Christian Association of Nigeria President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh on Wednesday in Abuja, he expressed that, Eid-el-Kabir remains a powerful symbol of faith, obedience, sacrifice and total devotion to God. Beyond the festivities, however, the occasion speaks profoundly to the realities confronting our nation at this critical moment in history.

Today, millions of Nigerians are facing severe hardship. Many families now measure the state of the economy not through statistics, but through skipped meals, unpaid school fees, struggling businesses and sleepless nights. Rising living costs continue to weigh heavily on citizens, while insecurity has forced many farmers away from their lands and left several communities living in fear. Young Nigerians are increasingly uncertain about the future, and small businesses are battling to survive under harsh economic conditions.

At a time like this, the true meaning of Eid-el-Kabir becomes even more relevant. Sacrifice should not remain a burden borne only by ordinary citizens. Those in leadership positions must also demonstrate sacrifice through honesty, restraint, compassion, service and sincere commitment to the welfare of the people.

CAN therefore calls on leaders across government, politics, business, security institutions and religious bodies to rise above indifference, blame-shifting and narrow interests, and focus on restoring hope and easing the suffering of Nigerians.

Citizens need visible and impactful leadership, not promises that no longer inspire confidence. This season should serve as a moral call to conscience for everyone entrusted with authority. Public trust can only be rebuilt through leadership that listens, acts decisively and shares in the sacrifices Nigerians make daily.

The Association also urges Nigerians not to allow present hardships to deepen ethnic, religious or regional divisions. Hunger does not recognise tribe or religion, and insecurity affects everyone alike. At a moment such as this, unity and compassion are essential for national healing.

CAN further appeals to religious leaders across all faiths to continue promoting peace, truth, moderation and reconciliation. As frustration and tension grow in many communities, voices of faith must help restore hope, calm anxieties and remind Nigerians that our shared humanity is greater than our differences.

As Muslims mark Eid-el-Kabir, CAN encourages privileged individuals, corporate organisations and public-spirited Nigerians to extend love and support to the poor, widows, orphans, displaced persons and struggling families. The spirit of sacrifice becomes truly meaningful when it restores dignity and hope to others.

Nigeria can still overcome fear, hardship and division if we embrace the values of sacrifice, justice, compassion and shared humanity which this sacred season represents.

CAN prays for peace, healing and renewal across the nation. We pray for wisdom for our leaders, protection for vulnerable communities, strength for struggling families and renewed hope for millions of young Nigerians seeking a brighter future.

The Christian Association of Nigeria wishes all Muslim faithful a peaceful and joyous Eid-el-Kabir celebration.

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Nigeria at 66: ‘We Must Not Lose Faith in Nigeria’ — FCC Boss Omidiran

Published

15 hours ago

October 1, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Honorable Hulayat Motunrayo Omidiran, has called on Nigerians to use the occasion of the nation’s 66th Independence Anniversary to renew their faith in Nigeria, strengthen national unity and recommit themselves to building a more inclusive and prosperous country.

In her 66th Independence Day message, Hon. Omidiran described October 1 as more than a celebration of freedom, saying the anniversary provides an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the country’s journey, acknowledge its progress and challenges, and renew the collective determination to build a nation where every citizen has a sense of belonging.

According to the FCC Executive Chairman, the Federal Character Principle remains particularly important to the quest for national cohesion because equitable representation promotes a sense of ownership and confidence in the Nigerian project.

“Nigeria is a nation of great diversity and
enormous potential. Our responsibility is to ensure that this diversity becomes a bridge that connects us rather than a barrier that separates us. Every Nigerian deserves to feel that he or she belongs to this country and has a role to play in its development,” Omidiran said.

The FCC boss called on government institutions at all levels to remain committed to fairness, equity, accountability and inclusive governance, while urging citizens to support efforts aimed at strengthening national institutions and promoting peaceful coexistence.

“We must not lose faith in Nigeria. The challenges before us are real, but so are the opportunities and the enormous human and natural resources available to us. Every citizen has a responsibility to contribute his or her own quota to building the Nigeria we desire,” she stated.

The FCC Executive Chairman also urged young Nigerians to remain committed to acquiring knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship, innovation, sports and other productive ventures, describing the youth as critical stakeholders in the country’s future.

“As we celebrate 66 years of independence, let us remember that the Nigeria we want cannot be built by government alone. It requires the commitment of all of us – leaders and citizens, young and old, from every part of the federation. Together, we can build a Nigeria where justice, fairness, opportunity and peace are available to all,” she said.

Omidiran reaffirmed the FCC’s commitment to the effective discharge of its constitutional mandate and to supporting efforts that promote equitable representation and inclusive national development across the federation.

The former lawmaker wished Nigerians at home and abroad a peaceful and memorable 66th Independence Anniversary, praying for continued peace, stability, prosperity and progress for the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“Our differences should never be greater than our common identity as Nigerians. Let us continue to choose unity over division, service over self-interest and hope over despair. The Nigeria of our dreams is possible if we all play our part,” Omidiran said.

“On behalf of the Federal Character Commission, I congratulate all Nigerians on this 66th Independence Anniversary. May this occasion renew our patriotism, strengthen our unity and inspire us to work together for a stronger, more equitable and prosperous Nigeria. May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” she added.

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