CAN urges Nigerians to work for betterment of country, not lose hope
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has urged Nigerians to work for the betterment of the country and not lose hope despite the challenges facing the nation.
In its 2023 Christmas message to Nigerians, the body said that the birth of Jesus Christ should inspire Nigerians, especially Christians, to emulate His example of forgiveness, understanding, and peace.
“As Nigerians, we are faced with numerous challenges, but we must not lose hope. Instead, we must use this season to renew our commitment to building a better Nigeria for future generations,” CAN President Archbishop Daniel Okoh said.
“Let us work towards fostering an environment where every Nigerian can thrive, where justice and equity prevail, and where peace and prosperity abound.”
He added that Nigerians should reach out to their neighbors with words of peace and seek what unites and binds them together rather than what divides them.
“During this season, we are reminded to seek to be more like Jesus by reaching out to our neighbors with words of peace. In a diverse country like Nigeria, characterized by multiple ethnicities and religions, we must always strive to seek what unites and binds us together rather than what divides us,” he said.
He also appealed to Nigerians to show love and compassion to those who are on the margins of society and share their resources with them.
“Though we may be experiencing economic hardship, let us not forget those who are on the margins of society. We must share our resources with them and give them a sense of belonging, as Christ would do. Let us strive to build a nation where peace, justice, and unity prevail. May the joy and blessings of Christmas be with you all,” he said.
The CAN’s message comes at a time when Nigeria is facing economic and social challenges, such as rising inflation, poverty, insecurity, and corruption.
President Bola Tinubu, who came to power at the helm of Africa’s largest economy in May, launched an ambitious reform agenda to attract investment and address a cost-of-living crisis. He ended a costly fuel subsidy and lifted restrictions on the naira currency.
Since then, fuel prices have tripled, the naira has lost 41 percent of its value against the dollar on the official currency market and, according to the World Bank, food prices have surged more than 31 percent. Overall inflation exceeded 28 percent in November. Poverty in Africa’s most populous nation rose from 40 percent in 2018 to 46 percent this year, the World Bank said.
The president has also faced criticism for his handling of the security situation in the country, which has been plagued by insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, and communal clashes.
The CAN has called on the government to address the root causes of the insecurity and ensure the protection of lives and property of Nigerians.
The body has also urged Nigerians to pray for the peace and stability of the country and support the government in its efforts to improve the welfare of the people.