- Safiu Kehinde
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has urged Nigerians to use the 2026 Eid-el-Fitr celebrations as a catalyst for a reset of our national conscience while prioritising unity amid economic and security challenges.
CAN made the call in a congratulatory message signed on Friday by CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, as the religious body extended warm wishes to the Muslim Ummah, saying that the end of Ramadan represented a period of spiritual renewal and strengthening.
Okoh highlighted that the core values of Ramadan, kindness, sacrifice, and care for the vulnerable, should serve as a roadmap for national healing and cohesion across communities in Nigeria.
The Archbishop acknowledged the difficult realities facing the nation, emphasising that Nigeria’s diversity should be seen as a source of strength rather than a point of friction or division.
“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 said CAN maintained that Nigeria thrived only when its people stood together, “not divided by faith or ethnicity, but united by a common purpose and a shared future,”.
He urged Nigerians to reject division, prioritise dialogue over distrust, and to act in ways that would heal rather than harm the national fabric, emphasising the need to strengthen collective peace and progress.
“The association joined Muslim counterparts in praying for divine intervention, specifically seeking lasting peace, improved security across all regions, and rapid economic recovery to ease citizens’ burdens.
“CAN also prayed for wisdom, compassion, and guidance for the country’s leadership, stressing the importance of ethical governance and national responsibility during this period.
“Let this Eid be more than a celebration; let it be a reset for our national conscience. I pray for joy, health, and peace for all Nigerian families,” Okoh said.