The Christian Association of Nigeria has called on leaders across the country to demonstrate sacrifice through honesty, service and compassion as Muslims celebrate this year’s Eid-el-Kabir.
In a statement issued on Wednesday and signed by CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, the association congratulated Muslim faithful in Nigeria and across the world on the celebration, describing Eid-el-Kabir as a symbol of faith, obedience and devotion to God.
CAN said the occasion comes at a difficult period for many Nigerians facing economic hardship, insecurity and uncertainty about the future.
CAN stated, “Today, many Nigerians no longer measure hardship in statistics but in skipped meals, unpaid school fees, shuttered businesses and sleepless nights. Families are struggling to survive rising living costs. Farmers are abandoning their lands out of fear. Small businesses are collapsing under economic pressure. Young people are increasingly uncertain about their future, while insecurity continues to cast a shadow over many communities.”
The association stressed that the deeper meaning of Eid-el-Kabir should inspire leaders to make sacrifices for the well-being of citizens.
“At a moment like this, the deeper meaning of Eid-el-Kabir becomes even more important. Sacrifice must not remain a burden carried only by ordinary citizens. Leadership must also reflect sacrifice through honesty, restraint, service, compassion and visible commitment to the well-being of the people,” the statement read.
CAN urged leaders in government, politics, business, security institutions and religious organisations to set aside “indifference, blame-shifting and narrow interests” and focus on restoring public confidence and easing hardship across the country.
