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Sacrifice Not for Ordinary Nigerians Alone, CAN Tells Leaders in Eid-el-Kabir Message
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), on Wednesday, told political, business and religious leaders that sacrifice ‘must not remain a burden carried only by ordinary citizens’, warning that worsening hardship, insecurity and public frustration are pushing many Nigerians to the edge.
The umbrella Christian body said Eid-el-Kabir should be more than a religious celebration, describing the season as a moment for national reflection and moral responsibility at a time when millions of Nigerians were struggling with rising living costs, fear and uncertainty about the future.
The position was contained in an Eid al-Kabir message signed by Archbishop Daniel Okoh, President of the Christian Association of Nigeria.
CAN said: “The deeper meaning of Eid-el-Kabir becomes even more significant at a moment like this
“Sacrifice must not remain a burden carried only by ordinary citizens. Leadership must also reflect sacrifice through honesty, restraint, compassion, accountability and a visible commitment to the wellbeing of the people.”
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), on Wednesday, told political, business and religious leaders that sacrifice ‘must not remain a burden carried only by ordinary citizens’, warning that worsening hardship, insecurity and public frustration are pushing many Nigerians to the edge.
The umbrella Christian body said Eid-el-Kabir should be more than a religious celebration, describing the season as a moment for national reflection and moral responsibility at a time when millions of Nigerians were struggling with rising living costs, fear and uncertainty about the future.
The position was contained in an Eid al-Kabir message signed by Archbishop Daniel Okoh, President of the Christian Association of Nigeria.
CAN said: “The deeper meaning of Eid-el-Kabir becomes even more significant at a moment like this.
The association said the reality facing many Nigerians could no longer be measured only through economic figures or official statements but through the daily struggles playing out in homes and communities across the country.
Families, it said, were struggling to keep food on the table as rising living costs tightened pressure on households. Farmers increasingly feared returning to their lands because of insecurity, while small businesses continued to buckle under economic strain. Many young Nigerians, CAN added, were also looking to the future with growing uncertainty.
Describing the situation as a test of leadership, CAN urged those in positions of authority to rise above indifference, blame-shifting and narrow interests, and instead focus on restoring public confidence and easing the hardship confronting millions of citizens.
“This is a time for leaders across government, politics, business, security institutions and religious organisations to rise above indifference, blame-shifting and narrow interests,” the Christian body said.
CAN also warned that public trust could not be rebuilt through speeches alone.
It said: “Nigerians need hope they can genuinely see and feel, not promises they no longer trust.
“Citizens want leadership that listens, leadership that acts and leadership that is willing to share in the sacrifices ordinary people make every day.”
The association further cautioned Nigerians against allowing economic hardship and frustration to inflame ethnic, religious or regional tensions.
“Hunger does not ask for tribe or religion. Poverty does not discriminate. Insecurity threatens everyone,” CAN said, warning that division would only deepen the country’s wounds at a difficult time.
Archbishop Okoh also called on religious leaders across faiths to continue promoting peace, moderation and reconciliation amid growing anger and frustration in many communities.
He urged privileged Nigerians, corporate organisations and public-spirited individuals to remember poor and vulnerable citizens during the Eid-el-Kabir season, including widows, orphans, displaced persons and struggling families.
“The spirit of sacrifice becomes truly meaningful when it helps restore dignity, hope and relief to others,” the association added.
CAN expressed hope that Nigeria could still rise above fear, division and hardship if both leaders and citizens embraced the values of sacrifice, justice, compassion and shared humanity represented by the season.
It also prayed for peace, healing and renewal across the country, wisdom for leaders, protection for vulnerable communities, and renewed hope for young Nigerians seeking a better future.
Popular socio-political activist, Aisha Yesufu, has lost the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) senatorial primary election for the Federal Capital Territory, FCT.
She lost the election to a chieftain of the party, Amanda Pam.
The activist-turned-politician had said her ambition to represent the FCT in the upper legislative chamber was driven by the desire to solve problems in the nation’s capital and give residents a stronger voice in government.
Aisha Yesufu is a staunch supporter of the NDC presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
The Federal government has declared Wednesday, May 27 and Thursday, May 28, 2026 as public holidays to mark the celebration of Eid ul Adha.
The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made the announcement on behalf of the government.
The declaration was contained in a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Magdalene Ajani.
It said the declaration affirms the Federal government’s profound respect for the faith and spiritual heritage of millions of Nigerian Muslims who join the global Islamic community in observing this sacred occasion.
“The minister conveys the warm felicitations of the Federal government to all Muslim faithful in Nigeria and throughout the Diaspora. Eid ul Adha is a festival of deep spiritual significance, grounded in the values of sacrifice, obedience to God, and compassion for one’s fellow man.
“The Federal government urges all Nigerians to use this period for prayer and sober reflection, asking for divine guidance upon the country as it continues its pursuit of peace, security, and prosperity for every citizen,” Ajani said.
“It is in the spirit of brotherhood, shared humanity, and national unity that the Federal government wishes all Muslims a peaceful, blessed, and joyous celebration,” the Permanent Secretary added.
Africa’s biggest corporate supporter of culture, Globacom, is commemorating the life and legacy of the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, at this year’s Ojude Oba Festival, marking the 21st consecutive year of its sponsorship of the cultural event.
This year’s edition, themed “Ojude Oba 2026: Celebrating the Legacy of Oba Sikiru Adetona,” is taking place at the Festival Pavilion opposite the royal palace in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State.
The celebration pays glowing tribute to the remarkable accomplishments of the late monarch, who transited on Sunday, July 13, 2025, after an illustrious reign spanning 65 years.
The departed monarch ascended the throne on April 2, 1960, and during his reign, the profile and prestige of the Ojude Oba Festival grew tremendously, making it one of Africa’s most celebrated cultural events.
In a statement issued in Lagos, Globacom posited that Oba Adetona’s unwavering dedication to preserving and promoting Ijebu culture, traditions, and values was a major factor behind the company’s continued support for the festival.
According to the company, “This year’s celebration goes beyond our traditional role as sponsor over the past two decades. It is an opportunity to honour the exceptional legacy of the revered monarch, Oba Adetona, whose vision and commitment elevated Ojude Oba to its present status.”
Globacom recalled that the late Awujale played a pivotal role in transforming the festival into a unifying platform that brought together Ijebu sons and daughters from across the world, regardless of religious affiliation.
This inclusive vision and royal leadership, said Glo, inspired the company to begin sponsoring the festival 21 years ago. Over the years of Globacom’s sponsorship, Ojude Oba has evolved into a globally recognized cultural celebration, attracting thousands of visitors and dignitaries from within and outside Nigeria.
The company reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining its support for the festival as part of its broader objective of showcasing Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage to the world.
