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From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has urged Nigerians to recommit themselves to building a united, peaceful and prosperous nation.
CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, in a message to mark the 2025 independence anniversary in Abuja, yesterday, congratulated Nigerians but emphasised that true progress must touch every home not just being measured by statistics.
He urged Nigerians to put aside ethnic, religious and political differences to work towards common good.
According to him, the economic reforms by the current government have brought temporary hardship to millions of Nigerians, with rising costs of living, food insecurity, unemployment and inflation affecting households.
“We must be honest about the unfinished business of nation-building, economic reforms are necessary, but they have brought temporary hardship for millions of Nigerians.
“The rising cost of living, food insecurity, unemployment and inflation continue to weigh heavily on households.
“True progress must be measured not only by statistics, but also by the food on every table, the security of every community and the opportunities available to every child.
“We pray that God will grant our leaders the wisdom, courage and strength to drive the reforms to a point, where Nigerians will rejoice, and may He protect them from sycophants, who do not mean well for our nation,” he said.
Okoh also explained that insecurity had remained a challenging issue in the country with banditry, kidnapping and communal conflicts threatening lives and property
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He called for sustained collaboration between security agencies, communities and faith-based organisations to address the challenges.
According to him, many of Nigeria’s brightest minds seek opportunities abroad, depriving the nation of crucial talent and expertise.
“We also recognise that young people are Nigeria’s greatest asset; their energy, creativity and determination hold the key to a better tomorrow.
“Yet, the persistent brain drain, where many of our brightest minds leave for opportunities abroad, remains a critical challenge.
“Nigeria must create the enabling environment that encourages its citizens, especially the youth, to stay, thrive and contribute meaningfully to national development.
“Investment in education, innovation and youth empowerment must remain a national priority, ensuring that no young Nigerian is left behind.”
On the anniversary, Okoh said: “Let us renew our commitment to justice, equity and good governance.
“Let us embrace hard work, pay our taxes faithfully, support local production and show love to one another as one people under God.
“The dawn of a new Nigeria is possible. With God’s help and our shared determination, we shall build a nation where peace, prosperity and unity flourish for generations to come,” he added.
