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From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has called on political leaders to embrace empathy and humility as essential tools for governance, drawing lessons from Jesus Christ’s symbolic entry into Jerusalem.
President of CAN, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, made the call in a commemorative statement to mark Palm Sunday, saying effective leadership is often defined by quiet resolve rather than outward display of power.
He urged those in authority to prioritise the welfare of the people and adopt a modest lifestyle to help mitigate the severe economic hardships currently being experienced by citizens across the federation.
The CAN president identified a direct correlation between volatile international geopolitical tensions and the escalating cost of living within the country.
He attributed the disruption of global energy markets to the ongoing instability involving Iran, Israel, and the United States, which has had a negative impact on the domestic economy.
According to Okoh, these global ripples have manifested locally through hiked fuel prices, exorbitant transportation fares, and the continuous surge in food inflation affecting every household.
“Across Nigeria, many are feeling the weight of the times. The cost of living is rising. For countless families, daily life is getting harder. Events far beyond our borders; especially tensions involving Iran, Israel, and the United States, are unsettling global energy markets. The impact is already here. Fuel is more expensive. Transport costs are rising. Food prices are climbing. In moments like this, the calm and clarity of Palm Sunday matter even more.
“For the Church and all people of faith, Palm Sunday is also a call to responsibility. It reminds us of a rare moment when people from all walks of life came together with one purpose: to welcome the Messiah in hope, humility, and expectation. That same spirit is needed now. We must stand for peace. We must strengthen unity. We must support one another. In a season that can easily tilt towards tension, we must remain a steady source of light and hope. And to every Nigerian, especially the young and those feeling the strain most deeply, do not lose hope. The challenges are real, but they are not the end of the story.
“For many Nigerians, the concern is simple and immediate: how to cope, how to plan, how to stay afloat. When life feels this uncertain, the tone of national life matters. Words carry weight. Actions have consequences. Palm Sunday reminds us that in tense moments, people need reassurance. They need stability. They need the quiet confidence that those in positions of responsibility understand what they are going through.”
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Reflecting on the biblical significance of the day, Okoh said Christ’s choice to ride on a colt instead of a symbol of worldly might offered a timeless blueprint for leaders to serve with humility.
”True leadership is not always loud. It is seen in restraint, in empathy, and in a steady focus on the common good.
“It is reflected in decisions that ease burdens, calm anxieties, and bring people together,” he said.
He further said that amidst the prevailing national uncertainty, Nigerians require stability and the assurance that their leaders are genuinely attuned to their daily survival struggles.
“That is why the lesson of Palm Sunday matters for leadership. True leadership is not always loud. It is seen in restraint, in empathy, and in a steady focus on the common good. It is reflected in decisions that ease burdens, calm anxieties, and bring people together. This is a time for such wisdom.”
He challenged the Church and all faith-based communities to serve as pillars of hope and “steady sources of light” during these trying times.
Okoh also reached out to the youth and those most vulnerable to the economic downturn, encouraging them to persevere as the current trials do not represent the final chapter of the nation’s journey.
”We must stand for peace; we must strengthen unity; we must support one another.
“In a season that can easily tilt towards tension, we must remain a steady source of light and hope,” he said.
