Eid-el-Kabir: CAN Urges Sacrifice, Compassion, National Healing

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has extended warm felicitations to Muslims across the country and around the world on the occasion of this year’s Eid-el-Kabir celebration, emphasising that the festival carries lessons far beyond religious observance.

In a statement released yesterday, CAN president, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, described Eid-el-Kabir as a solemn reminder of faith, obedience, sacrifice, and devotion to God, while highlighting the ongoing struggles facing ordinary Nigerians.

According to the Christian association, many citizens are grappling with rising living costs, unpaid school fees, shuttered businesses, abandoned farmlands, and the daily uncertainty wrought by insecurity.

“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 wellbeing of the people,” Okoh said.

The association called on leaders in government, politics, business, security institutions, and religious organizations to set aside self-interest and work toward restoring public confidence, easing hardship, and providing tangible hope for citizens.

CAN also warned against allowing economic hardship and insecurity to deepen religious, ethnic, or regional divisions, stressing that hunger does not ask for tribe or religion and that poverty and insecurity affect everyone.

Okoh also urged religious leaders to continue promoting peace, moderation, and reconciliation, particularly as frustration and anger rise in various communities.

He encouraged Nigerians of means, corporate organizations, and public-spirited individuals to remember the poor, widows, orphans, displaced persons, and struggling families during the celebrations.

The CAN president called for national healing and renewal, emphasising that Nigeria can overcome fear, division, and hardship by rediscovering the values of sacrifice, justice, compassion, and shared humanity that Eid-el-Kabir represents.

CAN’s statement ended with prayers for wisdom for leaders, protection for vulnerable communities, strength for struggling families, and renewed hope for millions of young Nigerians seeking a better future. “Happy Eid-el-Kabir celebrations to all Muslim faithful,” the statement reads.