The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has urged national leaders to embrace sacrifice in the form of honesty, dedicated service, and compassion, as Muslims mark this year’s Eid-el-Kabir celebration.
In a goodwill message released on Wednesday and signed by CAN President, Daniel Okoh, the association extended congratulations to Muslims in Nigeria and around the world, describing Eid-el-Kabir as a powerful reminder of faith, obedience, and devotion to God.
CAN noted that the festival comes at a time when many Nigerians are grappling with severe economic hardship, rising insecurity, and growing uncertainty about the future.
According to the association, the realities of hardship are no longer reflected in numbers alone but in the daily struggles of citizens. It 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.”
CAN stressed that the true essence of Eid-el-Kabir should serve as a reminder for those in leadership positions to make meaningful sacrifices for the welfare 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.
The association further called on leaders in government, politics, business, security agencies, and religious institutions to move away from indifference, blame-shifting, and self-interest, and instead prioritise rebuilding public trust and reducing hardship.
It added, “Nigerians need hope they can see, not promises they no longer believe. This season must therefore serve as a moral call to conscience for all those entrusted with authority. Public trust cannot be rebuilt through speeches alone.
Citizens want to see leadership that listens, leadership that acts and leadership that is willing to share in the sacrifices ordinary people make every day.”
CAN also warned against allowing economic difficulties to deepen ethnic, religious, or regional divisions, noting that such tensions would only worsen the nation’s challenges.
“Hunger does not ask for tribe or religion. Poverty does not discriminate. Insecurity threatens everyone. In times like these, division only deepens the nation’s wounds,” CAN stated.
The association also encouraged religious leaders to continue promoting peace, moderation, and reconciliation amid rising tensions in various communities.
It further called on wealthy Nigerians, corporate bodies, and individuals of goodwill to support vulnerable groups, including the poor, widows, orphans, displaced persons, and struggling families.
“As Muslims celebrate Eid-el-Kabir, we encourage privileged Nigerians, corporate organisations and public-spirited individuals to remember the poor, widows, orphans, displaced persons and struggling families around them.
The spirit of sacrifice becomes truly meaningful when it helps restore dignity and hope to others,” the statement added.
CAN expressed optimism that Nigeria can overcome its current challenges through sacrifice, justice, compassion, and unity.
It also prayed for peace, healing, and renewed hope across the country, while wishing Muslims a peaceful Eid-el-Kabir celebration.