Eid-el-Maulud: Let Mercy Become Action, CAN Urges Nigerians

The President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Archbishop Daniel Okoh, has felicitated with Muslim faithful across the country on the occasion of Eid-el-Maulud, urging Nigerians to embrace the values of mercy, compassion, justice and peaceful coexistence.

In a goodwill message marking the celebration of the birth of Prophet Muhammad, Archbishop Okoh called on Nigerians to translate the lessons of the occasion into concrete actions that promote human dignity, unity and care for the vulnerable.

He said Eid-el-Maulud provides Muslims with an opportunity to reflect on the life and teachings of the Prophet of Islam, which he described as being associated with mercy, honesty, justice, compassion for the poor and peaceful coexistence.

“Eid-el-Maulud commemorates the birth of the Prophet of Islam and provides an opportunity for Muslims to reflect on a life associated with mercy, justice, compassion for the poor and vulnerable, honesty and peaceful coexistence,” he said.

The CAN President noted that these values were particularly important for Nigeria at a time when citizens were facing economic hardship, insecurity and social challenges.

According to him, the celebration should remind Nigerians of their shared responsibility to protect human dignity and work together to build a peaceful society.

“For us as Nigerians, these values are especially important today because they challenge us to care for one another, protect human dignity and pursue peace even when our differences are exploited for political or personal gain,” he stated.

Archbishop Okoh expressed concern over the difficulties confronting many Nigerians, particularly the impact of rising living costs and insecurity on families and communities across the country.

He urged governments at all levels to move beyond promises and deliver visible improvements that would positively affect the lives of citizens.

“The pressure of rising living costs and insecurity is being felt in homes and communities across the country. People are tired of promises; they want to see their lives improve,” he said.

He called on leaders to prioritise security, economic relief and policies that place the welfare of Nigerians at the centre of governance.

“Leadership is not measured by what we promise, but by what Nigerians can see and feel,” he added.

The CAN President also appealed to politicians ahead of the 2027 general elections not to exploit religious and ethnic differences for political advantage, stressing that Nigeria’s unity must remain above partisan interests.

“As we approach the 2027 elections, I also appeal to politicians not to exploit religion or ethnicity for political advantage. Elections will come and go, but the bonds that hold Nigeria together must remain,” he said.

Archbishop Okoh urged Christians and Muslims to resist attempts by individuals or groups seeking to create divisions for personal or political gains.

“Christians and Muslims must refuse to be divided by those who seek political gain from our differences. We have a shared responsibility to protect our communities, care for the vulnerable and work together for peace,” he stated.

While expressing optimism about Nigeria’s future, the CAN President stressed that hope must be supported by responsible leadership, good citizenship and justice.

“May this Eid-el-Maulud renew our commitment to mercy, peace and compassion, and inspire us to build a Nigeria where every citizen can live with dignity and hope,” he prayed.

He wished Muslim faithful a peaceful celebration, saying,  “Eid-el-Maulud Mubarak to our Muslim brothers and sisters. God bless Nigeria.”

The statement was signed by Archbishop Daniel Okoh, President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).