The Christian Association of Nigeria has called on leaders across the country to demonstrate sacrifice through honesty, service and compassion as Muslims celebrate this year’s Eid-el-Kabir.

In a statement issued on Wednesday and signed by CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, the association congratulated Muslim faithful in Nigeria and across the world on the celebration, describing Eid-el-Kabir as a symbol of faith, obedience and devotion to God.

CAN said the occasion comes at a difficult period for many Nigerians facing economic hardship, insecurity and uncertainty about the future.

CAN 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.”

The association stressed that the deeper meaning of Eid-el-Kabir should inspire leaders to make sacrifices for the well-being 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.

CAN urged leaders in government, politics, business, security institutions and religious organisations to set aside “indifference, blame-shifting and narrow interests” and focus on restoring public confidence and easing hardship across the country.

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.”

The Christian body also cautioned Nigerians against allowing hardship to fuel ethnic, religious or regional divisions.

“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 further called on religious leaders to continue promoting peace, moderation and reconciliation amid rising tensions in many communities.

“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 could overcome its present challenges through sacrifice, justice, compassion and unity.

The association also prayed for peace, healing and renewed hope across the country, while wishing Muslims a peaceful Eid-el-Kabir celebration. (PUNCH)