Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) called on the federal government to ensure that its promised prosperity was felt in every Nigerian home as the country marked its 66th Independence Anniversary.
In an independence message by its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, on Thursday , CAN said while it welcomed the shift from economic reforms to prosperity, progress must go beyond statistics.
“The true test of progress is not in statistics alone. It is whether families can afford food, young people can find decent work, communities can live in safety and every child has a fair opportunity to build a future,” Okoh said.
CAN called on government to make reduction in food, transport, and energy costs a measurable priority, stating that Nigerians who have endured years of economic pressure deserve tangible relief.
It also demanded that social protection programmes should reach the most vulnerable, with support for families, education, healthcare, and affordable credit strengthened and transparently administered.
“Prosperity that does not reach the ordinary Nigerian home remains incomplete,” the association said.
On security, CAN said there could be no meaningful prosperity where citizens lived in fear.
It stated, “There can be no meaningful prosperity where citizens cannot farm, trade, travel or sleep peacefully because of fear.
“We urge sustained action to protect lives, secure communities and restore confidence across the country.”
Ahead of the 2027 elections, CAN cautioned political actors against weaponising faith, stressing that no politician is the Messiah.
“Christians are free to support or criticise any candidate, but the name of Jesus Christ must not be dragged into partisan rivalry or used as a political weapon,” Okoh warned.
Catholic Secretariat Urges True Patriotism, Declares Nation Must Belong to Everyone
Secretary General of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN), Abuja, Rev. Fr. Michael Banjo, charged Nigerians to exhibit true patriotism as the country marked its 66th Independence anniversary, saying the country would not be rebuilt by laws and symbols alone but by genuine love for one another.
In an Independence Day statement, titled, “Patriotism as Responsibility for One Another,” Banjo said Nigeria needed a new kind of patriotism beyond affection for the flag and enthusiasm for the national anthem.
He stated, “This is the patriotism Nigeria requires: not merely affection for the flag, enthusiasm for the anthem or support for those in power, but an unwavering commitment to the dignity and welfare of every Nigerian.
“It refuses to excuse injustice because the offender is ‘one of us’ and recognises that no group can build lasting peace or prosperity upon the exclusion of another.”
Banjo said the challenge of nation-building was shared and called on every Nigerian to make the culture of family visible in daily life.
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