By Laide Akinboade, Abuja

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), at the weekend said in view of the current economic crunch in Nigeria, leaders must not be loud, but be restraints, have empathy and be focused on the common good of the people.

In a statement issued by Archbishop Daniel Okoh,President,CAN, in commemoration of Palm Sunday in Abuja.

The CAN President, lamented about the state of the nation, saying families are feeling the weight of time, cost of living is rising and normal daily lives is getting harder for families.

He said food cost is rising, transportation is high and for many Nigerians is how to stay afloat.

He said it is at this time leaders must make decisions that would ease the pain and burdens of Nigerians.

The statement reads, “As we observe Palm Sunday, we remember a powerful moment. Jesus entered Jerusalem with calm resolve, at a time of uncertainty and expectation. It was not a show of force, but a message of peace, purpose, and hope. In a tense atmosphere, he chose humility; riding on a colt, not in the trappings of power. That choice still speaks to us today.

“Across Nigeria, many are feeling the weight of the times. The cost of living is rising. For countless families, daily life is getting harder. Events far beyond our borders; especially tensions involving Iran, Israel, and the United States, are unsettling global energy markets. The impact is already here. Fuel is more expensive. Transport costs are rising. Food prices are climbing. In moments like this, the calm and clarity of Palm Sunday matter even more.

“For many Nigerians, the concern is simple and immediate: how to cope, how to plan, how to stay afloat. When life feels this uncertain, the tone of national life matters. Words carry weight. Actions have consequences. Palm Sunday reminds us that in tense moments, people need reassurance. They need stability. They need the quiet confidence that those in positions of responsibility understand what they are going through.

“That is why the lesson of Palm Sunday matters for leadership. True leadership is not always loud. It is seen in restraint, in empathy, and in a steady focus on the common good. It is reflected in decisions that ease burdens, calm anxieties, and bring people together. This is a time for such wisdom”.

The CAN boss, therefore urged all Christians in Nigeria, to stand firm on faith, stand together and in peace.

“For the Church and all people of faith, Palm Sunday is also a call to responsibility. It reminds us of a rare moment when people from all walks of life came together with one purpose: to welcome the Messiah in hope, humility, and expectation. That same spirit is needed now. We must stand for peace. We must strengthen unity. We must support one another. In a season that can easily tilt towards tension, we must remain a steady source of light and hope.

“And to every Nigerian, especially the young and those feeling the strain most deeply, do not lose hope. The challenges are real, but they are not the end of the story.

“As we journey through this sacred season, may the spirit of Palm Sunday guide us towards quiet courage, shared purpose, and a renewed commitment to the good of all”, he urged.

Congratulates Muslims on Eid-el-Fitri, urges unity amid economic, security challenges

By Laide Akinboade, Abuja

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), congratulate the Muslim brothers and sisters across the country as they celebrate Eid-el-Fitri 2026.

In a statement issued and signed by
Archbishop Daniel Okoh,President,
Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), in Abuja

He noted that, Eid marks the end of Ramadan, a period of fasting, prayer, reflection and giving.

He said today Christians in Nigeria celebrate with them, not only the breaking of the fast, but also the strengthening of faith, families and hope.

“At a time like this, our nation needs unity more than ever. From insecurity to economic hardship, the challenges before us are real, but so too is our shared strength. Nigeria works best when we stand together; not divided by faith or ethnicity, but united by a common purpose and a shared future.

“The spirit of Eid; kindness, sacrifice and care for others, offers us a way forward. It calls us to reject division, to choose dialogue over distrust, and to act in ways that heal rather than harm. This is how nations move forward, not just in words, but through everyday actions”, the CAN President, said.

He said, “We join our Muslim compatriots in prayer for Nigeria; for lasting peace, improved security, economic recovery, and leadership guided by wisdom and compassion. We pray that the right values nurtured during Ramadan will endure beyond this season, especially in caring for the poor, protecting the vulnerable, and building a more just society.

“Let this Eid be more than a celebration; let it be a reset for our national conscience”.

A Sokoto-based Islamic scholar, Sheikh Musa Lukuwa, yesterday led his followers in observing Eid al-Fitr prayers in defiance of a directive issued by Sultan Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, who had declared Friday as the official Sallah day.

Lukuwa conducted the two-unit Eid prayer at his Mabera mosque at about 9:10am, hours after the Sultan announced that the Shawwal crescent moon had not been sighted anywhere in Nigeria, thereby extending the Ramadan fast by a day.

In a message circulated on social media, the cleric justified his decision, citing confirmed reports of moon sightings in neighbouring Niger Republic.

“Niger Republic is very close to us about 100 kilometres away.

“If we accept reports from cities like Kano or even Lagos, which are farther away, there is no reason to reject confirmed sightings from a neighbouring country,” ” he said.

He stressed that the action was not intended to undermine the Sultan’s authority but was based on religious conviction.

“We usually follow the Sultan’s directive in starting and ending Ramadan. However, when it is clear that the moon has been sighted, we must act in accordance with the teachings of the Prophet, even if it differs from the Sultan’s declaration,” he stated.

Providing historical context, Lukuwa referenced the era of Abubakar Mahmoud Gummi, when prominent scholars independently announced moon sightings before the responsibility was centralised under the Sultan to ensure unity among Muslims.

He maintained that the Sultan’s decision on this occasion was incorrect.

He reportedly informed congregants around midnight of the development and directed them to assemble for Eid prayers Thursday morning.

In Nigeria, the Sultan of Sokoto, who also serves as President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, is the recognised authority for declaring the commencement and end of Ramadan based on verified moon sightings across the country.

His announcements are widely followed to promote unity among Muslims.

However, differences over moon sightings especially when reports emerge from neighbouring countries have occasionally led to divergent observances by some clerics and communities, particularly in northern Nigeria.

This is not the first time Lukuwa and his followers have taken a position at variance with the Sultan’s official declaration, reflecting a broader debate within Islamic jurisprudence on the acceptance of moon sightings beyond national boundaries.