By Laide Akinboade, Abuja; Joseph Amedu, Lokoja with Agency Reports

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) at the weekend, said it was concerned over the directives by the governments of Bauchi, Katsina, Kano and Kebbi States mandating the closure of all schools for up to five weeks to observe the Ramadan fast, effective from late February to early April.

Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Ododo has however, called on Muslims to imbibe the virtues of patience, sacrifice and compassion towards the less privileged as they embark on this year’s Ramadan fast. In a statement in Abuja, CAN President, by Archbishop Daniel Okoh, President, lamented that, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates—where “Islam is central and Ramadan deeply revered—do not shut down schools for the entire fasting period.” “While we honor the religious diversity of our nation and recognize the significance of faith, these decisions raise serious issues of equity, educational continuity, and the welfare of all citizens, regardless of their religious beliefs.”Education is a fundamental right and the bedrock of progress. The closure of schools across these states, ranging from nursery to tertiary levels, for an extended period disrupts academic schedules and threatens the educational advancement of millions of students. These states—Bauchi, Katsina, Kano, and Kebbi—already face alarming rates of out-of-school children, averaging 44% according to recent data, far exceeding the national average. Such prolonged breaks risk deepening this crisis, undermining efforts to ensure access to quality education for all.”Moreover, the apparent lack of broad consultation in Bauchi, Katsina, Kano, and Kebbi prior to these directives is troubling. CAN leadership in these states has not been adequately engaged, despite claims of stakeholder involvement. Policies impacting diverse populations—Muslims, Christians, and others—demand transparent, inclusive dialogue with parents, educators, religious leaders, and school proprietors. The absence of such engagement erodes trust and unity in our pluralistic society.”Globally, nations like Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates—where Islam is central and Ramadan deeply revered—do not shut down schools for the entire fasting period. Instead, they adapt schedules, shortening hours or offering flexibility, to balance education with religious practice. If these Islamic heartlands can maintain this equilibrium, Nigeria’s northern states should strive for similar pragmatism. A month-long closure, or five weeks in Bauchi’s case, is excessive and departs from sensible precedent.”We call on the people of Bauchi, Katsina, Kano, and Kebbi—Christians, Muslims, and all residents—to remain calm and peaceful as we address this matter. CAN is dedicated to promoting harmony across faiths, and we urge our members and the public to avoid actions that could heighten tensions. Yet, we cannot overlook the potential violation of the rights of students and families who do not observe Ramadan, nor the dangerous signal this sends for equitable governance.”We, therefore, request that Governors Bala Mohammed, Dikko Umar Radda, Abba Kabir Yusuf, and Nasir Idris open channels of dialogue with key stakeholders—religious bodies, school owners, parents, and civil society—to reassess these directives and pursue inclusive solutions. Transparency is essential, and we expect these governments to act in good faith by promptly engaging all parties. The education of our children and the unity of our states are at stake.”Should these rights face further jeopardy or dialogue fail to deliver justice, CAN is prepared to seek legal recourse. We will pursue restraining orders through the courts to safeguard the constitutional rights to education and freedom of conscience. Our pursuit of peace does not diminish our commitment to justice.”Let us unite as Nigerians to forge a society where faith and progress harmonize, where no child’s education is compromised, and where every community is valued. We urge the governors to reconsider these policies in the spirit of fairness and national cohesion” the statement read in part. Ododo Calls For Patience, Sacrifice, CompassionIn his message to the people of Kogi state, Ododo described the month of Ramadan as a sacred time for reflection on the goodness of Allah, devotion to worship and self-discipline.“Ramadan is a sacred time of reflection, devotion, and self-discipline. It reminds us of the virtues of patience, sacrifice, and generosity; values that strengthen our faith and foster a spirit of compassion for those in need,” he said.He encouraged the people of the state to love one another, embrace peace, mutual respect and understanding to enhance development of the state irrespective of differences in faith. Ododo called on the people to use the opportunity presented by the Ramadan fasting to strengthen bonds as a people and work together for the continued progress and unity of the state.“During this Holy Month, I encourage all citizens of Kogi State, regardless of faith, to embrace the spirit of love, peace, and mutual respect that Ramadan represents. Let us use this opportunity to strengthen our bonds as a people and work together for the continued progress and unity of our dear state.”.While encouraging the people of the state to show compassion to the less privileged, promote justice and foster harmony within communities, he urged Muslims to dedicate the Ramadan period to fervent prayers for the peace, security, and development of Kogi State and Nigeria. Fruit Traders in FCT Decry Low Patronage Some traders, especially fruit sellers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), have decried continuous low sales of their wares.The traders in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja, called on the Federal Government to address the high cost of living, which was affecting their businesses.According to them, many traders are struggling to sell their goods due to the high cost of living and reduced purchasing power of residents.Mrs Amina Sule, a fruit seller at Wuse Market, said her sales had dropped significantly in spite the expectations of higher demand during the Ramadan period.“During fasting, people usually buy a lot of fruits like oranges, watermelons, and dates, but this year seems different.“Customers are complaining that they do not have enough money, and many now buy in smaller quantities than they used to buy,” she said.Sule attributed the low sales to the rising cost of transportation and inflation, which had pushed up the prices of the items.“Before, I used to sell not less than two full baskets of oranges in a day, but now, it takes me almost two days to finish one basket.” Even dates that are a must-have for fasting are not selling as they should.“I pray the sales pick up as the fasting progresses because i borrowed some money just to stock up my shop for the season ,” she said.Mrs Gift Tanko, a fruit seller at the Apo Fish Market, said she was also experiencing low sales and had lost part of her capital in the process.” I went to Dei-dei Market four days ago to buy some fruits with the hope that my Muslim customers will patronise me as they have started fasting.“I was later not able to sell off most of my bananas and they got bad because of the heat period and poor power supply and so could not store them, making me to loose money.” The challenges we traders have to face on a daily basis keep increasing. From poor power supply, to logistics, to weather, to high cost of living, the list is enormous.” We really need the help of the Federal Government, else we will not be able to remain in business and make money to take care of our families,” she said.A trader at Garki Market, Danjuma Musa, said many traders were running at a loss because they could not sell perishable goods on time.“People are really struggling. A bunch of bananas that used to go for N800 now sells for over N1,500, making people not to be able to afford it.” So many of my customers have not been able to buy one full water melon, they now manage to buy half or a quarter cut. Even the price of apples is now between N300 to N400 each.“We are pleading with the government to help stabilise food prices, reduce the cost of production and increase the purchasing power of the Naira in the country,” he said.Another trader, Mr Yusuf Ibrahim urged relevant authorities to intervene in controlling the high cost of food items, especially by addressing transportation costs and market levies.According to Ibrahim, if these things are addressed, it will bring down the cost of the items, thus, making it more affordable.Mrs Blessing Chukwuma, who sells groceries in Apo Market, expressed worry on how she would sustain her businesses if the situation does not improve.“We understand that things are tough for everyone, but if we don’t sell, how do we survive? How do we handle our responsibilities?” Yesterday I had to sell my goods at a price below my cost price , so I can make some money and pay my children’s school fees at the public school.” The government should please step in and support traders and farmers to make food more affordable, so customers can also patronise us” she said.Mrs Onyeche Ameh, a vegetable seller said a bunch of Ugu leaf formally sold for N800 to N1000 now sold for between N2, 500 to N3, 000.According to Ameh, only few customers still use vegetables to make food during this period because of its high cost.She said:” the least amount we sell ugu is N500 and many people cannot afford to pay this amount. I just wonder how people are able to survive these days.“I used to sell other food items but due to the high cost of goods and increasing cost of living, i have very little money to trade with.” I wish the government and other relevant stakeholders will provide soft loans and grants to small business owners like me to keep our businesses afloat.”Meanwhile, some customers who spoke with NAN confirmed that they were buying less items due to the poor economic situation.Mrs Rukayat Ayomide, a civil servant and mother of two, expressed her frustration at not being able to provide balanced diet for her children.“I want to buy enough fruits for my family, but everything is too expensive. These days you cannot find watermelon for N1000.” The smallest banana now goes for between N500 and N800, not to talk of a small basket of orange that now sells for N2, 500. I just have to manage with what I can afford,” Ayomide said. (NAN)