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The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has raised concerns that millions of Nigerians continue to face hunger, insecurity, and lack of employment despite the reforms being implemented, emphasising that real national development must result in visible improvements in the daily lives of citizens rather than just favourable economic figures.
In a message signed by its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, to commemorate Nigeria’s 65th independence anniversary, CAN congratulated the nation on reaching the milestone but also urged authorities to adopt policies that guarantee food availability, safeguard lives, and create meaningful opportunities for the youth.
“True progress must be measured not only by statistics but by the food on every table, the security of every community, and the opportunities available to every child,” Archbishop Okoh said.
CAN noted that since independence, Nigeria has made substantial progress in sectors such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, agriculture, and telecommunications.
It reflected that from a few educational institutions at the time of independence in 1960, the country now has thousands that have nurtured multiple generations of young Nigerians, shaping the country’s future.
Nevertheless, the association pointed out that the ongoing efforts at nation-building remain incomplete and are being hindered by growing living costs, insufficient food supply, joblessness, and high inflation rates.
“We pray that God will grant our leaders the wisdom, courage, and strength to drive the reforms to a point where Nigerians will rejoice, and may He protect them from sycophants who do not mean well for our nation,” Archbishop Okoh added.
Regarding security, CAN expressed sorrow that terrorism, armed banditry, abductions, and communal violence have caused widespread suffering and displaced many across Nigeria.
“While strides have been made in restoring safety, more still needs to be done to guarantee the protection of lives and property,” CAN said, calling for continued cooperation among law enforcement agencies, local communities, and faith-based organisations to sustain peace efforts.
In addressing the youth, CAN referred to them as the nation’s most valuable resource, but cautioned against the continuous emigration of skilled professionals, which deprives Nigeria of its intellectual potential.
“Nigeria must create the enabling environment that encourages its citizens, especially the youth, to stay, thrive, and contribute meaningfully to national development,” the association said, urging ongoing commitment to education, creativity, and youth-oriented initiatives.
CAN also encouraged political and community leaders, as well as the general populace, to put aside religious, ethnic, and political differences, stressing that the country’s challenges can only be tackled through shared effort, selflessness, and belief in divine guidance.
“On this anniversary, let us renew our commitment to justice, equity, and good governance. Let us embrace hard work, pay our taxes faithfully, support local production, and show love to one another as one people under God,” Archbishop Okoh said.
The association expressed confidence that with divine support and collective will, Nigeria can realise a future marked by peace and prosperity.
“The dawn of a new Nigeria is possible. With God’s help and our shared determination, we shall build a nation where peace, prosperity, and unity flourish for generations to come,” Archbishop Okoh added.
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