The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has urged leaders to ensure that the benefits of governance and reforms translate into real improvements in the daily lives of citizens, warning that “true progress must touch every home.”
In a statement marking Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary, CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, congratulated Nigerians on the milestone but stressed that rising costs of living, food insecurity, unemployment, and inflation continue to weigh heavily on families.
“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,” Okoh said.
The CAN leader acknowledged progress made since independence in education, healthcare, infrastructure, agriculture, and telecommunications, but said nation-building remains an unfinished task.
On insecurity, he lamented the devastation caused by terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and communal conflicts, urging stronger collaboration among security agencies, communities, and faith groups to restore peace.
Okoh also described young Nigerians as the nation’s greatest asset but expressed concern over the brain drain, stressing that massive investment in education, innovation, and youth empowerment is needed to keep the country’s brightest minds at home.
“As a faith community, we believe the challenges we face can be overcome with collective sacrifice, patriotism, and trust in God,” he said, calling on citizens to rise above ethnic, religious, and political divides.
He concluded by urging Nigerians to recommit to justice, equity, and good governance, declaring that with God’s help, “the dawn of a new Nigeria is possible.”
