As Christians in Nigeria and across the globe celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) for the 19 Northern States and the Federal Capital Territory has urged renewed commitment to sacrifice, national healing, and the empowerment of women in rebuilding Northern Nigeria.
In a goodwill Easter message, the Chairman of Northern CAN, Rev. John Joseph Hayab, extended heartfelt greetings to Christians and all Nigerians, describing the Easter season as not only spiritually significant but also a time to reflect on Christ’s redemptive sacrifice. “His sacrifice was grounded in love, compassion, and a deep commitment to the common good of humanity,” he said. “Easter reminds us that even in the face of pain and despair, hope can be reborn.”
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Rev. Hayab called on citizens to rise above selfishness, fear, and division at a time when the country, and especially the northern region, continues to battle insecurity, moral decline, and poor leadership. He placed particular emphasis on the role of women in societal transformation, describing them as “unseen architects of homes, the moral compass of families, and the uncelebrated shapers of communities.”
He pointed to the examples of Esther, Deborah, and Mary, the mother of Jesus, to highlight the biblical precedent of women’s leadership and influence. “In the present realities of Northern Nigeria, what we need are women who not only nurture life but also shape futures,” he said. “Denying girls access to education threatens our collective future.”
He urged communities and leaders to empower women and girls through education, mentorship, and opportunity, arguing that a society that invests in its women builds homes of peace and communities of learning.
Rev. Hayab also tied the message of Easter to the need for sacrifice in addressing the region’s urgent needs. “The Easter story is one of sacrifice made not in comfort but through suffering and divine purpose,” he said. “This same spirit must define how we respond to Northern Nigeria’s needs.”
Parents, he added, must view education and moral upbringing as sacred duties, while leaders should place the well-being of the people above personal interests. He also decried the ongoing violence in Plateau and Benue states, describing it as a painful reminder of the urgency for action against criminality.
He called on the government at all levels to act with urgency, compassion, and conscience, especially as many citizens continue to endure displacement, banditry, and economic hardship. CAN demanded a renewed strategy for securing lives and property, compensation and rehabilitation for victims, stronger commitment to girl-child education, and the implementation of inclusive policies that promote justice and dignity.
“The true essence of leadership, as seen in Christ, lies in service, not in power,” Rev. Hayab stated. “As we celebrate Easter, let it go beyond ritual. Let it push us to take action, to make sacrifices for the collective good.”
He concluded by expressing hope that the risen Christ would renew the country’s values and commitment to building a peaceful and equitable society. “May the risen Christ renew our hope, restore our values, and strengthen our resolve to build a more peaceful Northern Nigeria and a greater nation,” he said.
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