The Christian Association of Nigeria has urged Nigerians to be champions of peace and reconciliation among the diverse ethnic and religious groups in the country.
CAN disclosed this in its Christmas message through the Chairman, Archbishop Daniel Okoh on Monday.
Okoh said, “On behalf of the Christian Association of Nigeria, I extend warm greetings and good wishes to all Nigerians as we celebrate the joyous occasion of Christmas.”
The cleric identified the significance of the Christmas season as a time when Christians worldwide remember the birth of Jesus Christ and the reconciliation initiated by God’s love to restore the hope of mankind.
“Christmas reminds us to be more like Jesus by reaching out to our neighbors with words of peace. In a diverse country like Nigeria, we must always strive to seek what unites and binds us together rather than what divides us,” he said.
Okoh called on Nigerians to pave the way for peace, unity, and genuine reconciliation, pushing the boundaries beyond the absence of conflict to encompass love, respect, and acceptance for one another.
He said, “Let us be champions of peace and unity, setting aside our differences and promoting genuine reconciliation, understanding, and unity among all Nigerians.”
The CAN President urged the nation to embrace the teachings of forgiveness, compassion, and empathy as exemplified by Jesus Christ, especially during the Christmas season.
He called on Nigerians to examine their actions, seek and offer forgiveness, and emulate Christ’s example by nurturing a culture of understanding and forgiveness.
“With the birth of Jesus Christ comes a reminder of the transformative power of forgiveness, compassion, and empathy. Let’s reflect on our individual and collective actions, and extend a hand of reconciliation to those who may have wronged us or whom we may have wronged,” the Archbishop advised.
The CAN President, despite challenges confronting the nation, called on Nigerians to renew their commitment to building a better Nigeria for future generations, fostering an environment of justice, equity, peace, and prosperity.
He emphasized on the importance of remembering those less fortunate in society, especially during times of economic hardship.
“Let’s share our resources with those on the margins of society, giving them a sense of belonging, as Christ would do. Let’s strive to build a nation where peace, justice, and unity prevail,” he said.
