The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has urged Nigerians to use the Easter period to make a decision to rise above ethnic and religious differences and stand together to confront what holds us back as a people and as a nation.CAN told Nigerians that by making that choice, together, Nigeria will rise again.

In a massage titled, “Easter: ‘Nigeria Must Rise, This Is Our Moment’ , CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh who urged Nigerians to know that this is no time to give up on one another, stated that there may be those intent on keeping the rest of us in fear, but we must resist; not with panic or division, but with courage, solidarity, and a shared belief in one another.

He observed that across the country, people are weary., families are anxious, many do not feel safe; while for some, hope has grown faint but Easter tells us this is not the end as we can rise, rebuild, and move forward, together.

Okoh noted that hard times can divide, but they can also unite and if we choose unity over suspicion and look out for one another, change becomes not just possible, but certain.

He said, “At Easter, as we mark the resurrection of our Lord, Jesus Christ, we are reminded of a simple, enduring truth: no matter how hard life has been, rising again is always possible.

That is the meaning of Easter; hope returning when it seemed lost, life after despair, a new beginning after a difficult moment. It is a message that speaks directly to Nigeria today.”.

” For those in leadership, this is a test of purpose. People must feel leadership, not just hear it. They are looking for action, for empathy, for visible efforts to improve their lives.

That is how a nation begins to rise. For the Church, this is a moment to stand firm and speak clearly. People are searching for hope they can hold on to. The Church must be present; standing with the struggling, offering direction, and helping to light the way forward’, he added.