By Abdullahi Alhassan, Kaduna
As Christians across Nigeria and around the world celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Christian Association of Nigeria CAN representing the 19 Northern States and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, extends heartfelt Easter greetings to the faithful and to all Nigerians.
“Easter reminds us that even in the face of pain and despair, hope can be reborn. It is a celebration of triumph through sacrifice and an invitation for all of us to awaken our collective conscience,” according to Reverend John Joseph Hayab, Chairman of CAN. In a Press statement.
The CAN emphasizes the critical role of women in the journey toward rebuilding society. “Women have long stood as the unseen architects of homes, the moral compass of families, and the uncelebrated shapers of communities,” Hayab said.
The statement lamented that”Denying girls access to education does more than limit individual potential. It threatens our collective future.A girl who is denied education today may become a mother tomorrow who lacks the capacity to guide her children away from violence, ignorance, and moral collapse,” Hayab emphasized.
The CAN calls on parents, leaders, and communities to prioritize the well-being of their people above personal interests. “We must raise daughters who lead with wisdom and integrity. We must invest in women who turn their homes into spaces of peace, their communities into beacons of learning, and their leadership into vehicles of selfless service,” Hayab urged.
The CAN Calls on “A renewed and strategic approach to securing lives and property in the North.Adequate compensation and rehabilitation for victims of insurgency and violence. Increased commitment to girl-child education as a foundation for societal progress.
“The implementation of inclusive policies that uphold justice, equity, and human dignity. The establishment and support of community based peacebuilding and trauma-healing initiatives.
“As we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, may the significance of Easter inspire us beyond ritual and routine. Let it move us toward concrete action. Let it stir within us a willingness to make sacrifices for the collective good,” Hayab said.