Lent: CAN Charges Nigerians on Resilience, National Healing

As Christians observe Ash Wednesday, the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Archbishop Daniel Okoh, has called on Nigerians to embrace the Lenten season as a vital opportunity for reflection, sacrifice, and national healing.

In his message to the nation, Archbishop Okoh extended prayers and positive thoughts to all citizens, regardless of their faith, encouraging them to use the spirit of Lent to foster renewal and unity during a time of national difficulty.

“Lent represents a 40-day journey characterised by sacrifice, prayer, and charity, mirroring the period Jesus Christ spent fasting in the wilderness,” he noted.

He pointed out that in Nigeria, this season comes at a time of multiple challenges, including rising living costs, insecurity, and the ongoing struggle to meet basic needs. However, he emphasized that Lent calls for cultivating hope and rising above adversities by drawing strength from faith and the community.

Archbishop Okoh encouraged all Nigerians to reflect on what truly matters and foster a spirit of generosity, reconciliation, and shared sacrifice as the nation grapples with its economic and social challenges. “We Nigerians know the essence of sacrifice and endurance. The message of Lent resonates with the resilience of mothers making the most of scant resources, fathers laboring under harsh conditions, and children praying fervently for a brighter future,” he said.

He also stressed the importance of praying for the nation’s leaders, urging that they govern with wisdom, compassion, and justice. Okoh emphasized the need for Nigerians to look beyond their divisions and unite for the common good of the country, with dignity and peace at the core of governance.

“I encourage Christians to approach this Lenten season with sincerity and invite all Nigerians, regardless of their beliefs, to join in this journey of renewal,” he said. “Let us pray for our leaders to govern wisely and compassionately, for our youth to discover purpose and opportunities, and for ourselves to overcome division to construct a nation we all can take pride in.”

Archbishop Okoh concluded by praying for divine blessings upon Nigeria and its people, expressing hope that the Lenten season would mark the beginning of a transformative journey for the nation.