ABUJA As Christians in Nigeria and around the globe observe Palm Sunday, the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Archbishop Daniel Okoh, has delivered an impassioned appeal for unity, peace, and a shift towards servant leadership. He also condemned the recent surge in killings in Plateau State.
On Sunday, April 13, 2025, Archbishop Okoh issued a statement condemning the vicious assaults that took place on April 4 in the Bokkos and Mangu Local Government Areas. He referred to these incidents, which resulted in numerous fatalities among unarmed civilians, as "meaningless acts of aggression" that significantly jeopardize Nigeria’s tenuous stability and cohesion.
"These atrocious murders are not just a severe breach of human dignity and the value of life but also pose a significant danger to our national cohesion and tranquility," stated Okoh.
He implored the security agencies to move quickly and firmly in capturing those responsible, and he appealed to the government at every level to step up their initiatives aimed at safeguarding communities and stopping additional violence.
“The continued loss of lives in such tragic circumstances is simply unacceptable,” he emphasized.
Palm Sunday, marking the victorious entrance of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem, acts as a significantreminder, as stated by CAN,ofthe lastingvalues ofpeace,humility,andself-sacrificinglove—qualitiesurgentlyrequiredinNigeria’stoday’scontext.
Inspired by the imagery of Jesus entering Jerusalem on a donkey, Okoh urged Nigeria’s leadership to adopt the modesty and determination demonstrated by Christ.
Our leaders should adopt the values of servant leadership, prioritizing public well-being over their own or political gains," he stated. "Issues like insecurity, financial struggles, and population displacements require responses characterized by empathy, fairness, and a dedication to restoring our nation’s unity.
With an emotional plea, the CAN President encouraged people of various backgrounds—ethnicity, religion, and politics—to transcend their differences and collaborate in harmony.
“Just as the diverse crowds in Jerusalem were united in hope, so too must we come together with a common purpose: to heal our land and build a future grounded in mutual respect, compassion, and solidarity,” he said.
Okoh cautioned the populace that despite encountering national challenges, Palm Sunday conveys a message of hope and rejuvenation.
The path to national rejuvenation starts with every individual. May we pay attention to what we say and do, striving to become promoters of peace within our households, neighborhoods, and offices.
He ended his speech by seeking divine wisdom and grace for Nigeria's leadership, fortitude for its citizens, and lasting harmony throughout the country.
As we raise our palm branches today, may they symbolize more than just reverence; let them also signify our shared commitment to striving for a harmonious and unified Nigeria.
Provided by Syndigate Media Inc. ( Syndigate.info ).
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