The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has called on the nation's leaders to take immediate steps toward national renewal, declaring that "Nigeria will rise, if leaders act now." Speaking after Easter celebrations, the religious body framed the moment as a critical opportunity for transformation through unity and collective effort. CAN did not provide specific policy recommendations or timelines but emphasized the moral responsibility of those in power to address the country's challenges. The statement echoed widespread public sentiment over economic hardship, insecurity, and governance deficits.
CAN's president, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, said the Easter message was not just spiritual but also a call to practical action. "This season reminds us that resurrection is possible—but it requires faith paired with action," he said. The group urged citizens to also play their part by fostering peace and national cohesion. No new initiatives or programs were announced by the organisation.
CAN's plea for leaders to act now does not alter the reality that faith-based appeals have not moved policy in recent years. Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor's invocation of resurrection as a metaphor for national revival sounds hopeful, but Nigerians have heard similar calls during past Easter seasons with no measurable impact. Moral suasion from religious bodies carries weight in public discourse, but it has not translated into accountability for those in power. Without leverage beyond rhetoric, such statements risk becoming annual rituals of disappointment.
