Muslim faithful across Nigeria are marking Eid-el-Maulud on Tuesday amid concerns over rising living costs and insecurity, with the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) urging the government to translate its promises into tangible improvements in citizens’ lives.
The Federal Government declared Tuesday, August 25, a public holiday to commemorate the birth of Prophet Muhammad.
While the celebration provides an opportunity for Muslims to reflect on the life and teachings of the Prophet, the occasion is taking place against the backdrop of economic difficulties that continue to affect households across the country.
In a message to mark the celebration, CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, said many Nigerians were under pressure from increasing living costs and insecurity.
“The pressure of rising living costs and insecurity is being felt in homes and communities across the country. People are tired of promises; they want to see their lives improve,” Okoh said.
He urged the Federal Government and other levels of government to move beyond promises and take practical steps to improve Nigerians’ welfare.
“Nigerians need greater security, economic relief and leadership that puts their welfare first,” the CAN president said.
For many families, religious celebrations are traditionally marked by special meals, visits to relatives and friends, new clothes and other forms of social gathering. However, the continuing pressure on household finances has made celebrations more difficult for some Nigerians.
CAN’s message reflects the broader concerns over the impact of living costs and insecurity on families and communities.
Rather than focusing solely on festivities, Okoh called on Nigerians to draw lessons from the virtues associated with Prophet Muhammad, including mercy, justice, compassion for the poor and vulnerable, honesty and peaceful coexistence.
He also encouraged citizens to care for vulnerable people and work towards strengthening peaceful relations across religious and ethnic lines.
The CAN president also used the occasion to caution politicians against exploiting religious and ethnic differences ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He urged Christians and Muslims to resist attempts to divide them for political advantage, stressing that the country’s unity should remain a priority.
“Elections will come and go, but the bonds that hold Nigeria together must remain,” Okoh said.
He said religious communities had a shared responsibility to protect vulnerable citizens, promote peace and work together for the good of the country.
President Bola Tinubu, in his own Eid-el-Maulud message, urged Muslim faithful to reflect on Prophet Muhammad’s teachings and virtues, including perseverance, tolerance, humility and selflessness. He also called on citizens to extend practical support to vulnerable members of society.
Other leaders, including Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Benjamin Kalu and Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri, also called for prayers, peace, unity and peaceful coexistence during the celebration.
As Muslims across the country observe Eid-el-Maulud, the celebration has therefore become not only a religious occasion but also an opportunity for renewed calls for economic relief, improved security, responsible leadership and greater national unity.
CAN said it remained hopeful about Nigeria’s future but stressed that hope must be matched by responsible leadership, justice and action that Nigerians can see and feel.
