Nigeria’s Christian Leaders Reflect on Palm Sunday Lessons, Urge Fostering of Harmony, Understanding

Abuja, 27 March, 2024 / 8:50 PM

Christian leaders in Nigeria are calling on the people of God in the country to foster harmony and understanding, drawing inspiration from the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday.

“In reflecting on the lessons of Palm Sunday for contemporary Nigerian society, we are called to emulate the virtue of unity exemplified by Jesus Christ,” the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Archbishop Daniel Okoh, says in a March 24 statement. 

CAN President highlights the virtues espoused during Palm Sunday that the people of God in Nigeria can learn from, saying, “Just as the people of Jerusalem set aside their differences to welcome the Prince of Peace, let us set aside our prejudices, grievances, animosities to foster a spirit of harmony, reconciliation, and understanding among ourselves.”

May the people of God in Nigeria be “guided by the timeless teachings of Christ, and may we emerge as a stronger, more united Nigerian society, bound together by the common values of peace, justice, and solidarity,” he implores.

In the statement, the official of the entity whose membership includes representatives of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) acknowledges that the West African nation is experiencing multiple challenges and calls on the people of God in the country to draw strength to soldier on from “the enduring message of Palm Sunday”.

“At this critical juncture in our nation’s history, as we navigate through turbulent waters and strive towards a more prosperous and equitable society, let us draw strength from the enduring message of Palm Sunday. Let us remember that in times of adversity, faith can move mountains and bridge divides, and love can conquer all,” he says.

CAN President continues, “In the midst of our current realities in Nigeria, where we are confronted with a myriad of challenges ranging from social unrest to economic uncertainties and tensions, the essence of Palm Sunday offers us a beacon of light and inspiration.” 

“Witnessing the unfolding events in our nation, let us heed the call to action embedded in the spirit of Palm Sunday. Let us be beacons of hope and agents of positive change in our communities, extending a hand of friendship to our neighbours, showing kindness to the marginalized, and upholding justice for the oppressed,” Archbishop Okoh adds. 

He goes on to remind the country’s leaders to embrace humility like Jesus Christ did when he entered Jerusalem on a donkey

“The image of Jesus riding into Jerusalem on a donkey, instead of a war chariot or an exotic means of transportation, and being welcomed by crowds waving palm branches and laying their cloaks on the ground, serves as a poignant reminder of humility for our leaders and the power of peace and collective faith for all citizens,” CAN President says in the March 24 statement.