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Nigeria’s Christian Leaders Urge Citizens to “look beyond hardships, draw strength from faith” During Lent

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Jude Atemanke

By Jude Atemanke

Abuja, 08 March, 2025 / 9:17 am (ACI Africa).

Representatives of Christian leaders in Nigeria under the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) are calling upon citizens in the West African nation to participate in the Lenten Season, engaging in reflection, seeking renewal, and fostering hope amid multiple challenges.

In their Lenten message issued Wednesday, March 5, Christian leaders, who include representatives of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) emphasizes the important place of hope during the Lenten observance. 

“This time invites reflection, renewal, and recommitment for everyone seeking to pause and consider the direction of our lives and our nation,” they say in the message that CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, signed. 

They add, “Lent is a 40-day journey of sacrifice, prayer, and charity, echoing the time Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour, spent fasting in the wilderness. For us in Nigeria, this season arrives amid challenges—rising living costs, insecurity, and daily struggles to put food on the table.”

“Yet, Lent calls us to hope, urging us to look beyond our hardships and draw strength from faith and community,” CAN members say.

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The representatives of Christian leaders further say, “o the trader in Lagos, the farmer in Benue, the teacher in Kano, the driver in Port Harcourt, the student in Enugu, and Nigerians of all walks of life: Lent invites reflection on what truly matters. It offers a chance to release bitterness, share our resources with neighbors, and seek God’s grace for the journey ahead. Whether fasting from food or other passions, this season reminds us that we are united as one people under God, connected by our shared struggles and dreams.”

The Christian leaders further say, “As Nigerians, we understand sacrifice and endurance. Lent resonates with the patience of mothers stretching meals, the courage of fathers toiling under the sun, and the faith of children praying for a brighter future.”

“Let us use these 40 days to deepen our love for one another, pray for peace in our land, and work together for a Nigeria where justice and dignity prevail,” the representatives of Christian leaders in Africa’s most populous nation say.

They urge Christians to “approach this Lenten season sincerely and invite all Nigerians—regardless of creed—to join in this spirit of renewal.”

“Let us pray for our leaders to govern with wisdom and compassion, for our youth to find purpose and opportunity, and for ourselves to rise above division and build a nation we can all be proud of,” CAN members say.

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They implore, “May this Ash Wednesday mark the beginning of a transformative journey for us all. May God bless you and our dear country, Nigeria.”

Jude Atemanke

Jude Atemanke is a Cameroonian journalist with a passion for Catholic Church communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of Buea in Cameroon. Currently, Jude serves as a journalist for ACI Africa.

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