Independence Day: Nigerians can’t survive on statistics alone – CAN to Tinubu govt
Christian Association of Nigeria Calls for Comprehensive Evaluation of Progress under Tinubu Administration
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has urged the government of President Bola Tinubu to assess national progress not just through statistics, but by analyzing essential quality-of-life indicators. These include food security, employment opportunities for youth, community safety, and equitable access to education for all children, the organization stated.
In a message commemorating Nigeria’s 66th Independence Day, CAN emphasized the need for a transformative approach where economic advancement leads to tangible improvements in the daily lives of citizens.
Archbishop Daniel Okoh, president of CAN, expressed the organization’s acknowledgement of the government’s shift from economic restructuring to a focus on prosperity, as outlined in the president’s recent address to the nation.
As the nation celebrated its independence, CAN called upon the government to prioritize the reduction of costs related to food, transportation, and energy as key objectives.
“Nigerians who have endured extended economic hardship deserve to see visible changes in their daily conditions,” CAN stated.
The organization also highlighted the importance of social protection, urging the government to bolster support for vulnerable families, improve access to education and healthcare, and ensure the availability of affordable credit. CAN cautioned that any prosperity that fails to reach the average Nigerian household is insufficient.
In addition, CAN stressed the necessity of security, noting that true prosperity cannot exist where citizens fear for their safety while farming, trading, traveling, or resting. The association called for continued efforts to safeguard lives, secure communities, and restore public trust throughout the country.
With the 2027 political season approaching, CAN reminded political leaders that no individual can fulfill the role of a savior. It emphasized that Christians are entitled to support or critique any candidate, but cautioned against invoking the name of Jesus Christ in political disputes.
CAN reaffirmed its commitment to serving as a non-partisan moral compass, advocating for justice, accountability, and compassion while addressing the struggles faced by citizens.
