CAN: 19 Northern States and FCT urge national healing ahead Easter, seek greater empowerment of women
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in 19 Northern States and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have saluted the role of women in building societies ahead Easter celebration.
A statement by the chairman of the organisation, Reverend John Joseph Hayab emphasizes the critical role of women in the journey toward rebuilding society.
He said women have long stood as the unseen architects of homes, the moral compass of families, and the uncelebrated shapers of communities, hence the need for the northern region to pay special attention to their empowerment.
The statement reads below
As Christians across Nigeria and around the world celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), representing the 19 Northern States and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, extends heartfelt Easter greetings to the faithful and to all Nigerians.
The Easter season, beyond its profound spiritual depth, presents a powerful opportunity for reflection on the redemptive sacrifice of Christ. His sacrifice was grounded in love, compassion, and a deep commitment to the common good of humanity.
Easter reminds us that even in the face of pain and despair, hope can be reborn. It is a celebration of triumph through sacrifice and an invitation for all of us to awaken our collective conscience. Now more than ever, we must rise above selfish interests, fear, and disunity, especially as our nation and the northern region in particular grapple with insecurity, moral decline, and leadership challenges.
This year, the Christian Association of Nigeria in Northern Nigeria emphasizes the critical role of women in the journey toward rebuilding society. Women have long stood as the unseen architects of homes, the moral compass of families, and the uncelebrated shapers of communities.
Both historical and biblical accounts show us that when women are empowered, entire societies experience transformation. From the bravery of Queen Esther to the wisdom of Deborah and the unwavering devotion of Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ, the role of women in defining moments is unmistakable.
In the present realities of Northern Nigeria, what we need are women who not only nurture life but also shape futures. We need mothers who raise sons grounded in discipline and daughters prepared for leadership and impact. Denying girls access to education does more than limit individual potential. It threatens our collective future. A girl who is denied education today may become a mother tomorrow who lacks the capacity to guide her children away from violence, ignorance, and moral collapse.It is our shared responsibility to empower women and girls through accessible education, structured mentorship, and real opportunities.
We must raise daughters who lead with wisdom and integrity. We must invest in women who turn their homes into spaces of peace, their communities into beacons of learning, and their leadership into vehicles of selfless service.
The Easter story remains one of the most powerful examples of sacrifice. Jesus Christ gave His life for a world that often rejected Him. That sacrifice was not made in comfort but through suffering and divine purpose. This same spirit of sacrifice must now define how we respond to the urgent needs of Northern Nigeria.
Parents must treat the education and moral upbringing of their children as sacred duties. Sending children to school and ensuring they stay until completion is a noble sacrifice that yields lasting rewards. Leaders must be willing to prioritize the well-being of their people above personal interest. Communities must choose unity instead of division, truth in place of convenience, and peace over conflict.
As we celebrate this Easter, we must also acknowledge the sorrow and grief brought on by the ongoing violence in some parts of Northern Nigeria particularly in Plateau and Benue States. This tragic incident is a reminder on the need for urgent action against all forms of criminal activities in northern states and Nigeria at large.
While communities must play their part, governments at both the state and federal levels must not remain indifferent. A
As citizens continue to bear the brunt of banditry, displacement, and hardship, we urge the government to act with urgency, compassion, and conscience.We therefore make the following demands as leaders of CAN:
A renewed and strategic approach to securing lives and property in the North.
Adequate compensation and rehabilitation for victims of insurgency and violence.I
Increased commitment to girl-child education as a foundation for societal progress.
The implementation of inclusive policies that uphold justice, equity, and human dignity.
And the establishment and support of community-based peacebuilding and trauma-healing initiatives, especially for victims of violence and displaced persons.
True leadership, as exemplified by Jesus Christ, is not about power but about offering service. Our leaders, in this season of Easter, must embody compassion, accountability, and empathy in their decisions and actions.
As we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, may the significance of Easter inspire us beyond ritual and routine. Let it move us toward concrete action. Let it stir within us a willingness to make sacrifices for the collective good. Let it drive us to build a future where women take their rightful place as leaders, where children are raised in truth and love, and where governance is defined by justice and equity.
May the risen Christ renew our hope, restore our values, and strengthen our resolve to build a more peaceful Northern Nigeria and a greater nation.
We wish all Nigerians a joyful and meaningful Easter celebration. May God bless the women of Northern Nigeria and may He continue to bless our country.
Rev. John Joseph Hayab
Chairman, CAN 19 Northern States and FCT
