CAN on pre-Christmas stampedes: Organisers’ intentions noble, commendable, mustn’t be discouraged

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has urged Nigerians to allow the essence of Christmas to manifest in them and also strive to become the agents of change.

The body also said the sponsors of the pre-Christmas philanthropic gestures which led to stampedes in some parts of the country, should not be discouraged in any way, saying their intentions were noble and commendable.

CAN President Archbishop Daniel Okoh said this in a Christmas message Wednesday in Abuja.

In the message CAN said: “Christmas is a time of joy and togetherness, celebrating God’s greatest gift to mankind, Jesus Christ, our Saviour and the Light of the World. As we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, we are called to reflect on His values and teachings, which provide hope, peace, and guidance, especially during challenging times.

“This Christmas comes with a mix of joy and sorrow for many Nigerians. The recent stampedes at charity events in Abuja and Anambra, where innocent lives were lost, have left us grieving as a nation. These heart-breaking incidents highlight the growing desperation among our people and the erosion of societal values such as patience, orderliness, and respect for one another. For those grieving or injured, I urge you to find strength in the love of Jesus Christ, whose birth we celebrate. He is the source of our comfort and peace in times of sorrow and our guide to a brighter future.”

On the stampedes resulting from sharing of food items, the CAN leader said: “The philanthropists involved in these events have, for many years, brought relief and joy to the less privileged during Christmas. Their intentions were noble, and their generosity is commendable and should not be discouraged in any way.

“However, this year’s tragedies remind us that as a society, we must revisit the values that bind us together. Nigerians must learn to embody Christ like virtues, such as patience, empathy, discipline, and dignity, particularly in times of collective need. It is only by returning to these values that we can prevent such unfortunate occurrences in the future.

“These incidents also highlight the urgent need for our government to prioritise food security. The desperation we witnessed reflects the harsh realities many Nigerians face daily. Jesus Christ, during His ministry, not only fed multitudes with compassion but also called for fairness and justice in meeting the needs of others. Our leaders must remain resolute in the fight against hunger and take decisive steps to ensure that no Nigerian is left hungry or in need. Strengthening the agricultural sector, reducing food prices, and addressing inequality must be at the forefront of governance.”

“As we commemorate the birth of Christ, let this Christmas inspire us to be agents of change in our society. Citizens must commit to fostering peace and orderliness in their communities. Leaders must act with compassion and wisdom to create a nation where every individual’s basic needs are met. And as individuals, let us strive to live out the teachings of Jesus by showing love, patience, and care to those around us.

“May this Christmas remind us that Jesus Christ is the foundation of hope and order, and may His light guide us in building a united and prosperous Nigeria. Together, as we look to Him, we can overcome our challenges and usher in a brighter future for all.

“May the joy, peace, and hope of Christmas fill your hearts and homes. Merry Christmas!” the statement added.

…Buni, Mutfwang, Ododo, Aliyu urge unity

In his Christmas message, Yobe state Governor Hon. Mai Mala congratulated Christian faithful and thanked God for the improved peace and security in the state, saying people now move freely pursuing their legitimate businesses. 

A statement by Director General Media and Press Affairs to the governor, Mamman Mohammed quoted Buni as saying: “This calls for celebration and to appreciate God for making the state more secure and peaceful.”  

He urged faithful to use the occasion to pray for more peace, security and prosperity of the state and country.

“We should build and promote more peace and peaceful coexistence for the development of the state” Buni said.

The governor also hosted the state branch of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), during which he urged religious leaders to preach peace, love and justice.

“We should spread the message of love because we are all created and loved by God. 

“All the scriptures preached and promoted peace, we should therefore be our brothers’ keepers,” the governor said.

Leader of the delegation, Prof. John Onyema, commended Governor Buni for the sense of belonging given to Christians and Nigerians from other states resident in the state. 

“You have demonstrated true leadership and supported everyone in the state without recourse to religious and ethnic backgrounds

“We appreciate your developmental strides of providing services and projects enjoyed by everyone in the state. 

“As the 2025 New Year sets in, we urge you to continue doing the good works for the benefit of all,” Onyema said. 

The governor was presented with an award of excellence in appreciation and for supporting the North East unity Carol.

In a similar message, Plateau state Governor Caleb Mutfwang called on Christians to embody the values of love, kindness, and generosity as exemplified by Jesus Christ and offer prayers for the peace, unity, and progress of the state and the country as a whole.

In a statement by his spokesman, Gyang Bere, Governor Mutfwang said Christians should uphold humanity during the celebrations.

“It is with profound joy and gratitude to Almighty God that I extend my warmest greetings and best wishes to you as we celebrate the glorious occasion of Christmas. This sacred season reminds us of God’s boundless love and the hope brought to humanity through the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

“Christmas is a season of love, selflessness, and generosity. It is a time to embrace unity, share with those in need, and renew our commitment to building bridges of understanding and reconciliation. I sincerely pray that this season inspires us to work together for peace, uplift one another, and foster the virtues that strengthen our communities,” Mutfwang said.

He expressed hope that the celebration would deepen the faith of Christians, reconcile them with God, and inspire a renewed sense of togetherness and unity in diversity. 

While acknowledging the economic hardships facing Nigerians, Mutfwang reassured citizens of his administration’s steadfast commitment to addressing their challenges and creating opportunities to improve living conditions across Plateau state.

“Let us draw inspiration from the spirit of Christmas to remain resilient, hopeful, and united in the pursuit of peace and progress. 

“Together, we can overcome the challenges of today and build a brighter future for Plateau State and Nigeria. Brighter days are indeed ahead,” he said.

Also, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi state, urged peace, love and compassion for the less privileged.
The message was contained in a statement Wednesday by the special adviser to the governor on media Hon. Ismail Isah in Lokoja.

Ododo described Christmas as a joyous occasion that brings families together to celebrate boundless love and compassion reminiscent of the life of Jesus Christ.

“This festive season is a time to celebrate love, unity, and to reflect on the eternal values of peace, hope, and selfless service that define the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.

“Christmas presents an opportunity for us to rededicate ourselves to the virtues of compassion, tolerance, and kindness. It is a time to reach out to those in need, share the warmth of our hearts, and strengthen the bonds that unite us as a people,” Ododo said.

While encouraging the people to emulate the virtues of Jesus Christ “whose life inspires the world to embrace compassion, generosity, and unity, he commended the people for living together in peace, and for the unwavering spirit of resilience, urging them to strengthen the bonds of love and friendship within families and neighbourhoods.”

The governor expressed optimism that the boundless love demonstrated by the people in commemoration of this year’s Christmas will further inspire the administration to work even harder towards the collective progress and development of Kogi state.

From Sokoto, one of our reporters quoted Governor Ahmed Aliyu as calling on Christians in the state to use the Christmas season to promote the peaceful coexistence the state is renowned for. 

“Sokoto is known to be peaceful for a very long time and we need to maintain that hard-earned reputation.

“The best way we can achieve that is by contributing our quota individually and collectively, so we all have that responsibility,” he added.

The governor enjoined Christians in the state to continue to live in peace with their host communities in the overall development of the state. 

He described Sokoto as a home for all, irrespective of tribal or religious backgrounds, citing examples with free education given to all students including those of the resident community.

The governor said the present administration had executed a myriad of developmental projects in the Christian-dominated areas in the state, and called on them to ensure harmonious coexistence.

He further called on them to continue to support the present administration in its effort to make Sokoto better, and wished the Christian community merry Christmas, and a happy and prosperous new year.

 …Northern senators too 

Also in their separate goodwill messages, the immediate past Senate President Ahmad Lawan (APC Yobe North) and entire senators from the North admonished Nigerians to embrace unity, tolerance, love and harmony for the progress of Nigeria.

Lawan, in a personally signed statement on Christmas day, said unity, tolerance and harmony were essentials for Nation’s progress.

He said: “I extend my heartfelt greetings to all Nigerians, particularly our Christian brothers and sisters as they celebrate the birth of Christ. 

“Christmas is a time of joy, love, and giving, and it is a time to reflect on the importance of peace, unity, and tolerance in our nation.

“Tolerance and understanding are essential ingredients for our nation’s progress. 

“We must learn to respect and appreciate the diversity of our country and to embrace the differences that make us unique. 

“Unity is the bedrock of any successful nation. When we stand together, we are stronger and better equipped to overcome any challenge that may come our way. 

“Let us use this Christmas season to bridge the divides that separate us and to build a truly united Nigeria where all citizens are treated equally.

“Let us also remember the less fortunate amongst us at this time. Let us reach out to those in need and share our blessings with them. By practicing charity and compassion, we not only make a difference in the lives of others but also enrich our own,” he said.  

Similarly, the Northern Senators’ Forum (NSF) in a statement by its chairman, Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar’Adua (APC Katsina Central), urged all Nigerians to embrace love, peace, and harmony during this festive season.

It said: “The Northern Senators Forum takes this opportunity to pray for Nigeria’s continued peace and prosperity. May God bless our nation and guide our leaders towards making decisions that promote the well-being of all citizens. May this festive season bring joy, happiness, and closer ties with loved ones.

“As we share this special time with family and friends, let us not forget those who are less fortunate. The Forum encourages Nigerians to extend a helping hand to those in need, spreading love and kindness throughout our communities.

“May the spirit of the season inspire us to work towards a brighter future for our great nation, Nigeria.”

…Olubadan

And from Ibadan, Oyo state, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin, urged Christians all over the world to emulate the virtues of Jesus Christ.

Oba Olakulehin made the call Wednesday in a statement made available to journalists by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Solomon Ayoade.

According to the royal father, the virtues of Jesus Christ included love, forgiveness, provision for the needy, religious tolerance and peaceful co -existence among others.

Oba Olakulehin noted that there is the need to love one another, as lack of genuine love amongst citizens is the bane of our society and indeed the world. 

The Olubadan stressed the need “for a love of Christ-driven world that will eliminate all the vices and injustice at all levels pervading our society and man’s inhumanity to man across the world.”

“My admonition in this season is for us to embrace love as a way of life for a better Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria and the world at large,” he said.

The Olubadan enjoined the well-to-do in the society to remember the poor and vulnerable, encouraging them to provide support in meeting their needs in the spirit of the season and beyond.

He also appreciated the support of the Olubadan Advisory Council, executive members of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), traditional title holders, Mogajis, Baales, palace staff as well as the entire indigenes and residents of Ibadanland, wishing them all a merry Christmas and Happy New year in advance.