As Nigeria celebrates Christmas, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) President Daniel Okoh has urged believers to balance festive joy with “wisdom and vigilance.” Highlighting the triumph of light over darkness, he appealed to security agencies to increase their presence around places of worship to protect congregations amid current national security and economic challenges.
Addressing church leaders in high-risk areas, Okoh prioritized the safety of lives over traditional large gatherings. He suggested holding services in safer locations or smaller groups where security is lacking. “In places where adequate security presence is lacking, church leaders should prayerfully consider holding services in safer locations or smaller gatherings,” he said.
Beyond security, the message offered hope amidst economic hardship, reminding Nigerians that God has not abandoned them. Okoh called for national healing and peaceful coexistence to secure the country’s future. He emphasized the importance of unity, noting, ”Nigeria is our only home,” he noted. “Its future depends on our collective resolve.”