By Wumi Tewogbade, Abuja 

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has said in view of the current economic crunch in Nigeria, leaders must not be loud, but be  restraint, have empathy and be focused on the common good of the people.

In a statement issued by Archbishop Daniel Okoh,President,CAN, in commemoration of Palm Sunday in Abuja.

The CAN President, lamented about the state of the nation, saying families are feeling the weight of time, cost of living is rising and normal daily lives is getting harder for families.

He said food cost is rising, transportation is high and for many Nigerians is how to stay afloat. 
He said it is at this time leaders must make decisions that would ease the pain and burdens of Nigerians.

The statement reads, “As we observe Palm Sunday, we remember a powerful moment. Jesus entered Jerusalem with calm resolve, at a time of uncertainty and expectation. It was not a show of force, but a message of peace, purpose, and hope. In a tense atmosphere, he chose humility; riding on a colt, not in the trappings of power. That choice still speaks to us today.

“Across Nigeria, many are feeling the weight of the times. The cost of living is rising. For countless families, daily life is getting harder. Events far beyond our borders; especially tensions involving Iran, Israel, and the United States, are unsettling global energy markets.

The impact is already here. Fuel is more expensive. Transport costs are rising. Food prices are climbing. In moments like this, the calm and clarity of Palm Sunday matter even more.

“For many Nigerians, the concern is simple and immediate: how to cope, how to plan, how to stay afloat. When life feels this uncertain, the tone of national life matters. Words carry weight. Actions have consequences. Palm Sunday reminds us that in tense moments, people need reassurance. They need stability.

They need the quiet confidence that those in positions of responsibility understand what they are going through.

“That is why the lesson of Palm Sunday matters for leadership. True leadership is not always loud. It is seen in restraint, in empathy, and in a steady focus on the common good. It is reflected in decisions that ease burdens, calm anxieties, and bring people together. This is a time for such wisdom”.

The CAN boss, therefore urged all Christians in Nigeria, to stand firm on faith, stand together and in peace.

“For the Church and all people of faith, Palm Sunday is also a call to responsibility. It reminds us of a rare moment when people from all walks of life came together with one purpose: to welcome the Messiah in hope, humility, and expectation. That same spirit is needed now.

We must stand for peace. We must strengthen unity. We must support one another. In a season that can easily tilt towards tension, we must remain a steady source of light and hope.

“And to every Nigerian, especially the young and those feeling the strain most deeply, do not lose hope. The challenges are real, but they are not the end of the story.

“As we journey through this sacred season, may the spirit of Palm Sunday guide us towards quiet courage, shared purpose, and a renewed commitment to the good of all”, he urged.

The Hausawa Tsantsa Movement Mesa Ta Tashi hereby issues this press statement to formally express appreciation to Congressman Rerly M. Moore for his legislative initiative through the proposed Religion Freedom and Accountability Act 2026.

This motion is viewed as a significant contribution toward strengthening global conversations around religious liberty, institutional responsibility, and protection of vulnerable populations affected by extremism and abuse carried out in the name of religion. We acknowledge the importance of legislative oversight in ensuring that religion remains a force for peace, justice, and coexistence across societies.

We further note the reported proposal within the motion to examine and possibly designate certain individuals and organizations, including the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association, under terrorism-related scrutiny where credible evidence exists. As law-abiding citizens committed to peace, the Hausawa Muslim, Christian, and traditional worshipping communities support lawful, evidence-based processes that promote national and international security while respecting due process and human rights standards. Any designation must be based on verified intelligence, legal review, and international best practices.

Our support for this motion is rooted in the long-standing history of coexistence among religious communities within Hausawa society. Across generations, Muslims, Christians, and adherents of traditional beliefs have shared markets, neighborhoods, and cultural values centered on mutual respect and social stability. The protection of religious freedom is therefore not only a constitutional matter but also a cultural necessity for sustaining peace in diverse societies.

In addition, we respectfully encourage Congressman Moore to extend his legislative and diplomatic attention to issues surrounding the operations and accountability frameworks of religious enforcement bodies such as the Hisbah Command operating in Kano State. While moral and social regulation structures may exist within constitutional frameworks, there remains a need for transparency, accountability, and alignment with universally accepted human rights principles to prevent misuse of authority or discrimination against minorities.

We also call for objective international dialogue on the application of Sharia-inspired policies within constitutional democracies, particularly where such policies intersect with pluralistic societies. In regions historically influenced by the Sokoto Caliphate legacy and traditional emirate governance structures such as that of Katsina, it is important that governance models evolve in ways that protect religious minorities while preserving cultural heritage and social harmony.

Furthermore, the Hausawa Tsantsa Movement Mesa Ta Tashi reiterates its commitment to peaceful advocacy, social justice, and constructive engagement with global partners. We believe that meaningful reforms and legislative actions must aim to reduce violence, counter extremism, and promote inclusive governance systems that give equal protection to all citizens regardless of faith, ethnicity, or cultural background.

Finally, we extend our appreciation once again to Congressman Rerly M. Moore for initiating discussions that may strengthen global standards on religious accountability and freedom. We remain hopeful that continued engagement between international policymakers and local communities will help build safer societies, reinforce the rule of law, and promote sustainable peace across regions facing religious and security challenges.

Written by Hajiya Kaltume Alumbe Jitami, Hausawa Tsantsa Movement Mesa Ta Tashi

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By Wumi Tewogbade , Abuja

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, (FCT MPWB) said it has concluded arrangements to commence the education and orientation exercise for 2026 Intending Pilgrims this weekend.

This was contained in a statement from the Public Relations Officer of the Board, Muhammad Lawal Aliyu.

It said that the first phase of the orientation exercise is billed to take place on Saturday, 10th and Sunday, 11th January 2026 at the FCT Permanent Hajj camp located at Basan Jiwa, close to the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport, Abuja.

According to the spokesperson for the Board, Islamic scholars have already been mobilized for the exercise to prepare the intending pilgrims for a smooth Hajj exercise.

He explained that the exercise would be conducted in phases and in seven languages as usual to enable the Intending Pilgrims get acquainted with the hajj rites as well as new policies introduced for this year’s Hajj by the Saudi Authorities and National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).

Muhammad Lawal disclosed that the Board has already mapped out strategies to educate the intending pilgrims on the religious exercise, especially as new policies were introduced by the Saudi Arabian government this year which are more challenging to the success of the journey.
He advised Intending Pilgrims from the Territory for this year’s Hajj to participate in all programmes organized by the Board aimed to assist them to attain acceptable hajj.

The PRO also urged all intending pilgrims, to take advantage of the exercise to get value for their money by attaining proper guidance on the journey, enhance their Islamic knowledge on Hajj rites and discharge their religious obligations in accordance to the Islamic doctrines.

Similarly, according the spokesperson, the board is billed to conduct compulsory medical screening for all intending pilgrims from Monday 12th January 2026 at the permanent hajj camp.

He stressed that the screening would enable the board to determine the health status of all intending pilgrims which is one of the major equipments for the issuance of visa by Saudi Arabia this year.
According to the PRO, Intending Pilgrims from Gwagwalada, Kwali and Abaji Area councils would undergo the medical screening on Monday 12/01/2016 while Intending Pilgrims from Kuje, Bwari and Abuja Municipal would be screened on Tuesday 13/01/2026.

Intending Pilgrims that registered through Headquarters, JAIZ and Annex would have their screening exercise on Wednesday 14/01/2026 at the Hajj camp.

The statement disclosed that the compulsory medical screening exercise would be conducted from 8 o’clock in the morning each day and strongly warned that without the medical screening, the Board would not be able to secure pilgrims’ visa to Saudi Arabia.
He therefore, also warned all intending pilgrims who are yet to return their completed application forms or submit their international Passports to do so immediately to enable the Board commence the process of their travel documents.