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‎‎Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, felicitates the Muslim faithful, as they observe this year’s (Eid-ul-Adha) festival, also known as the Eid-el-Kabir.
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‎He described Eid al-Adha festival as a blessed and glorious festival through which Muslims worship God and show complete dedication to Him.
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‎Rejoicing with the entire Muslim ummah on the occasion, the governor called for more support for the government in the state and Nigeria, soliciting for more prayers for all leaders.
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‎He appreciated all Muslims in the state for their unrelenting support for his administration, stating that the peaceful co-existence of people of different faiths in the state remains a source of pride and a tribute to their shared values of tolerance, respect, and unity.
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‎He assured that his administration will continue to put the interests and wellbeing of everyone living in the state first, promising accelerated and sustainable development for his people.
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‎The Governor wished all Muslim faithful in Benue State and beyond, a joyous and blessed celebration, praying to God to accept and reward the sacrifices of all worshippers.
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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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