Akahi News learnt that the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has declared that there are chances Nigeria will rise again, no matter how hard life has been for its citizens. The message comes at a time when many Nigerians are questioning whether the country has any future at all.

According to CAN, this is the true meaning of Easter. It symbolises hope returning when it seemed lost. Life after despair. A new beginning after a difficult moment. And that message, the association insists, speaks directly to Nigeria today.

‘Hope has grown faint for some’

Akahi News gathered that Archbishop Daniel Okoh, President of CAN, issued the statement on Sunday. He painted a sobering picture of the nation’s current state.

Across the country, he noted, people are weary. Families are anxious. Many do not feel safe. Others are struggling just to get by. “For some, hope has grown faint,” the Archbishop admitted. Then came the Easter counterpunch: “But Easter tells us this is not the end. We do not have to remain where we are. We can rise, rebuild, and move forward, together.”

That is a bold claim. But is it backed by evidence or by faith? For CAN, it is both. Faith in the resurrection. And faith in the resilience of the Nigerian people.

A test of purpose for leaders

Archbishop Okoh did not spare those in power. “For those in leadership, this is a test of purpose. People must feel leadership, not just hear it. They are looking for action, for empathy, for visible efforts to improve their lives. That is how a nation begins to rise.”

Those words land like stones in a still pond. Nigerians have heard plenty of speeches. What they need are roads, electricity, security, and jobs. CAN is saying: Leadership must be felt, not just announced.

For the Church, the Archbishop said, this is a moment to stand firm and speak clearly. “People are searching for hope they can hold on to. The Church must be present; standing with the struggling, offering direction, and helping to light the way forward.”

Akahi News had earlier reported that religious bodies in Nigeria have often been criticised for being silent in the face of oppression. CAN appears to be choosing a different path this Easter.

No time to give up on one another

And for Nigerians everywhere, Archbishop Okoh declared, this is no time to give up on one another. “There may be those intent on keeping the rest of us in fear, but we must resist; not with panic or division, but with courage, solidarity, and a shared belief in one another.”

Hard times can divide, he acknowledged. But they can also unite. “If we choose unity over suspicion and look out for one another, change becomes not just possible, but certain.”

Here is the question that lingers after the Archbishop’s words: Will Nigerians actually choose unity? Or will ethnic and religious fault lines continue to be exploited by those who benefit from division?

CAN’s final message is both a prayer and a challenge. “Easter is more than a celebration; it is a decision. A decision to rise above our differences, to stand together, and to confront what holds us back. And if we make that choice, together, then Nigeria will rise again.”

The tomb is empty. The question is whether Nigeria’s future will also be empty—or whether it will be filled with the resurrection of hope, action, and collective will. CAN has chosen its answer. Now it is over to the leaders and the people.

Fact summary box:
– Speaker: Archbishop Daniel Okoh, President of CAN
– Occasion: Easter Sunday 2026
– Core message: Nigeria will rise again despite hardship
– Easter symbolism: Hope returning, life after despair, new beginnings
– Current Nigerian reality acknowledged: Weary families, anxiety, lack of safety, struggling citizens, faint hope
– Message to leaders: People must feel leadership, not just hear it; action and empathy needed
– Message to Church: Stand firm, speak clearly, be present with struggling
– Message to Nigerians: No time to give up; resist fear with courage and solidarity; choose unity
– Final declaration: Easter is a decision to rise above differences
– Condition for change: If Nigerians choose unity and look out for one another, change becomes certain