Eid: Nigeria needs moral reset now — Catholic Bishops

2026-03-20 - 15:13

By Luminous Jannamike The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has called for an urgent moral reset and national unity, urging leaders and citizens alike to confront deepening insecurity, economic hardship, and widening social divisions, as Muslims celebrate Eid al-Fitr. The goodwill message, issued to mark the end of Ramadan, quickly shifts into a broader national appeal, using the rare alignment of Christian and Muslim fasting periods this year to press for shared responsibility, interfaith solidarity, and a renewed commitment to justice, truth, and the common good at a critical moment for the country. The call was contained in a statement by the CBCN President, Most Rev. Matthew Man-Oso Ndagoso, Archbishop of Kaduna. “Your discipline in fasting, prayer, and almsgiving is a powerful witness to faith, self-restraint, and devotion to God, an inspiring example in a world often marked by excess, distraction, and division,” the bishops said. They described the simultaneous observance of fasting by Christians and Muslims as more than a coincidence, pointing instead to a shared spiritual foundation with the potential to ease long-standing divisions. “This providential convergence highlights our shared commitment to sacrifice, prayer, and reliance on God. It reminds us that we are bound together in a common pursuit of peace and righteousness,” they added. Amid mounting national challenges, the bishops stressed that the moment demands more than passive tolerance, urging Nigerians to move towards active collaboration in rebuilding the country. “It calls us to move beyond mere coexistence and truly live as brothers and sisters, working side by side to build a nation founded on justice, truth, and mutual respect,” the bishops said. They added that such renewal must be anchored in enduring values, including sacrifice, solidarity with the poor, forgiveness, and reverence for God, which they described as essential for healing and national renewal. As Muslims mark the end of Ramadan, the bishops also offered prayers for lasting spiritual impact across the country. “We pray that the fruits of Ramadan will endure, renewing hearts, purifying intentions, and deepening compassion, while bringing abundant blessings to your families and to our nation. “May Almighty God bless our nation with unity, protect all who dwell in it, and guide our leaders in the path of righteousness and in the service of the common good,” they added.