As the Christmas season approaches, the Niger State Chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has urged Christians to use this festive period to pray for the country’s leaders. The call to prayer is aimed at guiding the nation through its current challenges and implementing initiatives to alleviate the hardships faced by the citizens.
Most Rev. Dr. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, the state CAN chairman, emphasized the significance of prayer in his Christmas message titled ‘The hour has come, wake up! (Romans 13:11)’. He specifically urged for prayers for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Rt. Hon. Umar Mohammed Bago, asking for blessings, courage, and wisdom for them to navigate the nation out of its current predicaments.
Yohanna, who also serves as the Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese, called upon the residents of the state to unite with the governor in realizing the New Niger Agenda. Additionally, he extended his congratulations to the people of Niger and the entire Christendom for yet another Christmas celebration, while urging fellow Christians to remember those affected by insecurity.
In his address, he urged for prayers for various vulnerable segments of the society, including individuals held captive by bandits and other criminals, as well as the poor, widows, orphans, the abandoned, drug addicts, the bereaved, the sick, the elderly, and more. He emphasized the importance of remembering and praying for these marginalized groups, highlighting the core message of Christmas as a celebration of God’s love, forgiveness, mercy, and compassion.
This call to prayer by the Christian Association of Nigeria serves as a reminder of the integral role of faith and unity in addressing societal challenges, especially during a time of joy and reflection such as Christmas. It amplifies the message of compassion and solidarity, inviting individuals to come together in seeking hope and relief for those in need.
