CAN urges further action to reduce hunger in Nigeria

By Lukman Olabiyi

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Lagos State chapter, has commended President Bola Tinubu for his various initiatives to tackle hardship in the country but has called for further efforts to reduce hunger to the barest minimum.

The association made this call in a statement issued by the office of the Chairman, Lagos State CAN, Bishop Stephen Adegbite, and signed by his media aide, Rev. Oladapo Daramola, while announcing its annual ecumenical prayer programme slated for Saturday, 22nd February.

According to the statement, the prayer programme, known as the Inter-Denominational Divine Service (IDDS 2025), is themed Total Restoration (Joel 2:25). It has been a central part of the Lagos State CAN calendar, drawing thousands of Christians from across the state under one roof to pray and commit the state and the nation into the hands of God.

The statement read in part: “The situation in the country makes it imperative for Christians to gather and pray. While there are noticeable improvements in some areas due to the bold policy direction embarked upon by the current administrations of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the federal level and Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu at the state level, we cannot deny that other critical sectors of the economy require attention for the yearnings and expectations of Nigerians, including Lagosians, to be fully met. The level of hunger in the land can be further reduced to the barest minimum. As we continue to partner with the government on realistic measures to physically improve the situation, we recognise the need to intercede and seek God’s face for divine direction and lasting solutions, for it is in Him that we trust.”

“While we will continue to unequivocally demand good governance and other deliverables that will make life meaningful and comfortable for Nigerians, especially from the federal government, we are also charged in the scriptures to ‘watch and pray.’ Hence, this solemn assembly will afford us the opportunity to lift our voices to God, who has the capacity to right all wrongs and make all crooked paths straight for the betterment of Nigerians.”

“It is no exaggeration that Lagos is the economic capital of Nigeria, serving as the centre that holds everything together, given that every ethnic nationality is represented here. This is why Lagos State CAN sees the need to organise this event annually, trusting that God will hearken to our prayers and restore peace to every part of this country. We cannot fail in believing in God. With Him, all things are possible.”

The statement disclosed that Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, members of his cabinet, lawmakers from the Lagos State House of Assembly, the judiciary, and various religious leaders from different CAN blocs will be present at the service, which is scheduled to hold at the LAWNA Territorial Headquarters of The Apostolic Church.