As Nigeria marks it 65th independence anniversary, the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, has lamented that terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and communal conflicts have inflicted deep pain on citizens and displaced families across the country.

In a statement released by CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, to mark Nigeria’s 65th independence anniversary, the apex Christian body congratulated the nation on the milestone, saying that while strides have been made in restoring safety, more still needs to be done to guarantee the protection of lives and property.

CAN urged sustained collaboration between security agencies, communities and faith-based organisations to consolidate peace.

The association described youths as Nigeria’s greatest asset but warned against the persistent brain drain that robs the country of its brightest minds.

“Nigeria must create the enabling environment that encourages its citizens, especially the youth, to stay, thrive, and contribute meaningfully to national development,” the statement said.

CAN further called for sustained investment in education, innovation and youth empowerment and appealed to leaders and citizens to rise above ethnic, religious, and political divides, insisting that national challenges can be overcome through collective sacrifice, patriotism, and trust in God.

“On this anniversary, let us renew our commitment to justice, equity, and good governance. Let us embrace hard work, pay our taxes faithfully, support local production, and show love to one another as one people under God,” the statement said.

CAN expressed optimism that with God’s help and the determination of citizens, the country can achieve unity and prosperity.

“The dawn of a new Nigeria is possible. With God’s help and our shared determination, we shall build a nation where peace, prosperity, and unity flourish for generations to come.”

The Christian association further warned that millions of citizens are still grappling with hunger, insecurity and joblessness despite ongoing reforms, stressing that true progress must go beyond economic statistics to tangible relief in households across the country.

It urged leaders to prioritise policies that deliver food security, protection of lives, and opportunities for young people, adding that true progress must be measured not only by statistics but by the food on every table, the security of every community, and the opportunities available to every child

CAN acknowledged that Nigeria has recorded notable growth in education, healthcare, infrastructure, agriculture, and telecommunications since independence, just as it recalled that from a handful of schools and institutions in 1960, the country now boasts thousands, producing generations of young men and women shaping the nation’s future.

However, the association stressed that the ‘unfinished’ business of nation-building is being undermined by rising cost of living, food insecurity, unemployment and inflation.

“We pray that God will grant our leaders the wisdom, courage and strength to drive the reforms to a point where Nigerians will rejoice, and may He protect them from sycophants who do not mean well for our nation,” the statement added.

Nigeria at 65: Terrorism, banditry, kidnapping have inflicted deep pain on citizens – CAN