“We Came to Say Thank You”: CAN Praises Tinubu for Policies Aimed at Poor Nigerians

The leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria has explained that its recent visit to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was driven by gratitude for what it described as government policies and interventions targeted at supporting poor and vulnerable Nigerians at a time of widespread economic hardship. The President of CAN, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, made this known after leading a high-powered delegation to the Presidential Villa in Abuja, where they met with the president and exchanged goodwill messages.

According to Okoh, the visit was part of the association’s long-standing tradition of engaging national leaders, particularly during the Christmas season, to promote unity, peace, and responsible governance. He said CAN considered it important to acknowledge efforts made by the federal government to cushion the effects of rising living costs on ordinary citizens, even as the country continues to grapple with economic and security challenges.

The CAN president explained that the delegation deliberately chose to frame the meeting as a courtesy visit rather than a confrontational engagement, stressing that gratitude and constructive dialogue remain essential tools for national development. He noted that while Nigerians are facing genuine difficulties, it is equally important to recognize initiatives designed to bring relief, especially to the poorest segments of society who are often the hardest hit by economic reforms.

Okoh said the association used the opportunity to commend policies and programmes aimed at social welfare and poverty alleviation, describing them as steps in the right direction. He added that CAN encouraged the president to sustain and expand such initiatives so that their impact can be felt more directly at the grassroots level, where hunger, unemployment, and lack of access to basic services remain pressing concerns.

He emphasized that religious bodies like CAN are in constant touch with communities across the country and are well positioned to understand the daily struggles of Nigerians. From churches in urban centers to congregations in remote rural areas, Okoh said Christian leaders witness firsthand the toll of economic hardship on families, youths, and the elderly. This, he explained, informed CAN’s decision to publicly acknowledge any effort that seeks to ease the burden on the poor.

Beyond expressing gratitude, the CAN president disclosed that the delegation also shared prayers and goodwill messages with President Tinubu, urging him to remain steadfast in confronting the nation’s challenges. He said prayers were offered for wisdom, strength, and courage as the president continues to navigate complex issues such as insecurity, inflation, unemployment, and social tension.

Okoh noted that insecurity remains a major concern for Christians and Nigerians at large, particularly in regions affected by banditry, kidnapping, and communal violence. He said CAN used the meeting to encourage the federal government to intensify efforts to restore peace and protect lives and property, stressing that no meaningful economic progress can be achieved in an atmosphere of fear and instability.

The CAN president also highlighted the importance of national cohesion, noting that Nigeria’s diversity, while a strength, requires deliberate leadership and inclusive policies to prevent division. He said religious leaders have a moral responsibility to support policies that promote justice, compassion, and peaceful coexistence among citizens, regardless of ethnic or religious differences.

According to him, the association reiterated its belief that governance should prioritize the welfare of the weakest members of society, arguing that the true measure of leadership lies in how it treats the poor and vulnerable. He added that CAN remains committed to speaking up for those who have no voice, while also supporting initiatives that align with the values of fairness and human dignity.

Okoh further disclosed that the delegation encouraged President Tinubu to continue engaging faith-based organizations as partners in nation-building. He stressed that collaboration between government and religious institutions is crucial for effective service delivery, particularly at the grassroots. Churches, he noted, often serve as first responders in times of crisis, providing food, shelter, counseling, and other forms of support to struggling Nigerians.

He explained that faith-based groups have extensive networks that cut across urban and rural communities, making them valuable allies in implementing and monitoring social intervention programmes. By working closely with such groups, Okoh said the government can ensure that assistance reaches intended beneficiaries and reduces cases of exclusion or mismanagement.

The CAN president also reaffirmed the association’s commitment to continuous engagement with authorities at all levels, emphasizing that dialogue remains preferable to hostility. He said CAN believes that constructive criticism, combined with prayer and cooperation, can help steer the country toward stability and prosperity.

Members of the delegation, which included senior Christian leaders from different parts of the country, echoed these sentiments and reaffirmed their resolve to keep praying for Nigeria. They stressed that despite the challenges facing the nation, hope must be kept alive through collective effort, responsible leadership, and a shared commitment to the common good.

The visit comes at a time when public opinion remains sharply divided over the impact of recent economic reforms, with many Nigerians expressing frustration over rising prices and declining purchasing power. While critics argue that the pain has been severe, supporters of the administration maintain that some policies are necessary for long-term economic stability. CAN’s intervention, framed as an expression of gratitude rather than blind endorsement, reflects a nuanced approach that acknowledges hardship while recognizing efforts aimed at relief.

Okoh was careful to clarify that thanking the president does not mean ignoring the suffering of Nigerians. Instead, he said, it represents an attempt to encourage leadership to do more, guided by compassion and accountability. He reiterated that CAN will continue to monitor developments and speak out whenever policies or actions threaten the welfare of citizens.

As the country moves beyond the festive season and into a new year filled with uncertainty and expectation, the CAN president urged Nigerians not to lose faith in the possibility of a better future. He called on leaders at all levels to govern with empathy and integrity, and on citizens to remain peaceful and united in the face of adversity.

In reaffirming its commitment to justice, compassion, and improved living conditions for all Nigerians, CAN positioned itself as both a moral voice and a willing partner in the task of nation-building. The association’s visit to President Tinubu, according to Okoh, was ultimately about encouraging leadership that listens, cares, and acts in the interest of the most vulnerable, while keeping alive the hope of a more just and prosperous Nigeria.