Nigeria’s depth of despair is deepening as citizens wallow in hunger and insecurity under President Bola Tinubu’s government, says the president of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Archbishop Daniel Okoh.

The Nigerian Christian leader called for drastic efforts to reduce the “level of wickedness” in Nigeria.

“As we all know, our country, Nigeria, has been wallowing in hopelessness and despair for a long time.

“Many of our fellow citizens are at their breaking points, while some have given up hope entirely in the midst of extreme conditions of hunger, poverty, insecurity and disease,” stated the cleric.

Mr Okoh stated this at the opening mass of the 2025 first plenary of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria in Abuja on Sunday, themed ‘Jubilee of Hope: A Light for a New Nigeria’.

Mr Okoh described the conference theme as apt and admonished all Nigerians to return to God and re-establish or strengthen their relationship with Him.

Mr Okoh also called for reflection on the people’s existing relationships with one another and the entire creation in the light of God’s will.

“It inspires us to give courageous leadership to efforts geared towards drastically reducing the level of wickedness in the Nigerian society and to rekindle the hope in others for a new nation of abundance and joy.

“This theme resonates deeply with the spiritual and socio-political journey of our beloved nation.

“At a time when our country is yearning for healing, unity, justice, and renewal, the Church stands as a beacon of hope, illuminating the path toward a new Nigeria where righteousness, peace, and love shall reign,” said the CAN leader.

Mr Okoh explained that through its unwavering commitment to the Gospel and the common good, the Catholic Church continues to inspire positive transformation in Nigeria.

According to him, the prophetic voice, tireless advocacy for social justice, and the church’s unwavering stance on truth and equity remain a guiding light in these challenging times.

Mr Okoh said with all the genuine efforts of the church and all well-meaning Nigerians to bring positive transformation to the country, Nigeria would rise again.

He urged all Nigerians to be steadfast in faith, united in purpose, and committed to building a Nigeria where love, peace, and justice prevail.

Mr Okoh said CAN, which was co-founded by the CBCN in 1976, will clock 50 in 2026.

(NAN)