Eid-el-Fitr: Catholic Bishops ask Nigerians to confront insecurity, hardship

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has urged Nigerians to confront insecurity, economic hardship, and social divisions as Muslims celebrate Eid-el-Fitr.

In a goodwill message marking the end of Ramadan, the Bishops called for national unity and a renewed commitment to justice, truth, and the common good.

The message was contained in a statement issued by Archbishop Matthew Man-Oso Ndagoso of Kaduna and president of the conference.

The Bishops said the simultaneous observance of fasting by Christians and Muslims this year provides an opportunity to strengthen interfaith solidarity.

They said the convergence reflects a shared spiritual commitment to sacrifice, prayer, and reliance on God.

Part of the statement read: “Your discipline in fasting, prayer, and almsgiving is a powerful witness to faith, self-restraint, and devotion to God, an inspiring example in a world often marked by excess, distraction, and division.”

The Bishops said the overlap of Christian and Muslim fasting seasons should encourage cooperation among Nigerians.

“This providential convergence highlights our shared commitment to sacrifice, prayer, and reliance on God. It reminds us that we are bound together in a common pursuit of peace and righteousness,”  they said.

The clerics said Nigerians must move beyond passive tolerance to active collaboration in rebuilding the country.

“It calls us to move beyond mere coexistence and truly live as brothers and sisters, working side by side to build a nation founded on justice, truth, and mutual respect,” they said.

The Bishops added that national renewal must be anchored on values such as sacrifice, solidarity with the poor, forgiveness, and reverence for God.

“We pray that the fruits of Ramadan will endure, renewing hearts, purifying intentions, and deepening compassion, while bringing abundant blessings to your families and to our nation.

“May Almighty God bless our nation with unity, protect all who dwell in it, and guide our leaders in the path of righteousness and in the service of the common good,” the statement concluded.