The Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese and Niger CAN Chairman, Dr. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna.
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Niger State Chapter, has called on both the federal and Niger State governments to urgently intensify efforts aimed at alleviating the suffering of citizens and addressing the persistent insecurity challenges affecting the state.
In an Easter message titled “Be Hopeful, Be Resilient, Be Compassionate,” the State Chairman of CAN, Most Rev. Dr Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, urged Christians to reflect the essence of the season by extending love and support to the less privileged, including widows, orphans, and other vulnerable groups.
Bishop Yohanna, who is also the Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese, described Easter as the joyful culmination of the Lenten season marked by prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.
He noted that the celebration symbolises hope, renewal, and God’s enduring love for humanity, as reflected in 1 Corinthians 15:3–4.
“We urge the Federal and State Governments to take decisive steps to alleviate the sufferings of the people and bring an end to the insecurity that has ravaged our communities, claimed innocent lives, disrupted farming activities, and displaced many of our citizens,” he said.
The CAN Chairman further called on residents to remain steadfast in prayers for Niger State, emphasising the need for unity, peaceful coexistence, and divine guidance for leaders, particularly Governor Umaru Bago.
“Let us pray that God grants him the wisdom and strength to effectively pursue and actualise the ‘New Niger Agenda.’ It is our hope that all ongoing projects will be completed for the benefit of the people,” he added.
Bishop Yohanna also encouraged citizens, especially Christians, to actively participate in the 2027 general elections, stressing the importance of civic responsibility in shaping the future of the state and the nation.
He further urged the state government to sustain inclusive governance that accommodates all segments of society.
“Let us be living examples through lives of love, mercy, compassion, and selfless service, demonstrating that the Risen Christ lives in our hearts,” he said.
