Don’t Lose Hope Amid Nigeria’s Hardship, CAN President Urges Nigerians

By Eche Nwaobasi – Onitsha

The President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and President of the Organization of African Instituted Churches (OAIC), His Eminence, Rev. Dr. Daniel Okoh, has urged Nigerians not to lose hope despite the prevailing economic hardship and insecurity confronting the nation.

Dr. Okoh challenged Nigerians to remain steadfast and optimistic, emphasizing that difficult times should not weaken their faith.
He encouraged citizens to focus on embracing a godly life characterized by obedience to God, humility, faith, truth, and righteous living.
According to him, living according to God’s will remains the surest path to enduring peace and hope, even in times of national distress.

He further admonished priests and ministers working in God’s vineyard to live exemplary lives worthy of emulation by their congregations, noting that spiritual leaders must lead by example.

The CAN President, who is also the General Superintendent of Christ Holy Church Worldwide, made these remarks through one of his priests, Rev. Pastor Cletus Maduka Ugwueze, the District Priest in charge of Christ Holy Church, Okpoko I & II, Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State.

Rev. Ugwueze represented Dr. Okoh at a send-off church service organized in honor of Rev. Geoffrey Madubuike, a former Media Aide to Dr. Okoh, who has been transferred from the parish to the Nibo Town District of Christ Holy Church, Awka South Local Government Area.

While sympathizing with Nigerians over the hardship they are currently facing, Dr. Okoh appealed to them to continually look up to God for divine intervention and to remain prayerful for the nation and its leaders. He expressed optimism that God, in response to persistent prayers, would remember Nigeria and bring about positive change.

Earlier, in his homily during the service—which was attended by priests from across the district—Rev. Pastor Ugwueze highlighted the benefits of dedicating one’s life to the service of God. He charged Christians to wholeheartedly embrace God’s work, describing it as the most profitable and fulfilling commitment any person can make on earth.
He cited biblical figures such as Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego, Joseph, and Abraham as examples of individuals who served God faithfully and were greatly rewarded for their devotion. He encouraged Christians to serve God in whatever capacity available to them.
Speaking during the event, Rev. Geoffrey Madubuike, a flutist, recounted how he was called to serve God, the challenges he faced along the way, and how divine guidance helped him overcome obstacles to become a priest.

He expressed gratitude to Dr. Daniel Okoh, other church leaders, and members for their unwavering support and encouragement, and prayed for God’s blessings upon them, especially Dr. Okoh.
Also speaking, Mrs. Blessing Madubuike, wife of Rev. Madubuike and one of the gifted supervising choristers of Christ Holy Church, expressed profound gratitude to God Almighty, Dr. Daniel Okoh, the General Superintendent of the church, and the church elders for their support to her husband and their family. She pledged continued dedication to God’s service.