Nigeria’s Christian leaders have called for stronger interfaith relationships between Christians and Muslims to foster peace and unity as Muslims in the country marked Eid el-Maulud, the birth anniversary of the Prophet Muhammad.
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), under the leadership of Archbishop Daniel Okoh, issued the message on behalf of churches nationwide. Okoh extended warm greetings to Muslims, saying the celebration has the potential to inspire stronger bonds across faiths and renew shared hope for a just and prosperous Nigeria.
Okoh emphasized the need for both Christians and Muslims to embrace “humility, compassion, justice, and devotion to God,” values he said transcend religious boundaries. He urged the building of a fair, peaceful, and respectful society in Nigeria, and called on Muslims to reflect on “the values exemplified by Prophet Muhammad and strive for a society anchored on peace and fairness.”
The CAN leadership also appealed to Nigeria’s political leaders to “prioritize justice, ease the burdens of hardship on citizens, and foster policies that strengthen unity and uphold human dignity.” Okoh stressed that “integrity and fairness should serve as a guide for the country’s political leadership towards the realization of Nigeria’s potential for peace and prosperity.”
The federal government had declared Sept. 6, 2025, a public holiday to allow Muslims to mark the anniversary.
Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, who is also a pastor in the Redeemed Christian Church of God, urged Muslims to continue to pray for the nation’s peace, prosperity, and progress. She said the occasion should be a time for reflection and cultivating the culture of humility, compassion, forgiveness, and devotion to God. She also encouraged Muslims to “embrace the virtues of love, kindness, and unity towards non-Muslims in the country.”
The government, in its message, likewise encouraged Muslims to reflect on the virtues of peace, love, humility, tolerance, and compassion, stressing that these values remain essential in building a united, prosperous, and progressive nation.
Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, in a statement on behalf of the government, called on Nigerians of all faiths to see the celebration as an opportunity to pray for peace, security, and stability while supporting efforts to foster harmony and sustainable development.
“The celebration of Eid el-Maulud offers us yet another opportunity to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood, promote peaceful coexistence, and imbibe the Prophet’s teachings of mutual respect and selfless service to humanity,” Tunji-Ojo said.
He further urged citizens to remain law-abiding, security conscious, and supportive of government policies aimed at ensuring the collective well-being of all Nigerians.
