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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, has urged the Federal Government and leaders at all levels to move beyond promises and take concrete action to address insecurity and economic hardship confronting Nigerians.

CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, made the call in a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja to commemorate this year’s Eid-el-Maulud celebration.

Okoh said many Nigerians were facing difficult economic conditions and insecurity, stressing that citizens were increasingly looking beyond promises for tangible improvements in their lives.

“People are tired of promises; they want to see their lives improve,” he said.

The CAN president urged government leaders to prioritise the security and welfare of citizens, saying Nigerians needed greater protection, economic relief and leadership that puts their interests first.

“Leadership is not measured by what we promise, but by what Nigerians can see and feel,” Okoh stated.

He urged Nigerians to draw lessons from the life and teachings of Prophet Muhammad, particularly his emphasis on mercy, justice, compassion for the poor and vulnerable, honesty and peaceful coexistence.

According to him, the values associated with the Prophet’s teachings remain relevant to Nigeria’s current challenges and should be translated into practical actions that promote peace and national development.

“These values are especially important today because they challenge us to care for one another, protect human dignity and pursue peace even when our differences are exploited for political or personal gain,” he said.

Okoh, while felicitating Muslim faithful across the country, prayed for peace and blessings upon their families and communities.

He said the Eid-el-Maulud celebration provided an opportunity for Nigerians, irrespective of religious affiliation, to reflect on the importance of compassion, justice and peaceful coexistence.

The CAN president also warned politicians against exploiting religious and ethnic differences for political advantage as the country moves towards the 2027 general elections.

He urged political actors to avoid actions capable of deepening divisions among Nigerians, stressing that the country’s unity should remain more important than electoral interests.

“Elections will come and go, but the bonds that hold Nigeria together must remain,” he said.

Okoh further called on Christians and Muslims to resist attempts by political actors to divide them along religious lines.

He said both faith communities had a shared responsibility to protect their communities, support vulnerable Nigerians and work together towards lasting peace.

“I remain hopeful about Nigeria, but our hope must be backed by action, responsible leadership, good citizenship and justice,” he said.

The CAN president prayed that the Eid-el-Maulud celebration would renew Nigerians’ commitment to mercy, peace and compassion, while inspiring collective efforts towards building a country where citizens could live with dignity and hope.

He wished Muslim faithful across the country a peaceful and blessed Eid-el-Maulud celebration.

Dr. Jamil Isyaku Gwamna, the Sardaunan Gombe and All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial candidate in Gombe State, has joined Muslims across Gombe State, Nigeria and beyond in celebrating Eid-ul-Maulud, commemorating the birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

In a goodwill message, Gwamna extended warm greetings to Muslim faithful and urged them to use the occasion to reflect on and emulate the exemplary life, teachings and virtues of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

He said the Prophet’s enduring messages of peace, compassion, patience, tolerance, justice and love for humanity should continue to guide the conduct of individuals and communities towards building a peaceful, united and progressive society.

“As we celebrate Eid-ul-Maulud, may the life, humility, compassion and peace exemplified by Prophet Muhammad (SAW) inspire us to become better people and contribute to building a kinder, more united and prosperous society.

“May this blessed occasion renew our faith, strengthen our bonds of brotherhood and unity, and fill our homes with peace, our hearts with love, and our lives with Allah’s abundant blessings.”

Gwamna further urged Muslims and all residents to sustain prayers for lasting peace and progress in Gombe State and Nigeria, particularly for an end to insecurity and other challenges confronting the nation.

He called on citizens to promote unity, mutual understanding and peaceful coexistence, stressing that collective commitment to peace and unity remains essential for the development and progress of the country.

The Sardaunan Gombe also appealed to residents to celebrate the occasion responsibly, observe necessary precautions and obey traffic rules while marking the day in their communities and neighbourhoods.

He wished Muslims a peaceful and blessed Eid-ul-Maulud celebration and prayed that Allah continues to guide the country’s leaders and citizens towards peace, unity, prosperity and progress.

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

Singapore has announced a new financial support package that will provide each eligible Singaporean child with nearly S$70,000 (about ₦94 million) in government benefits from birth until age 17.

Prime Minister Lawrence Wong announced the S$62,000 SG Child Support Package during his National Day Rally speech on August 23, saying the government wants to make a fundamental change in how families are supported rather than simply making small adjustments to existing schemes.

The package includes a S$10,000 cash Baby Gift, S$32,000 in Child Credits, a S$5,000 Child Development Account (CDA) grant, up to S$5,000 in government CDA co-matching and a S$10,000 top-up to the child’s Post-Secondary Education Account.

When combined with existing benefits, including a S$5,000 MediSave Grant for Newborns and annual Edusave contributions, total government support will reach about S$70,000 per child. This is higher than the current S$27,500 to S$56,500 parents receive, depending on the child’s birth order.

Wong said the government would simplify the system because many parents find the existing schemes difficult to understand. He said every child would receive the same level of support, with assistance provided not only at birth but throughout the years as children grow.

The S$10,000 Baby Gift will be paid in two instalments during the first year after birth, while the S$32,000 Child Credits will provide S$2,000 annually from age one until the child turns 16. The government will also give a further S$10,000 top-up to the child’s education account when the child turns 17.

The new package is expected to benefit more than 610,000 children across 380,000 households. The measures are part of Singapore’s wider efforts to encourage more people to have children amid a declining birth rate.

Wong said the government was putting significant resources into the plans because supporting families and Singaporeans through every stage of life remains a national priority.