By Samson Adeyanju
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), has urged Muslims and Christians to deepen interfaith harmony and live as brothers, beyond mere coexistence, as Muslims mark the Eid-el-Fitr celebration.
In a goodwill message dated March 19, 2026, the President of the CBCN, Matthew Man-Oso Ndagoso, congratulated Muslim faithful on the successful completion of the Ramadan fast, describing their devotion to prayer, fasting, and almsgiving as a strong testament to faith and discipline.
He noted that this year’s observance holds special significance, as both Christians and Muslims commenced their fasting seasons on the same day, a development he said underscores a shared commitment to sacrifice, prayer, and reliance on God.
Ndagoso stressed that the coincidence presents an opportunity for Nigerians of different faiths to strengthen unity and mutual understanding, especially at a time the nation is grappling with insecurity, economic hardship, and deep social divisions.
“At a time when our nation faces serious challenges, it calls us to move beyond mere coexistence and to live as brothers and sisters, working side by side to build a nation founded on justice, truth, and mutual respect,” he said.
The CBCN further encouraged citizens to embrace enduring values such as sacrifice, solidarity with the poor, forgiveness, and reverence for God as pathways to national healing and renewal.
The bishops also joined Muslims in thanking God for the successful completion of Ramadan and prayed that its spiritual fruits would endure, bringing renewed hearts, peace, and blessings to families and the nation at large.
They concluded by wishing all Muslim faithful a joyful and blessed Eid-el-Fitr celebration.
