By Nathaniel Irobi
The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has called on Christian denominations across Nigeria to preserve their unity, urging believers to remain bound together in faith as the Christian Association of Nigeria marked its golden jubilee.
Speaking as the special guest of honour at the association’s 50th anniversary celebration, held on Saturday at the National Christian Centre in Abuja, the First Lady said the anniversary theme, Walking Together in Faith, echoed Christ’s own prayer for oneness among his followers.
Drawing from the Gospel of John, she noted that Jesus prayed for the saints to be united, and cited the Epistle to the Ephesians, which speaks of one body, one Spirit, one Lord, one faith, one baptism and one God and Father of all.
“I pray that, just as Christ prayed for the saints, all the Christian blocs and denominations will continue to remain united in Jesus’ name,” she said.
Senator Tinubu congratulated CAN on five decades of service to God and humanity, wishing the association many more fruitful years in the Lord’s vineyard, and prayed for the continued progress of both the association and the nation.
In his anniversary address, CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, said the association’s next 50 years must be defined by a more informed, courageous and evidence-based approach to national issues, insisting that the Church must hold leaders to account without allowing its interventions to descend into partisan attacks.
He laid out a clear charge to those in governance: govern well, serve faithfully, protect the people, respect the Constitution, account for public resources, listen to citizens, defend the vulnerable, strengthen institutions and make Nigeria great.
Reflecting on the association’s five decades, Okoh said CAN had provided a common platform for Christians to engage on matters of shared concern, including religious freedom, justice, good governance, corruption, insecurity, humanitarian service and national development.
He, however, stressed that the jubilee should mark the start of a renewed national mission rather than a mere celebration of past achievements, adding that the Church must stay vigilant on issues touching justice, human dignity, democratic institutions, constitutionalism, peace, religious freedom and the welfare of the vulnerable.
Among those whose interests he said the Church must defend were internally displaced persons, children denied education, unemployed young people, rural farmers unable to reach their farmlands because of insecurity, women facing violence and victims of human trafficking.
“The gospel makes it impossible to remain indifferent in the living conditions of the vulnerable. Faith must find practical expression in compassion, service and advocacy. The church must speak,” he said.
The CAN president cautioned religious leaders against letting their interventions in public affairs become partisan attacks, urging them to separate facts from rumours and legitimate disagreement from injustice.
“The church’s public voice must therefore be truthful, informed, courageous, balanced and responsible. Prophetic authority is strengthened when it is supported by credible evidence and careful analysis,” he said.
On Church-State relations, Okoh advocated what he called “critical collaboration”, explaining that religious institutions should work with government where the common good demanded it and challenge authorities where justice required it, while guarding their independence.
Declaring that “Nigeria can be better, and Nigeria will be better,” he urged CAN to build its capacity for research, advocacy, service and constructive engagement with public institutions, and called on Christians to pray for the nation and its leaders, speak for Nigeria, serve Nigeria, build Nigeria and heal Nigeria.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, who was honoured with the Christian Icon Award, described the recognition as a humbling affirmation of faith, integrity, compassion, sacrifice and service.
“I am deeply humbled and profoundly honoured to receive the prestigious Christian Icon Award. I receive this award with great humility, gratitude and a deep sense of responsibility,” he said.
Akume said the award went beyond recognising his public service, describing it as an affirmation of the values that had guided his journey in public life, and dedicated it to his family, colleagues, associates and the Nigerians he had served, as well as to citizens who serve their communities selflessly and to young people whose energy and creativity represent the promise of a greater Nigeria.
Commending CAN for its contributions over five decades, particularly in promoting peace, unity, moral values and social cohesion, he said the responsibility of religious institutions to foster tolerance, compassion and responsible citizenship had never been greater.
The SGF said his Christian faith had shaped his understanding of leadership, stressing that public office should be seen as an opportunity to serve rather than a privilege to enjoy, and reaffirmed his commitment to contributing to the success of the Renewed Hope Agenda and to building a more prosperous, peaceful and united Nigeria.
He pledged to use the recognition as motivation to serve more diligently, lead with greater humility and remain committed to national unity and progress, expressing hope that CAN would make even greater contributions to peace, stability and development in the next five decades.
Former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (retd.); former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan; and former Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo received Pillar of Faith Awards, while Akume, Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde were among those honoured with Christian Icon Awards.
The celebration drew political leaders, former government officials and Christian leaders, including the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd.); the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, who was also honoured; former SGF Boss Mustapha; former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa; and former Minister of Information Prof. Jerry Gana.
CAN was founded in August 1976 to provide a common platform for Christians in Nigeria.
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