The President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Archbishop Daniel C. Okoh, delivered a stirring goodwill message at the opening ceremony of the 32nd Triennial General Assembly of the Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN), held at the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria, Wuse II, Abuja. In his address, Archbishop Okoh reaffirmed CAN’s solidarity with the nation’s oldest ecumenical body and called on Christians to champion justice, righteousness and peace amid escalating insecurity.
The assembly’s theme, “Demand for Justice and Righteousness” (Amos 5:24), was described as “timely” and “prophetic,” urging the Church to move beyond ritual and confront societal ills.
Archbishop Okoh urged the Council to “speak courageously, defend the voiceless, and challenge the Church to embody the gospel in practical, credible, and transformative ways.” He stressed that Christian witness is measured by its commitment to justice, compassion and righteousness, not merely by prayers or grand edifices.
Noting Nigeria’s severe security challenges, the CAN President called on the government to fulfill its “constitutional, moral, and sacred responsibility” to protect citizens. He demanded:
– Strengthened security in vulnerable communities
– Swift justice for perpetrators of violent crimes
– Support for displaced families and reconstruction efforts
– Bold action to address root causes of insecurity.
“This is not a political demand; it is a humanitarian, moral, and spiritual obligation. We must stand together as one body, with one voice, pursuing one mission—the protection of the sanctity of human life and the dignity of all citizens. We must be united in our approach and in our demand for justice for victims of these heinous acts.”
– Archbishop Daniel C. Okoh
Okoh reiterated CAN’s unwavering partnership with CCN, emphasizing the need for a united Christian voice to safeguard human dignity and promote the values of God’s kingdom.
He formally declared the 32nd Triennial General Assembly and the 96th Anniversary Celebrations of the Christian Council of Nigeria open, invoking the blessing of the Holy Trinity.
The event, which drew distinguished delegates and church leaders from across Nigeria, underscored the pivotal role of faith-based organizations in fostering national cohesion and moral leadership.
“Let this Assembly be a moment of deep reflection and courageous recommitment to the biblical foundations that sustain a godly society. May your deliberations rekindle our collective resolve to build a nation where justice flows freely, where truth is honoured, where righteousness governs, and where every Nigerian can live without fear.”
“On behalf of the Christian Association of Nigeria, I reaffirm our unwavering partnership with the Christian Council of Nigeria. Together, we will continue to uphold the unity of the Body of Christ, defend the oppressed, and advance the values of God’s kingdom on earth. Let us continue to stand as one united family of faith—guided by Scripture and strengthened by the Holy Spirit.”
The assembly is expected to conclude with resolutions aimed at strengthening inter‑denominational collaboration and advocating for a more secure and just Nigeria.
Leave a Reply