Christianity | Christian Association of Nigeria

CAN PRESS STATEMENT

February 13, 2023

Re: Petition on the misappropriation of N2 Billion given by the presidential candidate of Labour party, Mr Peter Obi to Churches under the umbrella of CAN.

The attention of the National leadership of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has been drawn to a purported letter currently in circulation on social media, alleging that a certain sum of N2bn was given by the presidential candidate of Labour party, Mr Peter Obi to Churches under the umbrella of CAN.

I use this medium to categorically state that the so-called letter of petition reportedly signed by one Pastor Frank Onwumere and addressed to my office is illogical and can best be described as a failed attempt to drag the apex Christian body into the politics of 2023. However, we will investigate the source of the letter in the interest of the public.

To set the records straight, I am not aware of any N2bn given to Churches in Nigeria to mobilize votes for any 2023 presidential candidate and never received the said petition dated December 22, 2022.

Nigerians should note that CAN, as a faith-based entity, maintains its non-partisan stance and will not endorse or mobilize support for any candidate in the upcoming elections as against the social media post being circulated by some elements bent on soiling its name and image.

CAN, therefore, urges members of the public to disregard the purported letter of petition as its content are not only untrue, but malicious.

We warn those peddling the falsehood to desist from such acts because they are capable of defaming innocent people and revered religious institutions as well as breaching public peace.

Signed:
Archbishop Daniel C. Okoh
President, Christian Association of Nigeria(CAN)

Press Statement: CAN Sues For Peaceful 2023 Elections

February 10, 2023

On behalf of the National leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), it is my honour and immense pleasure to join the call on citizens to resist any attempt to cause disharmony and disaffection ahead of the upcoming general elections.

We must see the elections as a time of peaceful transition of leadership and not war. Consequently, there’s need for all and sundry to put away religious and ethnic bigotry and allow the will of God to prevail.

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, must ensure that this election is seamless, credible, and violence-free. The Commission has no excuse to fail. Four years is enough time for it to have perfected the process and eliminated the glitches that featured in past polls.

CAN President, His Eminence – Archbishop Dr. Daniel C. Okoh; The Vice President, Rev. Dr. Panya Baba; The Gensral Secretary, Barr. Daramola Bade; The Assistant General Secretary, Rev. Dr. Mrs. Uzoaku Williams… During CAN’s 1st Quarter NEC Meeting.

CAN calls on the authorities to beef up security, especially in communities vulnerable to attacks and ensure that no citizen is disenfranchised owing to precarious security situation in parts of the country.

We charge the security agencies to be unbiased and remain neutral while discharging their duties, especially during the forthcoming general elections.

CAN urges all the political parties and candidates seeking elective positions during the forthcoming general elections to accept the results of the polls in good faith in the interest of Nigerians and the unity of the country.
We note the current sufferings of the people which is gradually becoming unbearable due to the gross shortage of Naira notes in the system and plead with President Muhammadu Buhari to intensity efforts to mitigate the hardship.

The national leadership of CAN urges all the faithful in the country not to relent in praying for our dear country Nigeria because prayer is the most potent instrument of warfare at our disposal. Let us remind ourselves that the economic, political and security situations in the country do not give joy to anyone, but keep our hopes alive at this time.

We wish Nigerians peaceful 2023 general elections in advance!

Signed:
His Eminence, Archbishop Daniel C. Okoh
President, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN)

Tribute: CAN Condoles with Catholic Church Over The Death of Rev. Fr. Isaac Achi

January 22, 2023

With deep sympathy, the national leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) wishes to condole with the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria and the entire Catholic faithful in the country on the gruesome murder of Rev. Fr. Isaac Achi, the Parish Priest of St. Peter and Paul Church, Kafin-Koro in Paikoro Local Government Area of Niger State, a few days ago.

Fr. Achi, who was buried on Friday, has earned his place as a committed servant of God and minister of the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ on account of the high standards of ethics and devotion with which he discharged his responsibilities as a religious leader.

His death is a sad development at a time his parishioners and by extension other Christians in the country can benefit more from his leadership and sense of direction. It is a big loss to the Church in which he played major roles as priest, guardian and philanthropist to many needy members of our society. Because of these impeccable records, he lives in our hearts. His indelible footprints tell us that he will always be part of the journey of many believers in Nigeria and the world at large.

As we condole with the entire Catholic Church at this moment of grief, CAN calls on the security agencies and authorities involved in the protection of citizens to improve the internal and external security framework, in order to stop future occurrences of such incidents that led to Fr. Achi’s sudden demise.

May his soul rest in perfect peace, Amen!

A Tribute: Pope Benedict XVI

January 11, 2023

Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) is saddened by the demise of Emeritus Catholic Pontiff, Pope Benedict XVI, a great theologian whose life epitomized the balance of faith, reason and works in ways that positively influenced both Catholics and non-Catholics throughout the world.

He had devoted his soul and intelligence to God for a more fraternal world, and had died in the Mater Ecclesiae monastery, a house dedicated to prayer and self-sacrifice within the walls of the Vatican Gardens.

CAN pays tribute to Pope Benedict XVI who spent his days at the service of the Church, speaking to the hearts and minds of men with the spiritual, cultural and intellectual depth he possessed.

It will be difficult to fill the shoes of untiring efforts to find a common path in promoting peace and goodwill throughout the world which Pope Benedict XVI left behind, but the Christian Association of Nigeria prays that God Almighty will continue to raise theologians like the late Pontiff who are committed to the defense of the Christian faith.

“A great theologian whose life epitomized the balance of faith”

CAN extends its condolences to his relatives, the Vatican, the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria and the faithful in Nigeria and the rest of the world over this great loss.

Uzoaku Williams Emerges First Female AGS of National CAN

December 12, 2022

Rev. Dr. Mrs. Uzoaku Juliana Williams has emerged as the first female Assistant General Secretary of The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), and the first female in the history of the association to attain the post of a National officer.

Dr. Mrs. Uzoaku Juliana Williams was born on July 15, 1976. A mother, a Presbyterian Minister, an ecumenist, missionary, women and youth leader. She is also an environmental activist with special interest in climate, eco and gender justice, interfaith dialogue, women empowerment, reproductive health issues and missions.

Rev. Dr. Mrs. Uzoaku Juliana Williams – Assistant General Secretary, National CAN

She hold an HND in Textile Design from Yaba College of Technology and Post Graduate Diploma in Ecumenism and Theology from Ecumenical Institute Bossey, Switzerland which is part of University of Geneva, and Hugh Goldie Theological Institute (an affiliate of Abia State University, Uturu) respectively. Dr. Mrs. Williams has a vast experience in ecumenism, inter-faith relations and gender activism; serving at various levels, both nationally and internationally.

She is of the Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN) Bloc; one of the Five blocs of the association (CSN, CCN, CPFN/PFN, OAIC & TEKAN/ECWA). With her emergence as the Assistant General Secretary (AGS) of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Rev. Dr. Mrs. Uzoaku williams will join force with the CAN President, His Eminence – Rev. Dr. Daniel C. Okoh, in propagating, promoting and fulfilling the mandate of advancing Christ’s kingdom in Nigeria and beyond; aid ecumenical activities, concentrate on the welfare of Christians in Nigeria and promote inter-faith relations.

The National Executive Council of CAN heartily congratulate Rev. Dr. Mrs. Uzoaku Williams for this awesome feat, and for standing as an ambassador towards women active involvement in ecumenism, Church leadership and administration.

Nigeria’s 62nd Independence Service

September 26, 2022

The President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), His Eminence, Most Rev. Dr. Daniel C. Okoh has called on all Nigerians to believe and constantly pray for the nation, as God is intentional about the all-round blessing and upliftment of Nigeria. This was part of his sermon delivered at the Inter-denominational Church Service to mark Nigeria’s 62^nd Independence Anniversary, held yesterday at the National ecumenical Centre, Abuja.

Archbishop Okoh in his sermon titled: “The Righteous Shall Rule the Land”, urged Nigerians to understand that “all politicians are not the same”, thereby encouraging them to ensure they vote for quality leadership in the forthcoming elections.

He also emphasized that despite all the security, economic and social challenges being experienced by the country, there was so much to appreciate God for especially for the uninterrupted democracy since 1999.

The CAN President called on all eligible voters to jealously guard their permanent voters’ cards and to those who were yet to receive theirs, he advised that they do so in order to be fit to exercise their civic responsibility at the polls in the 2023 general elections. He further called on the government to give the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) all the necessary support needed to conduct credible elections come 2023.

Also in attendance were the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Folashade Yemi-Esan, Service Chiefs, Representatives from all arms of government and the diplomatic community.

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh

In his address, Prof Osinbajo said a prayer for the peace and progress of the nation taking his reference from the book of the Bible, Deuteronomy 33:25, “as your days, so shall your strength be”, expressing hope that Nigeria will surmount all the challenges bedeviling her to become a prosperous nation.

Biography: Meet The 8th President Of CAN

July 29, 2022

The Most Rev. Daniel Chukwudumebi Okoh was born on November 12, 1963 in Kano to Christian parents. He is a native of Ndoni in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria. He is married to Ngozi and they are blessed with four children.

His Grace, Most Rev. Daniel C. Okoh – President, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN)

Archbishop Daniel Okoh is a product of the famous Dennis Memorial Grammar School, Onitsha. In 1988, he graduated from the University of Port Harcourt with a Second Class Upper Division in Political Science and Education. Thereafter, he attended Christ Holy Church Seminary, Onitsha and was awarded a diploma in Theology. He has undertaken many courses and participated in seminars that are relevant to his ministry work both in Nigeria and abroad.

As the General Superintendent of Christ Holy Church International – an African Independent Church – he leads his denomination in ecumenical relations with other denominations in the body of Christ and engages with people of other religions in dialogue for peaceful co-existence and sustainable development.

For more than 20 years, Most Rev. Daniel Okoh, has been actively involved in ecumenical relations and inter-faith dialogue in and outside Nigeria through the following positions:

International Chairman of the Organization of African Instituted Churches (OAIC)
National President of OAIC – Nigeria Region (2005 – 2014)
National Vice-President of Christian Association of Nigeria (2007 – 2013)
Former member, Board of Directors of Inter-Faith HIV/AIDS Coalition of Nigeria
Member, Governing Council of Good News Theological College and Seminary Accra, Ghana
Member, Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC)
Member of the Board of African Council of Religious Leaders – Religions for Peace

He is also a board member of Christian Solidarity Worldwide (Nigeria). Between 2000 and 2003 he was the only African representative in the Steering Committee of the International Forum on Multi-cultural Ministry, which was initiated and sponsored by the Mission and Evangelism Team of the World Council of Churches.

His Grace, Most Rev. Daniel C. Okoh – President, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), with the Immediate Past CAN President, His Eminence, Rev. Dr. Samson Olasupo Ayokunle

In the area of Politics and Governance, Archbishop Daniel Okoh was one of the six delegates that represented Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the National Political Reform Conference of 2005 organized by the Federal Government of Nigeria. From 2009 to 2011, Most Rev. Daniel Okoh served on the board of National Orientation Agency (NOA) as an Institutional representative of Christian Association of Nigeria.

His Grace, Most Rev. Daniel C. Okoh – President, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), with the General Secretary of CAN, Barr. Daramola Joseph Bade

Over the years, Daniel Okoh, a de-tribalized Nigerian, has built friendship across religious and ethnic lines around the globe. He welcomes and participates in conversations and programmes that would bring about peaceful co-existence among the peoples of the world and sustainable development.

He is a charismatic leader and bridge-builder within the Christian faith, social sphere and in all human endeavours.

Now the 8^th President, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Most Rev. Daniel Okoh is set to practically illustrate and impact the Christian community and the nation at large with his vast experience he has accumulated all through the years as a husband, father, clergyman, mediator, mentor, peace-builder, church-leader, inter-faith advocate and all-round,

Provocative Easter Advert: ‘We have forgiven you’ – CAN Tells Sterling Bank, CEO

May 7, 2022

The leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has forgiven Sterling Bank and its Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Abubakar Suleiman over the provocative Easter greeting advertised by the Bank where it compared the Resurrection of Jesus Christ to ‘Agege Bread.’

CAN in a statement signed by the General Secretary, Barrister Joseph Daramola, acknowledged that they have written an acceptable and genuine apology letter dated 20 April, 2022 to the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) personally signed by the Chief Executive Officer, Abubakar Suleiman.

The statement reads:

“As a result of this development, CAN has resolved to forgive Sterling Bank and its Chief Executive. We always remember that ‘to err is human and to forgive is divine.’
In taking this step, we are following the footsteps of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ who asked God to forgive those who nailed Him to the cross unjustly and has taught us to forgive always.”

We hereby call on all Christians in the country to join us in forgiving the Sterling Bank and its management. Those who are considering stopping patronizing the bank as a result of the blunder should stop the process but instead continue doing business with the bank.”

Press Statement: CAN Condemns Provocative, Insensitive Advertisement of Sterling Bank

“We appeal to corporate institutions especially the banks to be more sensitive, considerate and professional in handling their public messages. Whatever that can cause religious crises in the country should be avoided at all costs, both by the government and the business sector.

“We appreciate our youths who heeded our directive and refused to be dragged into the streets to protest against the bank as being touted in some quarters.

Finally, we acknowledge and appreciate the efforts of the well meaning Nigerians who intervened in the matter. May the blessings of Peacemakers be their portion in Jesus’ name,”

As contained in the statement.

CAN Calls For 3 Days Prayers For Nigeria

May 3, 2022

The President, Christian Association Of Nigeria (CAN) – His Eminence, Rev. Dr. Samson Olasupo A. Ayokunle requests all Church Leaders, through your various Churches to organize a Solemn Assembly to pray for Nigeria on the 13th, 14th and 15th of May, 2022.
We are to passionately call upon the Lord to:

Show Nigeria mercy and divinely intervene in all affairs of our nation, especially economic, political and security matters so that the nation my not violently collapse.
That God would speak to our leaders to take the right steps in addressing the dangerous situations into which we have put ourselves.
That our political leaders will not set the nation on fire or tear it apart by their insensitive political actions which failed to take our complexities into consideration as we approach 2023 elections.
That God would continue to be with the electoral umpire, INEC, to stand firm without iota of partiality in making sure that elections are free and fair.
That God should judge anyone out-rightly, who, out of selfishness is planning to create chaos in the forthcoming elections no matter how highly placed in the nation.
That the electorates would come out and vote the right people into power, those who will make promises and fulfill them.
That daily blood shedding of innocent people and other violent acts in Nigeria should be put to an end by our government and for divine intervention.
That the Lord should show us mercy as a nation concerning the blood of innocent people already shed in this nation, that is calling upon God for vengeance.
That God would cause the terrorists, the gunmen, the bandits, the kidnappers and other violent people in our midst to abandon their evil ways and give this nation respite.
That God would give the military upper hand in subduing the terrorists and other violent people causing mayhem in our nation and that He would divinely fight for Nigeria against these evil people and their financiers.
That our generation would experience a new Nigeria where there are equity, justice and people irrespective of ethnic group, religion or political affiliation.

The Prayer is expected to hold simultaneously on all denominations, as we jointly seek the face of God concerning Nigeria.

Press Statement: CAN Condemns Provocative, Insensitive Advertisement of Sterling Bank

April 20, 2022

The attention of the leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has been drawn to an ungodly, wicked, insensitive and deliberately provocative advertisement of the Sterling Bank comparing the Resurrection of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ to ‘Agege Bread’ amidst the Easter celebration.

In case the management of the Sterling Bank is not aware, the resurrection of Jesus witnesses to the immense power of God Himself. To believe in the resurrection is to believe in God. If God exists, and if He created the universe and has power over it, then He has power to raise the dead. If He does not have such power, He is not worthy of our faith and worship. Only He who created life can resurrect it after death, only He can reverse the mystery that is death itself, and only He can remove the sting and gain the victory over the grave (1 Corinthians 15:54–55). In resurrecting Jesus from the grave, God reminds us of His absolute sovereignty over life and death.

In the death of Jesus Christ on the cross, God put our punishment on Christ so that we could be justified before Him (2 Corinthians 5:21). The resurrection of Jesus confirms that God accepted Christ’s sacrifice for sin on the cross and gives us access to a right relationship with Him.

The Empty tomb shows the supremacy of Jesus. Go to the grave of any other religious founder and his carcasses are still there being worship, but where Jesus was buried, it is boldly written; “He is no longer here, He has Risen”! That is what we are celebrating at Easter and for Sterling Bank to compare it with a loaf of bread is blasphemous and insensitive to the religion embraced by billions of people globally. The advertisement was provocative but we will refused to be provoked simply not only because it is not in our characters but it came from an uninformed mind of neither of the two leading religions in the country.

In the words of Pastor Adrian Rogers, “The resurrection is not merely important to the historic Christian faith; without it, there would be no Christianity. It is the singular doctrine that elevates Christianity above all other world religions.”

The purported apology did not come from a penitent heart. How can someone in his right mind described the risen Christ as a loaf of bread. That is insulting, ridiculous and a mockery of Jesus Christ. We advised Christians to be wary of the banks and other financial institutions they are patronizing.

We learnt that the Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria (APCON) has reportedly intervened in the matter with a view to impose some sanctions against Sterling Bank. The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) is waiting for the decision of the organization.

However, in the interim, we call for the immediate removal of the Chief Executive of Sterling Bank; Mr. Abubakar Suleiman with his Management whose actions have clearly shown their hostility and hatred for the Christian faith.

We call on all Christians not to take the law into their hands in seeking redress, but to let the relevant authorities handle the matter.

Thank You.

Signed: Joseph Bade Daramola Esq. (General Secretary, CAN)