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  • Embrace dialogue, CAN tells NLC, TUC

    Embrace dialogue, CAN tells NLC, TUC

    The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has urged the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) to allow dialogue in the interest of the nation.

    CAN said the legitimate demands of the labour unions for a fair and adequate minimum wage are understandable and justified. 

    A statement on Monday by the CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh reads: “The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), has viewed with great concern the ongoing strike action by the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) over the minimum wage impasse and wishes to advise as follows.

    “Nigerian workers deserve a living wage that meets their basic needs and ensures their well-being. At the same time, I am acutely aware of the devastating impact that this strike is having on our economy and the most vulnerable members of our society. The disruption of essential services and the economic strain on families are causing widespread distress and hardship.

    Read Also: Nigerian wins Harvard’s Dean’s Prize for Outstanding ALM Capstone

    “I strongly urge both the government and labour unions to return to the negotiating table with a renewed commitment to finding a mutually acceptable solution. It is crucial that we prioritize dialogue and compromise to resolve this impasse peacefully. 

    “The path to resolving this crisis lies in mutual respect and understanding, where both parties can work together to achieve a fair outcome”.

    He appealed to the government to earnestly consider the plight of Nigerian workers and take decisive action to implement a living wage. 

    Okoh said: “Our workers are the backbone of our nation, and their well-being is integral to our collective prosperity. Similarly, I encourage the labor unions to conduct their protests in a peaceful and law-abiding manner, avoiding violence and the destruction of property. We must remember that our actions today will shape the Nigeria of tomorrow.

    “In these challenging times, I call on all Nigerians to remain calm and steadfast. Let us unite in prayer for a swift and just resolution to this crisis. It is through our collective efforts, guided by faith and a commitment to peace, that we can build a nation that truly prioritizes the well-being of all its citizens”.

  • JUST IN: Shelf your planned strike action, CAN begs NLC

    JUST IN: Shelf your planned strike action, CAN begs NLC

    The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Imo state branch, has appealed to organised labour to reconsider its plan to embark on a nationwide strike over the minimum wage increase.

    The state chairman of CAN, Rev. Eches Divine Eches noted that the proposed minimum wage would be difficult for state governments and the organized private sector to implement and that it could lead to economic instability.

    “While we understand the need for a fair minimum wage, we must also consider the economic implications of such a drastic increase,” Rev. Eches said in a statement on Sunday, June 2.

    He added: “Can Mr. Ajaero (NLC President) honestly say that Imo State or any other State Government in South East can pay a minimum wage of ₦494,000 without collapsing?”

    “Does Joe Ajaero want to collapse the Nigerian economy? If not, why is he making impossible demands?”

    Read Also: PWDS, CSOs urge Tinubu to appoint Tejuosho as humanitarian minister

    The CAN chairman emphasised the need for a balanced approach that benefits workers without crippling the economy.

    He noted: “Let us fight for workers but with love for country and mature reasoning. Any wrong fight could sabotage the economy and make things worse for the workers and nation as a whole.”

    He appealed to both parties to approach the negotiations with an open and honest mind, considering the fragile state of the economy.

    “Let us return to dialogue with an open and honest mind to avert any damage to our already fragile economy,” he urged.

  • Edo poll: PFN, CAN have learnt nothing

    Edo poll: PFN, CAN have learnt nothing

    A little over one year after the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) unwisely and combatively plunged into Nigeria’s presidential election fray, and got their fingers badly burnt, the Edo State chapter of the two leading Christian bodies in the country, CAN and the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), have remorselessly pledged to reenact the rashness. Responding to the campaign overtures of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the September governorship election, both the PFN and CAN have promised to vote the state’s ruling party candidate Asue Ighodalo as governor. He is an example of a good Christian, they chorused. And the other also Christian candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Benson Idahosa? Well, he is either stingy, a liar or an untrustworthy man used by the devil.

    The Ighodalo endorsement, which took place at the PFN’s 2024 Edo State School of Ministry at the PCU-PFN administrative headquarters along Benin-Auchi Road, was hearty and total. In what seemed like an annual general meeting, the Edo State chairman of the PFN, Pastor Dr. (Mrs) M.O. Agbonifo, enthused over the candidacy of Mr Ighodalo and his running mate, and averred that the Christian body had no iota of doubt that the two gentlemen were what the state needed at the Government House. And seeming to second the motion, the State CAN Chairman, Apostle Irekpono Omoike, then formally voiced the endorsement and anchored prayers for the victory of the PDP candidates at the election. Still flush with excitement, probably at the coup they had pulled off in their one-sided endorsement, Mrs Agbonifo sarcastically dismissed the APC candidate for pledging what he could not deliver. Seizing the opportunity of that corrosive statement by the PFN leader, Governor Godwin Obaseki’s wife, Betsy, who was at the event, donated a coaster bus to the Christian body in a mockery of Mr Idahosa’s failed promise. According to her, no one should trust a man who could not redeem his pledge to God.

    The Edo PCU-PFN programme, like many contemporary religious programmes in Nigeria, easily transformed into an auctioning event, indicating that conscience can be bought and sold unabashedly. Sensing the impact of the materialistic drift of the pastors, and caught up in the frenzy, Candidate Ighodalo himself pledged a 100KVA generator to power the administrative centre of the Christian organisation. Impressed, younger brother of the candidate, Ituah Ighodalo, pastor of the Trinity House Church, also pledged N5 million to fuel the generator when it is bought. It is striking, if not demeaning to the church, that while Candidate Ighodalo and his brother Ituah were hedging their bets, the PCU-PFN took the entire body of Christ in Edo State and pledged it to a materialist and secular cause, with the Trinity House Church pastor even likening the September governorship contest to a battle between light and darkness. Of course, the PDP candidate was the light and the APC candidate anybody’s guess.

    The shameful politicking that unnerved the church in the 2023 presidential poll has obviously continued apace. They have learnt nothing, and forgotten nothing. In last year’s election, the church seized upon the APC’s Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket as an alibi for their troubled conscience to throw caution to the wind and eagerly, uncharacteristically, and unwisely immersed itself in politics, sadly fighting one another. In Edo’s September governorship poll, both leading candidates, not to talk of that of the Labour Party (LP), are Christians. But having swallowed the hook, PCU-PFN sees no handicap in swallowing the line and sinker by persisting in politicking, preferring one Christian over another. Once a demon gains a foothold, it beckons on a legion. The fear of Islamisation, with which many churches spooked voters last year, turned out to be a bogeyman. But there were no apologies for desecrating the church, for cursing fellow Christians who showed a different preference, and for finally and shamefacedly realising that the APC ticket had in 2023 turned out to be more secular than the theocratic tickets of LP and the PDP.

    Read Also: Ondo 2024: Ayeka community backs Aiyedatiwa candidacy

    Clearly, today, as the Edo election is finally illustrating, today’s Christian leaders are less inclined to evangelising and showing the light, and manifesting temperance and love: they are politicians who have brought the world into the church. It was remarkable at the PCU-PFN event in Edo that Mrs Obaseki even declared tongue-in-cheek that the inability of the APC candidate to redeem his pledge was a sacrilege. What is more, the PDP candidate was emphatic in declaring that should he win, he would remake the state along the vision of his Christian backers. Said he: “Permit me to express my profound gratitude to this august body of Christ. I am really humbled by the trust and confidence reposed in me. And I promise you, I won’t disappoint you or let you down. I wish to say this, too, that Edo State, like some other states, should have an Ecumenical Centre as a further step to fostering unity within the Christian faith in Edo State and we will ensure everybody has the freedom to practice and observe his faith without let or hindrance. More also, we will institute an Edo Thanksgiving Day, a day set aside in the year to thank God for everything.”

    Gradually, the religious ossification many observers ascribe to the North is percolating into the South. It may be irreversible, especially in light of some of the bewildering judgements coming out of the courts from jurists tainted by religious prejudices, and the reluctance of the federal government to tackle hate crimes and religious intolerance propagated in Ilorin and other places against traditional religion worshippers. The church, it was initially believed, would help shine the light to defeat the gross darkness overtaking the country. Instead, it has capitulated; and some Edo politicians and church leaders are proud to be numbered among the ‘heathen’. Will the PCU-PFN endorsement make a difference in Edo? It is unlikely; other factors will probably determine the outcome of the vote in September. But whether the church wins or loses in Edo, few people will forget the inglorious and unscriptural agenda they are pursuing, an agenda angry Pastor Ituah himself did so much to foster in Lagos during the last poll.

  • CAN to leaders at Easter: Govern with integrity, humility

    CAN to leaders at Easter: Govern with integrity, humility

    • Police ban movement of tricycles, motorcycles in Plateau
    • Southern Kaduna Christian leaders admonish the wealthy to remember poor people

    On the occasion of this year’s Ester celebration, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has charged the nation’s leaders to lead the country with integrity and humility.

    CAN to Nigerian leaders: Lead with integrity, humility

    In his message to mark the event, CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, also urged Nigerian leaders to govern with compassion, wisdom and the fear of God.

    In Plateau State, the religious event saw the police imposing a ban on movement of tricycles and motorcycles as part of efforts to ensure a hitch-free celebration while Southern Kaduna Christian leaders admonished the wealthy to remember poor people.

    In his message as Christians the world over celebrate Easter, Okoh said in the midst of our daily challenges and triumphs, Easter stands as a timeless reminder of hope, renewal and redemption.

     He said it is a season that calls for reflection on the ultimate sacrifice made for humanity and the triumph of light over darkness.

     A statement he personally issued said: “As we celebrate the sacred season of Easter, on behalf of the national leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), I extend heartfelt wishes of peace, joy and blessings to all Nigerians.

     “The lessons of Easter hold particular relevance for Nigerian society today.

    “In a time marked by uncertainty, we are called to embody the virtues of love for one another.

    “Just as Christ’s resurrection brought new life and hope to the world, so too can we, as a nation, rise above our differences and difficulties and work towards a brighter future.

    “Let us remember that Easter is not merely a time for celebration but a call to action.

    “As leaders, we are charged with the responsibility to bring newness into the system by leading with integrity, compassion and humility.

    “As citizens, we are called to stand united in the face of adversity, to extend a hand of friendship to our neighbours, and to strive for peace and justice in our communities.

     “I urge all leaders at every level to heed the lessons of Easter and to govern with wisdom, fairness and a genuine commitment to the common good.

    “I call upon all citizens to embody the spirit of Easter in their daily lives and to practice sacrificial love towards one another.

     “As we commemorate the resurrection of our Lord, let us also renew our dedication to building a nation that reflects positive values.

    “May this Easter season be a time of reflection, renewal and rededication to the principles that hold us together as a people”

    Police ban movement of tricycles, motorcycles in Plateau

    As part of strategies to ensure a peaceful and hitch-free Easter celebration, Plateau State Commissioner of Police, Steve Yabanet, yesterday announced a ban on the use of tricycles popularly known as Keke Napep in the Jos metropolis today.

    The existing ban on the operation of commercial motorcycles, also known as okada, within the Jos Bukuru metropolis also remains in force.

    Additional personnel have also been deployed to critical areas and strategic locations while the State Intelligence Department (SID) has spread its operations across all 17 Local Government Areas for comprehensive intelligence gathering.

    A statement issued by Yabnet through the Public Relation Officer (PRO) of the Plateau State Police Command, DSP. Alfred Alabo, warned potential mischief makers of the command’s determination to enforce law and order.

    In his determination to maintain the fragile peace in the volatile state, the police commissioner declared that any attempt to disrupt the peace would be met with decisive action in accordance with the law.

    Southern Kaduna Christian leaders admonish the wealthy to remember poor people

    Apostle Emmanuel Kure, Chairman of the Southern Kaduna Christian Leaders Association (SKCLA), urged advantaged Christians to extend a helping hand to their less privileged neighbors during this year’s Easter celebration.

    He made the call in an Easter message he personally signed and made available to newsmen in Kafanchan over the weekend.

    Apostle Kure noted that Easter is a time for Christians around the world to rejoice in the victory of life over death and to reflect on the teachings of love, peace and forgiveness that Jesus exemplified.

    He added that this year’s Easter celebration holds special significance, “especially considering the challenging times we have faced as a community”.

    “However, as people of faith, we draw strength and hope from the message of Easter, which reminds us that even in the darkest times, there is always light, and that through resilience and unity, we can overcome any challenge,” he added..

    Kure emphasised the need to embrace the essence of Easter to promote harmony, tolerance, and love among all individuals and communities in Southern Kaduna.

    The SKCLA Chairman also commended the government, security agencies, and all relevant stakeholders for their efforts in ensuring a peaceful and secure environment for Easter celebrations.

    Apostle Kure, who is also the Vision Pioneer of the Throne Room Trust Ministry in Kafanchan, encouraged all Christians to remember the less fortunate in their midst during this Easter period.

    “Let us extend a helping hand to those in need, offering support and kindness to uplift one another.

    “By doing so, we demonstrate the true Christian spirit and contribute to building a more inclusive and compassionate society,” he said.

    He also congratulated the Muslim ummah on their fast and urged them to continue to pray for a more peaceful future together.

    Emulate Christ, sacrifice for one another, Akpabio, Adeola tell Christians

     The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, yesterday urged Christians to imbibe Christ’s spirit of humility, love and sacrifice during and after the celebration of His death and resurrection.

     Akpabio, who stated this in his Easter message through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Hon Eseme Eyiboh, congratulated all Christians at home and in the Diaspora for successfully completing the 40 days Lent and witnessing yet another Easter celebration.

    He said: “Just as Jesus Christ in His humility and love offered Himself for the redemption of mankind, I admonish us all to emulate Him and make sacrifices for one another.

    “Jesus Christ is an embodiment of love, and as His followers, we are expected to radiate love in every aspect of our life, especially in this season of Easter.

    “Let us, therefore, show love to one another, our neighbours, our leaders and our dear country.

    “If we do not show love to our leaders and country, no one will do that for us,” he admonished.

     On his part, the Senator representing Ogun West, Solomon Adeola, urged Christians to pray for peace and security as President Bola Tinubu continues to lay the foundation for a renewed hope of prosperity.

     Adeola, who is the Chairman, Senate Committee on Appropriations, in a statement by his media aide, Chief Kayode Odunaro, appealed to all to practice the Christian virtues of sacrifice, patience, love and abiding faith for a better tomorrow as exemplified in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

     He stressed that it is not possible to develop any society where the Christian virtues of love, sacrifices for one another, patience and hope for a better future are lacking.

    Read Also: CAN to leaders: lead with integrity, humility

    PDP urges renewed hope in God, Nigeria

     In spite of prevailing national challenges, Nigerians must use the period of Easter celebrations to renew their hope in God and the prospects of a more vibrant nation, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) said in its Easter message to the nation.

     In the party’s Easter message signed by the National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Debo Ologunagba, it also urged leaders at various levels of government to show more selflessness and empathy towards citizens.

    “The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) urges Nigerians to use the occasion of Easter, the festival of the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead to strengthen their hope in God and seek a national renewal by rekindling their love and commitment towards one another, especially at this trying time.

    “The party also urges Nigerians not to allow the hardship, insecurity and uncertainty pervading the nation to weaken their faith and optimism for a better nation.

    “Indeed, the coming of Easter, the celebration of the triumph of life over death, serves as divine reassurance of the saving grace of God in the gift of Salvation to mankind and His willingness to bring succor in any adverse situation.

    “Our party urges Nigerians to reinforce the bond of unity and love by sharing with and supporting one another as this is the only way the nation can survive this perilous time.

     “We also call on leaders at all levels and spheres to renew the virtue of selfless service by directing their energies principally towards the wellbeing and happiness of the people.

     “Against this backdrop, the PDP urges the Federal Government to take immediate action to address the high cost of food, petroleum products, other essential commodities and services so as to alleviate the suffering in the country.

     “The PDP felicitates with Nigerians and wishes them a happy Easter celebration,” Ologunagba stated.

    We can overcome adversity with faith, resilience –Lawan

     Former Senate President Ahmad Lawan admonished Nigerians to keep faith and remain resilient in the face of challenges, noting that same is a sure way to rise above adversity.

     Lawan, in a statement by his media aide, Ezrel Tabiowo, in Abuja, to mark the Easter Day celebration, said the occasion presented Nigerians with yet another opportunity to work together in the spirit of renewal towards a better future for all.

     He urged Christians to remember the less fortunate by extending a helping hand to those in need.

     The former Senate President enjoined Nigerians to pray for peace and security in the nation, and for the safety and protection of all Nigerians.

     Lawan said: “As we celebrate Easter, we are reminded of the hope and renewal that this special season brings to us all. It is a time to come together with loved ones, reflect on our blessings, and look forward to a brighter future.

     “In the midst of the challenges facing our nation, we must remember that with faith, resilience, and unity, we can overcome any adversity. Let us use this Easter as a time to come together as a nation, to support one another, and to work towards a better future for all Nigerians.

     “As we celebrate this joyous occasion, let us remember those who are less fortunate and extend a helping hand to those in need. Let us also pray for peace and security in our nation, and for the safety and protection of all Nigerians.

     “May this Easter bring us all renewed hope, strength, and blessings. Happy Easter to all Nigerians, and may God bless us all.”

  • Shutting of church: Respect constituted authorities, CAN urges Christians

    Shutting of church: Respect constituted authorities, CAN urges Christians

    Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Oyo State has urged Christians to always respect constituted authorities and maintain peaceful coexistence within their individual neighbourhoods.

    CAN Chairman in the state, Apostle Joshua Akinyemiju, stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ibadan yesterday.

    NAN reports that Akinyemiju spoke against the backdrop of the sealing off a branch of Christ Life Church on Golden Estate, Oluyole in Ibadan, by the state government last Thursday over alleged noise pollution.

    Justifying the action, the Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Mr Abdulmojeed Mogbonjubola, had said that the measure was taken after several unresolved steps by the ministry to mediate among the complaints, residents and the church management had proved abortive.

    He said that government was left with no option but to shut the church premises to avert escalation of the brewing tension between the residents of the area and the church.

    The CAN chairman, however, urged all faithful to always give necessary respect and support to constituted authorities and maintain good neighbourliness.

    According to him, refusal to respect and obey constituted authorities is tantamount to lack of respect to the laws of God.

    “The content of the statement issued by the commissioner showed that the Ministry of Environment, upon receipt of complaints from residents, took some steps to avert sanctioning the church.

    “The ministry also set up a team that visited the area to confirm the complaints. During the visit, the team measured the pitch of noise as 74DB as against the 65DB allowed at daytime.

    “Secondly, a meeting was convened by the ministry to amicably resolve the matter,” he said, adding “with the steps taken, it is obvious that the ministry followed due process.”

    Read Also: Jimoh, frontrunner in Ondo APC, forges ahead

    Akinyemiju, however, said that neither the church nor the ministry informed CAN about the development and the efforts made to resolve the issue.

    “Ministry of environment holds stakeholders’ meetings from time to time and CAN is always represented at such meetings, which are meant to forestall this kind of situation,” he said.

    According to the CAN chairman, no matter the situation, Christians are under the obligation of ensuring obedience to the authorities, since they are the ones responsible for the social wellbeing of citizens.

    “For government and its agencies, they should know that CAN is the umbrella body for the defence and protection of the rights, welfare and privileges of Christians and Christianity in the state.

    “Therefore, in matters like this, the association should be involved in order to ensure amicable resolution of any contending issue,” Akinyemiju said.

  • Be patient with Tinubu’s administration, CAN appeals to Nigerians

    Be patient with Tinubu’s administration, CAN appeals to Nigerians

    The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has appealed to Nigerians to be more patient with the administration of President Bola Tinubu as he works to solve the myriad of challenges facing the nation.

    CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, stated this after his first visit to the State House, Abuja to congratulate President Tinubu and pledge support to the success of the administration.

    Speaking to journalists after the meeting with the President, Okoh observed that the President, since assuming office, has shown himself to be sensitive to the situations facing Nigerians and has since been taking steps to find solutions to the challenges.

    He noted that Nigerians, including the Christian community, have been noticing the President’s efforts to set the country back on the right path, adding that the current challenges were as a result of many years build, which he said will take some time to sort out.

    “Sincerely, what we found out is that the President is sensitive to all these challenges that we have. He’s aware, and we see him making very positive steps, even from the beginning of his administration by the way, he has made appointments so far. ⁣

    “He has come with a great sense of inclusiveness. And Nigerians have a sense of belonging as Nigerians and in this government and I tell you that his pronouncements so far and his body language have increased the confidence of Nigerians in Nigeria and we believe that, given the chance, he will do a lot more and we are praying that the Lord will strengthen his hand, to be able to do more and turn around the fortunes of this country.⁣

    Read Also: BREAKING: Tinubu meets CAN leadership in Villa

    “We know that there are a lot of challenges, but what we tell our people is that this is just the beginning of this administration and Nigeria is big and what we face now started not just today. It started many years back, and it will take a while to turn around these things. 

    “But the important thing is that there is an intentional step that the President has taken, and is taken to reverse the trend of events, especially in the area of governance, we see it very clearly and we see the effort is making towards securing this nation. 

    “So we ask the Nigerians who are watching and those people who seem to have lost hope, to not lose hope, but to have patience and persevere, though it is night, we know that a new dawn is just in the horizon,” he said.

  • CAN disburses 600 bags of Tinubu’s rice to Jigawa Christians

    CAN disburses 600 bags of Tinubu’s rice to Jigawa Christians

    The chairman, Jigawa State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev. Father Morris Collins Hassan, has distributed 600 bags of rice palliative given to it by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to Christians in the state.

    Speaking while disbursing the rice among five block bodies of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the state, Rev. Father Morris Collins Hassan, said “the palliative is from the president, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to the Christian fellowship for the Christmas and New Year festivals”.

    Read Also: By-election: Ani emerges as APC candidate to fill Umahi’s seat at Senate

    He said the palliative came through the Jigawa State government: “Jigawa State Commissioner for Special Duties called us at the instance of His Excellency, Governor, Malam Umar Namadi, and we received 594 pieces of 25kg bags of rice… as palliative for Christmas”.

    He added that the commodity would be shared to all Christians across the 27 local government areas of the state through the CAN coordinators or representatives.

    The CAN chairman said it has enjoined the five blocks in the state to ensure fairness and equity, and “give emphasis to the less-privileged, especially the widows and orphans”.

    He expressed gratitude to the president and the state governor for the gesture and timely consideration.

    Secretary, CAN (Jigawa) Women’s Wing, Mrs Debora Maina Markus, while commending the president for the gesture, pledged to “give special consideration to widows and orphans in disbursing our share”.

  • Imo CAN receives Tinubu’s palliatives

    Imo CAN receives Tinubu’s palliatives

    Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma has launched distribution of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Christmas gifts of rice to the five Southeast states, as part of the President’s palliative measures to alleviate the suffering of the people.

    He advised church leaders, who came to take delivery of the gifts at the secretariat of Imo State branch of Christian Association Nigeria (CAN), Owerri to remember the Tinubu administration in their prayers.

    Uzodimma thanked God for his mercies that made it possible for the people to overcome the challenges of 2023, noting that 2024 would be better for all. 

    The governor, who thanked the men of God for finding time to be part of the event, reminded them that on May 29, 2023, President Tinubu introduced some reforms meant to recover the economy, reduce hardship in the country, strengthen the Naira, grow the economy, create jobs for the unemployed and make Nigeria great again.

    He said although some of those policies came with initial pains such as high cost of items in the market and generally, high cost of living in Nigeria, “the policies are meant to address these pains.”

    Uzodimma recalled that towards the end of last year, the federal and state governments distributed palliatives in Imo State, doing their best to send the materials to the nooks and crannies of the state and conscious of the fact that Southeast is predominantly inhabited by Christians.

    “Eighty per cent of people living in the Southeast are Christians,” he said, adding that the Yuletide is widely celebrated in the area.

    The governor, who expressed the President’s commitment to ensuring the well-being of the people, stressed the significance of providing relief and other support to citizens, particularly during the festive season.

    Read Also: TUC presents 10 demands before President Tinubu

    He said the bags of rice they came to launch the distribution with, neither came from the state nor federal government, but were donations from President Tinubu to Christians as gifts to the Southeast.

    Uzodimma said he involved Imo State CAN to ensure seamless distribution, since all Christians in the zone were under the umbrella of CAN.

    He said Imo State Government would support CAN with logistics to convey the bags of rice to Southeast states of Abia, Anambra, Enugu, Ebonyi and Imo.

    He urged Christian communities in the Southeast to pray for Tinubu’s administration to do better, having laid foundation for a prosperous country with the ambitious 2024 budget already signed into law by the President.

    “Never in the history of Nigeria has anybody released such huge sum of money as an annual budget,” Uzodimma added.

    Imo State CAN Chairman Rev. Dr. Eches Divine Eches hailed Uzodimma’s efforts in ensuring that the welfare of the people is taken care of.

    He described him as “a caring governor and a lover of God and mankind, who promoted the interests of the Igbo on the national stage.”

    He also lauded President Tinubu for his gifts to Christian communities in the region.

  • Plateau crisis: Pray against killings in 2024 – CAN president

    Plateau crisis: Pray against killings in 2024 – CAN president

    President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Archbishop Daniel Okoh has urged Nigerians to pray against killings in the country especially the recent incident in Plateau State.

    Okoh gave the advise in his New Year Message issued on Monday.

    The CAN boss who expressed displeasure over the incident said Nigerians embrace our diversity and allow it to be the bedrock upon which we build a stronger, more harmonious nation.

    Okoh said: “As we stand at the dawn of a new year, I want to first express my deepest gratitude to Almighty God for His unfailing protection and mercies that have seen us through the year 2023. It is by His grace that we have been preserved, overcoming the trials and tribulations of the past year. We have indeed witnessed His hand in our lives, and for this, we are profoundly thankful.

    “We were shocked to find that, as the year drew to a close, the enemies of progress sought to cast a shadow over our joy with acts of extreme violence in some communities on the Plateau. These acts of aggression against innocent lives are a stark reminder of the fragility of peace in our beloved country. It is a recurrent nightmare that we have witnessed far too often.

    “In light of these distressing events, our prayers intensify for the souls we have lost and for the bereaved families. We pray earnestly to the Almighty God that such senseless loss of life and wanton destruction of property will never plague our communities again. May He guide us towards pathways of peace and grant solace to all who have suffered.

    “In the face of these adversities, it is imperative that we, as a people, refuse to be discouraged. Instead, we must come together and remain resolute in our commitment to build a united, peaceful, and prosperous nation. It is in our togetherness that we find the strength to withstand the trials that beset us. In unity, there is hope, resilience, and the power to rebuild. 

    Read Also: Plateau announces seven-day mourning over attacks

    “As we look to the year ahead, let us do so with a renewed sense of purpose and an unwavering commitment to fostering a better future for our beloved Nigeria. Let us draw strength from our faith, our shared values, and our collective resolve to surmount the obstacles that confront us. 

    “Together, as one united people, we are capable of creating a Nigeria where peace, justice, and prosperity are not just ideals, but realities for all.

    “May the transformative era that has begun continue to unfold for our nation in the year 2024. Let us march forward with hope and determination, and may God’s blessings be upon Nigeria. Wishing you all a peaceful and prosperous New Year.”

  • CAN condemns Plateau killings, demands preventive measures

    CAN condemns Plateau killings, demands preventive measures

    The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) on Tuesday, December 26, condemned the Christmas Eve attacks that left over a hundred people dead and numerous houses burnt in the Plateau state towns of Bokkos and Barkin-Ladi Local Government Areas.

    The attack on the community posed a threat to the harmony and shared values of the country.

    A statement issued by Archbishop Daniel Okoh, the president of CAN, said that the affected communities struggle to cope with the horrific incident.

    He said: “We condemn these acts of violence in the strongest possible terms. The burning down of houses, and worship centres, and the destruction of properties worth millions of naira is not only a criminal act but also a direct assault on our shared values of peace, unity, and mutual respect.”

    “Such acts have no place in our society and must not be allowed to prevail.”

    The body said it stands with the victims at this time of grief.

    CAN added: “We mourn with the families, friends, and communities who tragically lost their loved ones in the villages of Ruku, Hurum, Darwat, Mai Yanga Sabo, NTV, and Lisham Kwahasnat community in Wase LGA. We stand with you at this time of grief, and our prayers go out to you for comfort and strength. The loss of lives, including those of our brethren in the Baptist Church in Chirang village, is a devastating blow to our collective peace and unity.”

    Archbishop Okoh praised the swift actions of a combined police and military task group in restoring some semblance of normalcy, but he also urged security intelligence to develop preventative methods to stop similar incidents from happening in the future.

    He stated: “We commend the swift intervention of the Military and the deployment of a joint police and military task force to restore peace and prevent further lawlessness in the affected communities. We recognize the efforts of State Governor Caleb Mutfwang in calling for peace and unity amid such adversity.”

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    “However, while appreciating these immediate responses, we urge the security agencies to intensify their efforts in intelligence gathering and proactive interventions to pre-empt and forestall these types of dastardly acts in the future. Our people deserve to live in peace, and it is high time we moved from reactive to preventive measures.”

    The body, which provides relief supplies to the impacted villages, also pleaded for harmony and peace among the state’s indigenous people.

    It noted: “We believe in the unity and strength of our nation. We acknowledge the resilience of the people of Plateau State and the nation at large. We must reinforce this unity and resilience in the face of such adversity. Let us shun all forms of violence and embrace the peace and unity that our nation so desperately needs.

    “In this season of love and giving, let us remember the victims and their families not only in our prayers but also by reaching out to them with relief materials. Let us extend our empathy and support, and commit to building a peaceful and prosperous Plateau State and Nigeria as a whole.”