The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN)

  • CAN advocates for effective legislation to end herdsmen attacks

    CAN advocates for effective legislation to end herdsmen attacks

    The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has called for effective legislation to end the menace of attacks by suspected armed herdsmen.

    The CAN National President, Dr Sampson Oyakunle, made the call during a courtesy visit to Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State.

    Oyakunle said that indiscriminate livestock grazing needed to be put checked and replaced with a more acceptable practice.

    “I advise that you follow the step of your brother governor in Benue by passing a bill that will forestall further occurrence of this attack.

    “Nobody should, under whatever guise, destroy the lives of others and in order to safeguard the people, effective legislation should be put in place.

    “This does not come out of hatred but of the need to do things in order and in respect for human life,” Oyakunle said.

    Responding, Ugwuanyi commended CAN leadership for identifying with victims of the attacks.

    He urged the association and the Church in general, to continue with their good works, underscoring the importance of prayers for good governance to be enthroned in the country.

    The CAN President had earlier led a delegation to donate relief materials to victims of suspected herdsmen attack in the state.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that beneficiaries included the 13 widows whose husbands were killed in April 2016 at Ukpabi Nimbo in Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area of the state.

    Others were the leadership of Christ Holy Church of Nigeria and Catholic Church in Nimbo as well as the victims in Attakwu, Nkanu West Local Government Area of the state.

    Sampson, while presenting the items, said that CAN was worried by the spate of attacks linked to suspected herdsmen in parts of the country.

    He said that while the church was praying for the country and victims of the attacks, it was necessary for it to complement prayers with good works as exemplified in the gift items.

    He said that the Christian body had made similar donations in Kaduna and Benue states.

    The president urged Nigerians to live in peace and respect the sanctity of human life.

    He further advised the victims not to take laws into their hands but to trust in the unfailing love of God, adding that they would not be put to shame.

    He said that the church would continue to pray for God’s intervention in the face of obvious challenges confronting the country.

    Mrs Cordelia Ugwuogbu, a widow, who spoke on behalf of other beneficiaries, thanked the leadership of CAN for their kindness.

    Ugwuogbu said that though things had been difficult since they lost their husbands, they were consoled by the kind gesture extended to them.

    NAN reports that the beneficiaries received bags of rice and beans and a cheque each of an undisclosed amount.

    It would be recalled that suspected herdsmen invaded Nimbo in April 2016, killing 13 people and injuring many others.

    Similar attack was carried out in Attakwu Akegbe few months later were two persons including a seminarian were killed.

     

  • Ondo CAN preaches religious tolerance among Nigerians

    Ondo CAN preaches religious tolerance among Nigerians

    The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Ondo State Chapter, on Thursday urged Nigerians to imbibe religious tolerance.

    Rev. John Ayo-Oladapo, the CAN Chairman in the state,  told the News Agency of Nigeria  (NAN) in Okitipupa  that religious tolerance was a key factor in  fostering  development and nation building.

    He said that intolerance would only cause chaos and retrogression politically, economically and socially in the country.

    According to him, Nigeria has many religions and no one should be forced to practise any in order not to threaten the corporate existence of the country.

    Ayo-Oladapo spoke with NAN shortly after the swearing-in ceremony of new CAN executives for Okitipupa Local Government Chapter held at Saint John’s Catholic Church, Okitipupa.

    He urged the new executives to be diligent in preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ while living in peace with one another.

    Primate Elisha Akinsulere, the new CAN Chairman, while speaking with NAN, thanked God and the Christian community for the opportunity to serve a second term.

    He also thanked the state chapter of CAN for the assistance rendered to him during his first term in office and promised to work harder to move the association forward.

    NAN reports that other officers of CAN in the council area included Pastor Peter Akinyelure, Vice-Chairman; Rufus Omosule, Secretary, Rev. Emnanuel Tehingbola, Treasurer and Folorunso Akinkuoye, Public Relations Officer.

     

  • Insecurity: Police to partner communities to tackle challenges

    Insecurity: Police to partner communities to tackle challenges

    Mr Maigari Abbati, an Assistant Inspector General of Police , on Monday  reiterated the commitment of the Nigeria Police force to partner  communities to tackle security challenges from the grassroots.

    Abbati made this known when he met with stakeholders on community policing in Kaduna.

    He said his visit to the zone was to evaluate security situation in the area.

    “I am in the state to see the level of compliance on community policing. The police are always ready to take advice from communities and traditional leaders.
    “That is why we are here to have one-on-one talk with the communities, and appreciate the cooperation by Kaduna state stakeholders,” he said

    The AIG solicited for the cooperation of the communities and the general public, adding that the police would continue to do its job with integrity and respect for the rule of law.

    He said that the police mode of operation would be harmonized for better results.

    He, however, urged the people to continue partnering with the police for effective service delivery, adding that the job would not be effectively done without the corporation of the community.

    Dr Nuhu Bature, representative of traditional leaders advised the Federal Government to provide more conducive working environment for the Police.

    He applauded the commitment of Kaduna State Police Command for their efforts toward the safety of the citizens.

    The representative of Jama’atul Nasrul Islam, retired Brig.-Gen. Abdulkadir Gumi called for transparency in crime investigations to restore the people’s confidence in the police.

    Mr Raphael Adejike of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Kaduna state chapter, harped on the need to recruit more policemen into the system.

    “The manpower is so inadequate, there is need to recruit more personnel into the system, “he said.

    He expressed worries over the way police address the issue of forceful marriage in the society.

    The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the meeting was attended by traditional leaders, representatives JNI, CAN and major stakeholders in the state.

     

  • Tambuwal incorporates religious groups to support fight against polio

    Tambuwal incorporates religious groups to support fight against polio

    Gov. Aminu Tambuwal has incorporated the Jama’atul Nasril Islam (JNI), and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), as part of the Task Force to support the fight against polio in the state.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that this came to the fore on Sunday, in Bodinga town, Bodinga Local Government Area of the state at the commencement of the immunisation plus days.

    Speaking at the event, the governor announced the formation of an expanded high powered task force, made up of leadership of JNI and CAN.

    He said that the committee will ensure the massive mobilisation of all persons resident in the state, towards the success of the exercise.

    He said,”my administration is committed in ensuring that the successes recorded in the fight against polio and other killer-diseases are not reversed.”

    Tambuwal further called on stakeholders not to relent until the country was free from the dreaded polio virus.

    Tambuwal said,” the Sokoto State Government has committed huge sums of money for the renovation of hospitals, construction of staff houses, as well as provision of basic medical equipment to Primary Healthcare Centres.

    “This is to enable them provide qualitative primary and secondary health care services to the people.

    “We will also continue to renovate our health facilities and construct some additional primary health centers for equitable distribution of facilities in all areas where there are none.”

    Tambuwal also directed all the 23 local government areas to provide all needed support towards the success of the exercise.

    The governor also inaugurated the task force on polio immunisation and implementation in all the 23 LGAs with each council chairman serving as head.

    In his remarks, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, represented by the Magajin Rafin Sokoto, Alhaji Rilwanu Bello, called on all district heads to be fully involved in the immunisation drive.

    In their separate remarks, representatives of the World Health Organisation (WHO), UNICEF, Rotary International and national primary Healthcare Development Agency, reiterated their determination to ensure that Nigeria is free from the wild polio virus (WPV).

    On his part, the state commissioner of health, Dr. Balarabe Kakale called on all communities to take precautionary measures on the impending risk of Gastro enteritis, especially as the raining season is about to set in.

    He also appealed to people to maintain personal and environmental hygiene, adding that the ministry will continue to discharge its duties effectively.

    Other members of the task force announced by the governor include development partners, women groups, heads of security agencies, traditional and religious leaders, labour leaders, political officers, student groups, members of the civil societies, among others.

  • Nigeria will be great again – CAN

    Nigeria will be great again – CAN

    The Chairman, Lagos State Chapter of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Apostle Alexander Bamgbola, on Sunday said Nigeria would be great again, urging the people not to relent in their prayers.

    Bamgbola spoke at the closing ceremony of the annual Greater Grace Conference of the Olivet Bible Church with the theme `Boundless’, at its headquarters in Festac Town, Lagos.

    He said that the current challenges Nigeria was facing would soon be over because God is interested in the country.

    “God will restore the lost glory and virtues of the country. This nation shall rise again; not too long, but very soon.

    “We must pray more, and we will have victory; it shall be recorded in the comity of nations that Nigeria has risen,’’ he said.

    The Senior Pastor of the Church, Pastor Owen Nlekwuwa, spoke in similar vein, saying the glory and dignity of Nigeria would soon be restored.

    “The dignity and honour that God has created this nation for will soon rise again and all its challenges shall be surmounted.

    “But you shall remember the Lord your God, for it is He that gives you the power to get wealth.

    “God is concerned about the well-being of the people of this nation; it is His will that we enjoy supernatural abundance,” he said.

    The cleric urged Nigerians to always pray for their leaders, with a view to building a great nation devoid of corruption and lawlessness.

    “No one has the sole capacity and ability to solve all the problems of this country; it is our collective and civic responsibility to work for the growth of our nation,” he said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the five-day conference began on May 10.

    It was organised to inspire people to go for their best dreams, regardless of resistance and circumstances in challenging times.
  • Tension in Kaduna as mob lynched suspected thief to death

    Tension in Kaduna as mob lynched suspected thief to death

    …18 arrested, as crisis escalates

     

    There was pandemonium in Kaduna metropolis on Monday morning, as angry mob were said to have lynched to death, a man suspected to have burgled a house the previous night in Kabala West area of the city.

    Security agencies have however arrested 18 persons suspected to have been involved in the unrest that followed the lynching in Kabala West and Ungwan Muazu.

    A Kaduna State Government statement said that security agencies arrested the hoodlums around the two communities following reports of threats to law and order.

    The Nation gathered that, the incident started around Kaje street of Kabala West on Sunday, but it led to serious fracas between youths of two neighboring communities of Kabala West and Ungwan Muazu on Monday.

    Accordingly to an eyewitness account, the incident which occurred on Sunday evening led to fracas on Monday morning between two groups suspected to be for and against the alleged thief that was lychned to death by angry mob.

    This development caused tension around the city, as many drivers, passing through Kaduna had to divert to another routes from Nnamdi Azikiwe bypass, western side of the city.

    The protesting groups were seen throwing sharp objects at each other as well as at other passersby.

    Another eyewitness account said, “Some of us cannot go back home since we managed to escape from the area in the morning because soldiers and police have blocked the roads leading to our houses.

    “Those residents that left for work in the morning have to call back home to their families to remain indoor while those that have left the house are asked to look for a safer place within the city centre and stay.

    “It is unfortunate that people are linking the fracas to religion, but I want to tell you that it has nothing to do with religion at all,  a thief was lychned to death and his so called friends decided to take law into their hands.

    “We are however happy that security people intervened immediately, and the situation is returning to normalcy as I speak to you”.

    Spokesperson to Governor Nasir El-Rufai, Samuel Aruwan while confirming the arrests of the suspects, said they will be charged to court as soon as the investigations are concluded.

    Aruwan dismissed stories making the round on social media that the crisis has escalated to other parts of Kaduna town leading to the killing of a few person and others injured and warned those peddling false stories to desist.

    According to him, “the state government has sent a high powered delegation to mediate between Kabala West and Ungwan Mu’azu communities. The delegation was led by Acting Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Abdullahi Ibrahim Sani, the Special Adviser on Internal Security and Special Assistant Media and Publicity Samuel Aruwan.

    “The delegation met with the leaderships of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), youth leaders, security agencies and traditional rulers of the two communities.

    “At the end of the meeting, the two sides unanimously agreed that all those responsible for the unrest should be fished out and brought to justice. The delegation also commended all residents of the communities that collaborated with security agencies in containing the unrest that could have degenerated beyond the two communities.

    “The meeting resolved that all communities will be proactive in reporting any suspicious movements or activities to security agencies, and that it is illegal to resort to self-help or any act that amounts to taking the law into their hands”.

     

  • CAN urges Kaduna govt. to reopen tertiary institutions

    Rev. Samson Ayokunle, President, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), has urged the Kaduna State Government to re-open tertiary institutions closed down because of the violence in southern Kaduna.

    Ayokunle made the call on Thursday in Kafanchan, when he visited Southern Kaduna to donate relief materials, worth N8 million, to victims of the lingering violence.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports the three tertiary institutions in the area – the Kafanchan campus of the Kaduna State University, the College of Education, Gidan-Way, and College of Nursing, Kafanchan were shut down last year.

    The institutions had since remained closed, while the 2016/2017 session is already coming to an end in institutions located in other parts of the states.

    But Ayokunle, who expressed surprise that the schools were still closed down, advised government to open them and ensure adequate protection for the students.

    The CAN President called for urgent measures to end the violence, saying that Nigeria would not have peace until people of southern Kaduna and other crisis-ridden parts in the country had peace and justice.

    “I appeal to the Kaduna State Government to re-open the institutions. What the government can do is to ensure more security so that students are protected.

    “Nigeria will not have peace until people of southern Kaduna, and other areas invaded by herdsmen in the country, had their peace,” he said.

    He said that the visit was to share in the grief of the victims of the violence.

    “We came here to show our deep concern over your predicament; we know what you people are passing through. We may not have much to give you physically, but you are not alone in this situation.

    “I appeal to the government to ensure an end to the attacks by herdsmen on Southern Kaduna and other parts of the country. Government must act swiftly,” he said.

    Ayokunle also urged government to repair Churches and houses that were burnt down during the crisis, while also ensuring that the culprits were brought to book.

    He also urged government to disarm the herdsmen accused of killing natives, and prosecute those found to be involved in the killings.

    The CAN President praised the security agencies for the efforts to end the violence, but challenged them to understand that they would be held responsible if the violence persisted.

    He also advised the security men against restricting their activities to roadblocks along the highways, while the hinterlands were being attacked.

    Ayokunle said that security men must be sincerely committed to ending the violence, and cautioned them against  looking the other way when evil was going on.

    Earlier, the CAN Secretary, Kaduna State, Rev. Sunday Ibrahim, had described the visit as a morale booster, and described it as “very great significance to the Southern Kaduna people”.

    Ibrahim urged government to ensure security to farmers to enable return to the farms so as to feed the people.

    He urged the victims to remain hopeful, and cautioned against reprisal attacks.

    “The Bible is clear here. Vengeance is the Lord’s. He is all knowing and shall intervene at the right time,” Ibrahim said.

  • Edo to partner with CAN to address social-economic challenges

    Edo to partner with CAN to address social-economic challenges

    Gov. Godwin Obaseki of Edo, on Wednesday, said his administration would collaborate with the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) to address the socio-economic challenges facing the country.

    Obaseki made this disclosure when he received the new executive members of the Edo chapter of CAN at the Government House in Benin.

    The governor said the areas of collaboration would include, basic education, youth empowerment, primary health care, street trading and moral rebirth.

    He said that the church should be at the forefront in the struggle for a better society, noting that the church carried a greater blame when the society failed.

    “We must have a partnership; we have to go beyond what you have requested.

    “The partnership has to exist for your own good and the good of government because our society must fail.

    “We must join hands to strengthen our primary school system and technical education, so that our children can be hardworking and be useful to themselves.

    “We can also train young boys and girls on the provision of basic health services; this will go a long way in reducing youth restiveness,” he said.

    Obaseki said the partnership would also extend to the provision of better welfare for persons with special needs.

    He urged the association to ensure that youth groups in their various churches participated in the State Government’s empowerment programmes.

    The governor, however, expressed displeasure with the number of pilgrims, who absconded during the pilgrimage to Mecca, noting that it was not the right thing to do.

    The governor also promised to do what is right in the sight of God, adding that God alone made it possible for him to be governor.

    Earlier, the Edo chairman of CAN, Bishop Oyonnude Kure, lauded the governor for the achievements so far recorded by his administration.

    Kure said that CAN was ready to support the present administration to ensure a stable society.

    He said, “we want you to succeed and that is why we are here; you will need prayers and we are pledging the support of CAN”.

    The CAN chairman enjoined the State Government to partner with the association in praying.

     

  • Plateau: Only 10 per cent of landlords have titles – commissioner

    Only 10 per cent of house owners in Plateau have titles to their lands, Mr Festus Fuanter, Commissioner, Ministry of Lands and Survey, said in Jos on Tuesday.

    Fuanter, who spoke during an advocacy visit to the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), revealed that only 60,000, out of the 600,000 house owners in the state, had regularised their title deeds.

    Urging defaulters to do the needful or risk sanctions, he said that government had made things simpler by discounting the cost of land documents by 50 per cent.

    “The gesture is to encourage land owners to get their documents; everyone must take full advantage of it,” he said.

    He urged CAN to spread the good news to Church leaders to enable them regularise their title deeds, stressing that the Plateau Geographic Information System (PLAGIS), had made the process cheaper and faster.

    Fuanter said that the ministry was exploring all avenues to enlighten the public on the need to process their title documents, and advised landlords to embrace the carrot approach so as to avoid the stick option.

    Dr. Soja Bewarang, the Plateau CAN Chairman, commended the commissioner for the advocacy visit and assured him that the message would be passed down to all Churches.

    Bewarang assured the Commissioner of CAN’s readiness to partner the ministry in the campaign.

  • Easter: Kano CAN Chairman supports FG’s economic road map

    Easter: Kano CAN Chairman supports FG’s economic road map

    The chairman, Kano chapter of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Bishop Ransom Bello has urged the Federal Government not to relent in its effort to revamp the economic even in the face of activities of economic saboteurs who are hell-bent on frustrating the good intention of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.

    Bishop Bello who disclosed this during his Easter message to Nigerians also frowned at the activities of economic saboteurs, describing it as detrimental to the national development.

    He prayed for the success of the current economic team put together by the Buhari’s administration and hoped that at the end, their decisions and policy formulation will bring the economy back on the right track for the interest of all Nigerians, particularly, the masses.

    According to him, “though Nigeria is going through trying period, things will change for the better. There is no room for despair. There is no reason for suicide. We should not kill ourselves because of hardship. I hope things are going to change in this country, but how it is going to happen, I don’t know.

    “For a man that believes in Christ, there is always hope for tomorrow. I am sure when Jesus Christ was crucified and buried, it is like the disciples lost hope and when he rose from the grave, and their hope came alive again.

    “Darkness is not supreme to light. The light will always overcome darkness. Nigeria will witness the light of God economically and politically. I always believe that there will be a better tomorrow. As I give credit to the present administration for what they are doing, I believe that a better government will evolve.

    “Now, here is the irony, Jesus raise the dead from the grave, and the same Jesus eventually entered the grave for the sake of man; but he rose again—he conquered the power of death. So, Nigerians should not be worried about the level of hardship and depression we are passing through because very soon, things will be better.”

    Bishop Bello who is also the General Overseer of Calvary Life Assembly, however, urged President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration to “wake up to its responsibilities and ensure that the common man has food on the table. The government should ensure that we have employment for the young people. The government has to ensure that Naira is well stabilised, and the dollar should continue to depreciate.”

    He, however, urged economic saboteurs to desist from their evil way or face the wrath of God.