Christian Association of Nigeria-CAN, National Christian Centre Central Business District, Abuja (2026)

27/05/2026

EID-EL-KABIR: A CALL FOR SACRIFICE, COMPASSION, ACCOUNTABILITY AND NATIONAL HEALING

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) warmly felicitates with our Muslim brothers and sisters across Nigeria and around the world on the occasion of this year’s Eid-el-Kabir celebration.

Eid-el-Kabir is a solemn reminder of faith, obedience, sacrifice and devotion to God. Beyond the celebration, however, it speaks directly to the condition of our nation at a difficult and defining moment in our history.

Today, many Nigerians no longer measure hardship in statistics but in skipped meals, unpaid school fees, shuttered businesses and sleepless nights. Families are struggling to survive rising living costs. Farmers are abandoning their lands out of fear. Small businesses are collapsing under economic pressure. Young people are increasingly uncertain about their future, while insecurity continues to cast a shadow over many communities.

At a moment like this, the deeper meaning of Eid-el-Kabir becomes even more important. Sacrifice must not remain a burden carried only by ordinary citizens. Leadership must also reflect sacrifice through honesty, restraint, service, compassion and visible commitment to the wellbeing of the people.

This is a time for leaders across government, politics, business, security institutions and religious organisations to put aside indifference, blame-shifting and narrow interests and focus on the urgent task of restoring public confidence and easing the hardship facing millions of Nigerians.

Nigerians need hope they can see, not promises they no longer believe. This season must therefore serve as a moral call to conscience for all those entrusted with authority. Public trust cannot be rebuilt through speeches alone. Citizens want to see leadership that listens, leadership that acts and leadership that is willing to share in the sacrifices ordinary people make every day.

CAN also urges Nigerians not to allow hardship and frustration to deepen religious, ethnic or regional divisions. Hunger does not ask for tribe or religion. Poverty does not discriminate. Insecurity threatens everyone. In times like these, division only deepens the nation’s wounds.

We further call on religious leaders across all faiths to continue promoting peace, truth, moderation and reconciliation. At a time when anger and frustration are rising in many communities, voices of faith must help calm tensions, restore hope and remind Nigerians that our humanity is greater than our differences.

As Muslims celebrate Eid-el-Kabir, we encourage privileged Nigerians, corporate organisations and public-spirited individuals to remember the poor, widows, orphans, displaced persons and struggling families around them. The spirit of sacrifice becomes truly meaningful when it helps restore dignity and hope to others.

Nigeria can still rise above fear, division and hardship if we rediscover the values of sacrifice, justice, compassion and shared humanity that this season represents.

CAN prays for peace, healing and renewal across our nation. We pray for wisdom for our leaders, protection for vulnerable communities, strength for struggling families and renewed hope for millions of young Nigerians seeking a better future.

Happy Eid-el-Kabir celebrations to all Muslim faithful.

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

20/05/2026

Yesterday, at the National Secretariat of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Abuja, the CAN President, His Eminence Archbishop Daniel C. Okoh, received David Smith MP, the UK's Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief, on a courtesy visit.

18/05/2026

CAN PRESS STATEMENT: "WHEN CHILDREN ARE HUNTED IN CLASSROOMS, SILENCE BECOMES COMPLICITY."

The Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, condemns in the strongest and most unequivocal terms the barbaric abduction of schoolchildren, teachers and school officials during coordinated attacks on schools in the Ahoro-Esinele and Yawota communities of Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

The invasion of schools by armed criminals in broad daylight, the murder of innocent citizens, and the forceful abduction of defenceless children represent a horrifying collapse of security and a direct assault on the conscience of our nation. It is intolerable, disgraceful and utterly unacceptable that Nigerian children can no longer sit safely in classrooms without the fear of being kidnapped by armed gangs.

CAN is outraged that heavily armed attackers were able to storm multiple schools, terrorise communities, kill innocent people and disappear with dozens of pupils and teachers. This is not merely another security incident. It is a national disgrace and a frightening reminder that organised criminal violence is spreading into parts of the country once considered relatively secure.

We mourn the reported killing of the assistant headmaster who courageously tried to protect the children, as well as other innocent victims caught in this horrific attack. Their sacrifice must never be forgotten, and those responsible must be identified, apprehended and prosecuted without hesitation.

The sight of terrified teachers and helpless mothers pleading for mercy from inside captivity is a national humiliation that no responsible society should tolerate. No parent should ever have to watch helplessly as their child is dragged into the forest by gunmen. No teacher should have to choose between educating children and risking abduction or death.

Nigerians are exhausted by condolences without consequences and promises without protection. The continued failure to decisively dismantle kidnapping networks and armed criminal groups is steadily normalising terror across the country. What was once concentrated in parts of northern Nigeria is now spreading dangerously into the South-West and other regions, threatening national stability, public confidence and the safety of future generations.

We therefore call on the Federal Government, security agencies and the Oyo State Government to move beyond routine statements and demonstrate immediate, forceful and coordinated action. Every available security and intelligence resource must be deployed to secure the unconditional release of the abducted victims and bring the perpetrators and their collaborators to justice.

Nigeria must never surrender its schools, its children or its future to armed criminals. Safe school initiatives must no longer exist only on paper while students and teachers remain exposed to terror. Rural communities, forest corridors and known criminal hideouts must be aggressively secured, monitored and reclaimed without delay.

CAN stands in solidarity with the affected families, churches, school communities and residents of Oriire Local Government Area during this painful period. We pray for the safe return of all abducted victims and for comfort, strength and healing for every family affected by this tragedy.

When children are hunted in their classrooms, silence becomes complicity and delay becomes dangerous. Nigeria must act decisively to defeat these criminal networks before more innocent lives are destroyed.

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

13/05/2026

ATTENTION TO ALL CHRISTIAN EDUCATORS ACROSS NIGERIA! 🇳🇬

Are you ready to re-define your role in shaping our nation's future?

We are thrilled to invite you to the NATIONAL CHRISTIAN EDUCATORS SUMMIT 2026.
This year's powerful theme is "Christian Educators: God's Agents of Transformation for National Security in Nigeria," inspired by Romans 12:2.
Join us to explore how faith and education can unite to build a safer, more prosperous nation.

We are honoured to have a phenomenal lineup of key figures and thought leaders, including:
✅ Chief Host: His Eminence, Archbishop Daniel C. Okoh, CAN President.
✅ His Excellency Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, Executive Governor of Plateau State.
✅ Gen. Christopher Gwobin Musa, Honourable Minister of Defence (Special Guest of Honour).
✅ Plus, insightful keynote addresses from leading experts and academics.
(see poster for details)

This is your opportunity to connect, learn, and be part of a movement for change.

SAVE THE DATE!
Dates: May 28th - 29th, 2026
Time: 9:00am to 4:00pm Daily
Venue: Holy Tabernacle Marquee, National Christian Centre, Abuja.

This is more than a conference. It’s a call to action.
🔗 Register now and secure your spot as an agent of transformation!
>>> See poster for Registration details>>>

Let's transform Nigeria, together! 💪

10/05/2026

🌸 HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY

"Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: 'Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.'" — Proverbs 31:28-29

Today, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) joins the global community in celebrating the incredible women who embody the love, sacrifice, and resilience of our Creator.

To our mothers, grandmothers, foster mothers, and spiritual mothers: you are the heartbeat of the home and the pillars of the Church. Through your prayers, you move mountains; through your guidance, you shape the leaders of tomorrow; and through your faith, you keep the light of Christ burning in our nation.

God bless our Mothers!

07/05/2026

"Faith should not be weaponized but rather harnessed as a force for peace."

An Address by the President, Christian Association of Nigeria and Co-chairman of NIREC - His Eminence, Archbishop (Dr.) Daniel C. Okoh during the 2026 First Triannual meeting of the Nigerian Inter-religious Council (NIREC). Held yesterday in Abuja, with the theme: "Religious Literacy for National Cohesion".

29/04/2026

EKITI CHURCH ATTACK: CAN DEMANDS ACTION OVER KILLING, ABDUCTION OF WORSHIPPERS.

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has received with deep shock and grave concern reports of the attack on a church gathering in Eda Oniyo Ekiti, where gunmen reportedly killed a Pastor and abducted several worshippers during an open-air crusade. This is deeply disturbing, to say the least.

We condemn this heinous act in the strongest possible terms. People had gathered peacefully to worship God, and they were met with violence. This is not just an attack on a church; it is a brutal assault on our shared humanity and the sanctity of life.

We mourn with the family of the slain Pastor and stand in full solidarity with the victims and the entire Christian community in Ekiti State. Our thoughts and prayers are with those who have been taken, and we call for their immediate and safe release.

This latest tragedy comes amid a disturbing pattern of attacks. Only recently, gunmen struck communities in Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State, abducting residents including clergy, their families, and other community members. These repeated incidents underscore a deepening security crisis that can no longer be ignored.

This attack further heightens concerns about the safety of lives and the protection of communities. No one should have to live in fear, and no place of worship must ever become a hunting ground for criminals.

We must be unequivocal: the protection of lives and property is the primary responsibility of government. We call on the authorities and security agencies to act swiftly, decisively, and transparently. Those responsible for this atrocity must be apprehended and brought to justice without delay. Every necessary effort must be made to rescue those abducted unharmed.

We also urge the government to immediately strengthen security presence, especially in vulnerable and rural communities, and to deploy proactive intelligence measures to prevent further attacks.

At the same time, we must all speak out firmly. The killing of a Pastor and the abduction of worshippers gathered to commune with their Creator is deeply troubling. It reflects a grave disregard for life, for faith, and for the moral fabric of our society.

We have a duty to communicate these concerns clearly, firmly, and without equivocation to the appropriate authorities. Nigeria must not normalise the killing of worshippers or the abduction of innocent citizens in places of refuge.

May God comfort the bereaved, protect those in captivity, and restore peace and security to our land.

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

www.christianassociationofnigeria.org

26/04/2026

PICTURE STORY

The Ground-breaking ceremony for the AIRPORT CHRISTIAN CHAPEL AND PILGRIMS CENTRE was held today, April 25, 2026, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA), Abuja.

See pictures from the event>>>

22/04/2026

HERE'S YOUR SPECIAL INVITATION

To the Ground-breaking Ceremony of CAN'S AIRPORT CHAPEL AND PILGRIMS CENTRE, ABUJA.

22/04/2026

PRESS RELEASE: CAN DENIES SPLIT, SAYS NO RELIEF FUNDS MISSING, WARNS AGAINST FALSE CLAIMS

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has noted with grave concern a series of false, malicious, and deeply defamatory claims circulating in the public space, alleging a division within the Association along Northern and Southern lines, as well as the diversion of funds purportedly meant for the relief of persecuted Christians in Northern Nigeria.

We state, in the clearest possible terms: these allegations are entirely false, unfounded, and deliberately misleading.

For the avoidance of doubt, CAN has neither received nor managed any such relief funds as alleged, and no funds have been diverted under any circumstance. The narrative being promoted is a fabrication, calculated to misinform the public, erode trust, and bring the Church into disrepute.

CAN remains one united and indivisible body. There is no split, no secession, and no division within our structure. Any suggestion to the contrary is false and should be disregarded.

CAN continues to work in unity with Christian leaders across all regions of Nigeria, with a steadfast commitment to peace, accountability, and the welfare of all believers, especially those affected by insecurity.

We are deeply troubled that these baseless claims were publicly propagated by Rev. Isaac Omolehin, founder of Word Assembly Ministry, Ilorin, without evidence and without regard for the potential consequences on national cohesion and the unity of the Church.

We also note, with concern, the unwarranted references to respected Christian leaders; Pastor Enoch Adeboye, Bishop David Oyedepo, and Pastor William Kumuyi, in a manner capable of misleading the faithful and inflaming unnecessary tensions.

Continue reading>>>
https://christianassociationofnigeria.org/?p=4234

Christian Association of Nigeria-CAN

27/05/2026

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