The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has elected a new executive committee for its northern region otherwise known as Northern CAN, which consists of the 19 northern states and the FCT.
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Rev. John Joseph Hayab, the immediate-past Chairman of Kaduna State chapter of CAN emerged the chairman, while Rev. Jonah Samson of the TEKAN ECWA FCT, emerged Vice Chairman. Bishop Mohammed Naga of the PFN/CPFN, Borno State, was elected Secretary General, to be assisted by Special Apostle Tajudeen Azeeze Afolabi of the OAIC from Zamfara State.
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Other elected members are: Rev Fr. Polycarp Lubo of the CSN from Plateau State (Treasurer); Dr. Simon Dolly of the CCN from Nasarawa State (Director National Issues); Barr. Grace Kaka of the TEKAN/ECWA from Bauchi State (Director of Legal and Public Affairs); Rev Godwin Adole of the CPFN /PFN from Sokoto State (Director Ecumenism and Interfaith); Rev. Emeka Obianyor of the OAIC from Adamawa state (Director Planning, Research and Strategy); and Rev Fr. Ngbea Gabriel of the CSN from Benue State (Director Youth, Women and Education).
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Addressing journalists in Abuja on Wednesday – earlier today, February 26 – the newly elected Chairman confirmed that the election was free and fair, and had the presence and participation of all relevant stakeholders including national officers of CAN.
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He said: “Chairmen and secretaries of our states’ chapters from 19 northern states and the FCT, zonal chairmen and secretaries, blocs’ representatives, elders and stakeholders across the northern States met on Tuesday, 25th February, 2025, at the National Christian Centre, Abuja, to elect new leaders for our association, to provide leadership for the Christian community in northern Nigeria for a single term of five years with immediate effect.”
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He said that previous experience where immediate-past executives overstayed their tenure by over two years won’t be condoned anymore.Â
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“We want to maintain our constitutionally recognised five- year tenure, and not a day, hour, or a week will be added to it. Our journey together is vital, and I sense the weight of the task ahead.Â
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“In recent years, our communities have faced immense challenges that have tested our faith, courage and commitment to one another. We have witnessed divisions that have threatened our unity, violence that has shattered our peace, and hardships that have hindered our development. But today, we stand to affirm that we will not be defined by our struggles but by our resilience, capacity for love, and unwavering hope for a brighter future,” he added.
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Rev. Hayab, however, proposed four key pillars that will guide the efforts of the new executive of the northern CAN which include dialogue and collaboration that will provide open channels of communication with one another, and with our neighbours regardless of differences.
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Secondly, community development initiatives that are intricately linked to peace and unity.Â
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“In doing this, we will create programmes that improve access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities in our communities. By investing in our youth, empowering women, and uplifting the marginalized, we will build a foundation of sustainable development that benefits all,” he noted.
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Thirdly, advocacy for justice and equality which requires standing for justice, being the voice of the voiceless, and to advocate for the rights of all citizens.Â
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“We will partner with our National, Regional, and State chapters of CAN. We will also partner with civil society organizations, government entities, and other faith groups to ensure that every person, regardless of their background, has access to the opportunities and protections they deserve.
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Fourthly, integrity in service, which is a promise that the new leadership will serve the northern Christians in Nigeria with integrity, honesty, courage and love for all people.
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He added: “The path ahead will, undoubtedly, be challenging, but we believe that together we can overcome any obstacle. Let us call upon our faith to inspire us, our community to support us, and our love for one another to guide us.”
