The new leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, in the 19 Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja, has pledged to serve Northern Christians in Nigeria with integrity, honesty, courage, and love for all people.
Briefing newsmen on Wednesday, its new chairman, Rev John Joseph Hayab, said, “This new leadership is going to serve Northern Christians in Nigeria with integrity, honesty, courage, and love for all people.”
He added, “It is our responsibility to stand for justice, to be the voice of the voiceless, and to advocate for the rights of all citizens. We will partner with our National, Regional, and State chapters of CAN.”
The chairman stated that they would 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.
Hayab explained that in recent years, their communities have faced immense challenges—challenges that have tested their faith, courage, and commitment to one another. He noted that they have witnessed divisions that have threatened their unity, violence that has shattered their peace, and hardships that have hindered their development.
He added, “But today, we stand here to affirm that we will not be defined by our struggles. We are defined by our resilience, our capacity for love, and our unwavering hope for a brighter future.”
The chairman said that they are a diverse community, embodying a rich tapestry of cultures, traditions, and beliefs, emphasizing that this diversity is not a weakness but rather their strength.
He added, “In our shared spaces, we find the opportunity to learn from one another, to build bridges where walls have been erected, and to create a harmonious co-existence that speaks to the inclusive nature of our faith.”
He stressed the need for them to rise to the challenge of peace, love, and forgiveness and to demonstrate that their faith calls them to be peacemakers. He emphasized, “It is our duty as Christians to be the voice of hope in our communities, to advocate for dialogue over conflict, understanding over intolerance, and compassion over hatred.”
Hayab said that they must open channels of communication with one another and with their neighbors—regardless of their faith—and create platforms where ideas can flow freely, where they can discuss their differences, and where they can jointly identify solutions to their common challenges.
He explained that their development is intricately linked to their peace and unity, pointing out that they will work together to create programs that improve access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities in their communities.
“By investing in our youth, empowering women, and uplifting the marginalized, we will build a foundation of sustainable development that benefits all,” he assured.
Other elected officials are: Vice Chairman – Rev. Dr. Jonah Samson (TEKAN/ECWA) – FCT
Secretary General – Bishop Mohammed Naga (PFN/CPFN) – Borno State
Assistant Secretary – Special Apostle Tajudeen Azeeze Afolabi (OAIC) – Zamfara State
Treasurer – Rev. Father Dr. Polycarp Lubo (CSN) – Plateau State
Director, National Issues – Pastor Dr. Simon A.S. Dolly (CCN) – Nasarawa State.
Others are: Director of Legal and Public Affairs – Barr. Grace Kaka, PhD (TEKAN/ECWA) – Bauchi State.
Director of Ecumenism and Interfaith – Rev. Godwin Adole (CPFN/PFN) – Sokoto State
Director of Planning, Research, and Strategy – Rev. Emeka Obianyor (OAIC) – Adamawa State
Director of Youth, Women, and Education – Rev. Father Prof. Ngbea Gabriel (CSN) – Benue State.