BREAKING: CAN Holds Historic NEC Meeting in Enugu (First Outside FCT), "Step Towards National Unity and Progress"

 

Enugu State became the proud host of the Christian Association of Nigeria’s (CAN) Fourth-Quarter National Executive Council (NEC) meeting. Organized and sponsored by the Enugu State Government, under the visionary leadership of His Excellency, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, the historic National Executive Council Meeting of the apex Christian body, marking the first of it's kind to be held outside FCT, took place on 28th of November 2024 at the Jubilee Hall of the Holy Ghost Cathedral, Enugu. The meeting gathered Christian leaders and delegates from all 36 states of Nigeria, as well as the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, to deliberate on critical issues affecting the Christian community and the nation at large.

The central theme of the meeting was to strengthen the unity within the Christian Church in Nigeria, as well as to address national concerns such as the nation’s economic challenges, insecurity, and the safety of citizens. This timely gathering served as a platform for Christian leaders to chart a way forward, with a focus on collaboration with government and stakeholders to tackle pressing national issues.

After a series of insightful, robust, and constructive discussions, the delegates made several important decisions. One of the key takeaways from the meeting was the call for members to return to their respective states and work closely with relevant authorities to ensure the effective implementation of the resolutions discussed.

In his address, the President of CAN, His Eminence Archbishop Dr. Daniel Okoh, commended the Enugu State Government and the people of Enugu for their warm hospitality. He emphasized the importance of the meeting, noting that it was the first time in CAN's history that the NEC meeting was rotated outside of Abuja, and Enugu was chosen as the host state.

"This meeting is a place where we discuss issues of national unity and concern," said Archbishop Okoh. "We seek ways to impact the lives of Nigerians, regardless of their religion, political, or ethnic affiliations. We are here in Enugu to ensure that we continue to contribute positively to our communities and the nation as a whole."

He also highlighted the urgent issues addressed at the meeting, including national security, the economic well-being of the nation, and the unity of the Christian faith. Archbishop Okoh reassured Nigerians that CAN is committed to working alongside the government and other critical stakeholders to strengthen the country's institutions and improve the livelihood of all citizens.

"Christians must be prepared to defend their faith, but in a way that promotes collaboration and unity, ensuring that Nigeria works for the benefit of all," he added.

The meeting also provided a platform for the Chairman of CAN Lagos State, Bishop Stephen Adegbuteh, to speak about the future of the nation. "Christians and the general public should look out for the best in 2025," he declared. "It will be a year of good tidings, encouragement, restoration, and progress for our nation. We pray for the success of our President and the entire leadership, and with God's grace, Nigeria will return to its rightful place."

The Chairman of CAN Enugu State, Rev. Amb Emmanuel Edeh, also expressed gratitude for the successful hosting of the meeting. "We are extremely thankful to the Government of Enugu State, under the leadership of Governor Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, for their unwavering support. Without their approval and provision of necessary funds, this event would not have been possible," said Rev. Edeh.

He acknowledged the significant attendance of national leaders from various Christian bodies such as the Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN), the Christian Social Movement of Nigeria (CSN), the Taraba State Churches, and the Organisation of African Independent Churches (OAIC), among others. Rev. Edeh emphasized that the outcome of the meeting would send a strong message to the nation that Christians remain critical stakeholders in the nation’s affairs, with a commitment to ensuring that the voices of the Christian community continue to shape national policies.

"Christian leaders are committed to supporting the government in any way we can," he noted. "We believe that when governments like that of Enugu State succeed in their efforts, the entire nation will rejoice."

The meeting was a powerful reminder of the role that faith leaders can play in the development and unity of Nigeria. With such strong leadership from the Governor of Enugu State, His Excellency Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, who continues to champion collaboration, unity, and progress, it is clear that the future of the Christian community in Nigeria is one of hope, faith, and shared prosperity.

Also in attendance at the crucial quarterly meeting were several key leaders and officials from the Christian community. Among them were Rev. (Dr) Stephen Payan Baba, Vice-President; Apostle Prof. Samson Fatokun, General Secretary; Rev. (Dr) Mrs. Uzoako Williams, Assistant General Secretary; Dr. Celestine Chiedo Aharanwa, Treasurer; Barr. Comfort O. Chegbue, Director of Legal; Special Apostle Commodore O. Abimbola Ayuba (Rtd), Director of National Issues & Social Welfare; and Rev. Nicodemus Ozumba Emmanuel, Director of Education, Youth, and Women. Additional attendees included Bishop Mike Akpami, Director of Planning, Research, and Strategy; and Ven. Dr. Princewill Ireoba, Director of Ecumenism & Interfaith.

The meeting also saw the participation of zonal bloc leaders from various Christian organizations. These included Most Rev. Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, Head of the Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN) Bloc; Most Rev. Dr. O.C. Onuoha, Head of the Christian Social Movement of Nigeria (CSN) Bloc; Bishop Francis Olubowale Oke, Head of the Christian Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (CPFN/PFN); Ass. Prof. HME Baba Aladura, Elder Israel Akindewo (Omoreri), Head of the Organisation of African Independent Churches (OAIC) Bloc; and Rev. Joel S. Billi, Head of the Taraba State Churches (TEKAN/ECWA) Bloc.

Also present were prominent leaders such as HE, General Lady Supt. Dr. Elizabeth Ayobami Akinadewo, Chairperson of WOWICAN, and Amb. Belusochukwu M. Enwere, Leader of YOWICAN. Additionally, the 6 Chairmen of the Six Geopolitical Zones in Nigeria, along with the Chairmen of the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), as well as the National Staff, were also in attendance, ensuring broad representation from all levels of the Christian community.

The CAN delegates departed Enugu with a renewed sense of purpose and determination to see the resolutions of the meeting fully implemented. Their collective efforts, alongside the support of government officials like Governor Mbah, are set to pave the way for a more prosperous and united Nigeria.

The Government of Enugu State, under the leadership of Dr. Peter Mbah, continues to set the standard for inclusive governance, demonstrating a deep commitment to fostering national unity and advancing the well-being of all Nigerians.