Tag: CAN

  • Lent: Pray for wise leaders – CAN urges Nigerians

    Lent: Pray for wise leaders – CAN urges Nigerians

    ABUJA – As Christians around the world begin the Lenten season, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has called for prayers for the nation’s leaders, urging wisdom and compassion in governance.

    In a statement on Ash Wednesday, CAN highlighted the importance of reflection, unity, and sacrifice amid the country’s socio-economic and security challenges.

    The statement, signed by Archbishop Daniel Okoh, President of CAN, also urged prayers for Nigeria’s youth, asking for divine guidance to help them find purpose and opportunity.

    CAN President said, “As we observe Ash Wednesday and embark on the sacred season of Lent, I extend heartfelt prayers to all Nigerians—Christians and people of all faiths.

    “Lent is a 40-day journey of sacrifice, prayer, and charity, mirroring the time Jesus Christ spent fasting in the wilderness. For us in Nigeria, this season arrives amid rising living costs, insecurity, and daily struggles. Yet, Lent calls us to hope, urging us to look beyond our hardships and draw strength from faith and community.

    “As Nigerians, we understand sacrifice and endurance. Lent resonates with the patience of mothers stretching meals, the courage of fathers toiling under the sun, and the faith of children praying for a brighter future.

    “I urge Christians to approach this Lenten season sincerely and invite all Nigerians—regardless of creed—to join in this spirit of renewal. Let us pray for our leaders to govern with wisdom and compassion, for our youth to find purpose, and for ourselves to rise above division and build a nation we can all be proud of.

    “To the trader in Lagos, the farmer in Benue, the teacher in Kano, the driver in Port Harcourt, the student in Enugu, and all Nigerians: Lent invites reflection on what truly matters. It offers a chance to release bitterness, share resources with neighbours, and seek God’s grace for the journey ahead.”

  • CAN, PFN, MURIC differ over Sharia in South West

    CAN, PFN, MURIC differ over Sharia in South West

    THE controversy surrounding the introduction of Shari’a Court in the six states of the South-West has continued to generate mixed reactions.

    While some people see nothing wrong in it, others feel the issue is so sensitive and should not be introduced in a secular society like the South-West zone of the country.

    The issue of the Shari’a Court came to the front burner in 1999 when it was introduced in Zamfara. Since then, it has been spreading like a bushfire in the harmattan.

    Genesis of Shari’a Panel controversy

    A Muslim group had stated that the inauguration of the Shari’a Panel was to be held at the Muslim Community Islamic Centre in the Mobolaje Area of Oyo State.

    However, the proposed inauguration did not enjoy the support of Governor Seyi Makinde who declared that it would run contrary to the Constitution which he swore to uphold.

    He said in a viral video that: “They want to bring the issue of Shari’a to Oyo State. As for me, it is the Constitution of Nigeria that I swore to uphold. If it’s in the Constitution, there’s no problem. But, if it’s not, they should expect that I will insist that the Constitution must be followed.”

    Even though the comments by the governor were initially refused by a Muslim group, the Supreme Council for Shari’a in Nigeria, SCSN, (Oyo Branch) announced that the planned inauguration slated for January 11, 2025, be postponed indefinitely.

    The postponement was contained in a statement signed by the Khadimul Muslimeen of Oyo Kingdom, Imam Daud Igi Ogun.

    Daud said: “The inauguration ceremony of the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria (Oyo branch) has been suspended until further notice. Islam portrays peace.”

  • Interfaith dialogue essential for Nigeria’s peace, says CAN

    Interfaith dialogue essential for Nigeria’s peace, says CAN

    The President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Archbishop Daniel Okoh, has emphasised the urgent need for interfaith dialogue as a vital tool for promoting peace and reconciliation in Nigeria.

    He made this statement during the 2025 United Nations World Interfaith Harmony Week Conference, which was themed ‘The Love of the Good and the Love of the Neighbour,’ with the sub-theme ‘Peace for Our Time.’

    The conference gathered religious leaders and advocates dedicated to promoting understanding and cooperation among diverse faiths.

    Archbishop Okoh pointed out the unprecedented challenges confronting both Nigeria and the world, such as social inequalities, climate crises, and violent extremism. He articulated that the commitment to interfaith harmony is now more vital than ever, emphasising that the principles of love, compassion, and mutual respect are essential for healing divisions and building bridges within communities.

    The Archbishop called for a collective effort to promote religious literacy, enabling citizens to recognise the shared values that unite them, rather than focusing on divisive issues. He further stressed the importance of dialogue in Nigeria, a nation known for its diversity, asserting that it is the only viable path to achieving sustainable peace.

    Okoh urged participants to reject false teachings that incite enmity and to champion the rights of others, emphasising that safeguarding the rights of one group ultimately protects the rights of all.

    He stated, “The message of love of the good and love of the neighbour is universal. It transcends all borders, religions, and cultures, resonating with every faith tradition in the world.

    “At a time when our world faces unprecedented challenges—ranging from social inequalities to climate crises, from violent extremism to the erosion of trust between communities—our commitment to interfaith harmony is more critical than ever.

    “To deepen our engagement with one another, we must continue to promote religious literacy among the citizenry, highlighting the common values that bind us together rather than those issues that divide us.”

    He continued, “Therefore, we must do everything within our power to resist all false teachings that use religion to create enmity among our people in Nigeria.

    “The Christian Association of Nigeria recognises the imperative of dialogue for peace and sustainable development, which is why the leaders of the Association collaborated with the leadership of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) to establish the Nigeria Interreligious Council (NIREC).

    “NIREC must be celebrated as one of the greatest efforts to foster peace and harmony in Nigeria.

    “Together, through the power of love, we can build a brighter and more united future for all.”