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Tag: CAN

  • Kidnapping, banditry, terrorism, others dent on Buhari’s leadership – CAN

    Kidnapping, banditry, terrorism, others dent on Buhari’s leadership – CAN

    The Leadership of the Christians Association of Nigerian (CAN) on Thursday said the incessant killings, kidnappings and other anti-social activities has dented the country’s leadership.

    He advised political officer holders and civil servants to listen to Godly admonition, adding that their wisdom alone cannot curb insecurity and restore peace in the country.

    CAN President, Rev. Samson Ayokunle in his New Year message titled: ‘Dwelling in the Secret Place of the Mist High: Key to Overcoming Challenges throughout the Year’, advised all to love one another so as to put an end to: “cruelty against one another under any guise. Nigerians deserve to have their rest of mind”.

    Ayokunle pleaded with Nigerians to adhere to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) protocols no matter the situation.

    The CAN boss in a statement issued in Abuja and made available to The Nation said: “I plead with all of us to please observe all the COVID-19 protocols this year. Maintain social distancing, do hand washing or use sanitizer. Make sure you always wear your face mask whenever you are out from your house until we all together, under God, wipe away this wicked virus from the face of the earth. Avoid frivolous traveling meanwhile and use virtual meetings where possible for your safety.

    “I urge all those in political power in our nation to lead with humility by listening to Godly admonition because their wisdom alone may not be enough to reposition our nation, especially, to restore our security and bring about peace and prosperity presently eluding our nation. The present spate of kidnappings for ransom or death, terrorism, banditry, herdsmen attack, armed robbery and other anti-social activities in our nation are dents on the leadership of our nation. Though, we understand that leadership is tough and sympathize with those in power, Nigerians at the same time expect that leadership would rise more gallantly to address our near horrible socio-economic situation in this nation which is almost crippling us.

    “I congratulate everyone of us whom God has spared to see this New Year in the midst of the dreadful and devastating coronavirus that ravaged our world and sent many people to early graves more than any war in the recent past. The high and the low really fell in 2020. While we again commiserate with those who lost their loved ones and pray for fortitude for them to bear the loss, it is right for the rest of us to say, ‘to God alone be the glory.’ My prayer is that, the God of mercy who showed us mercy in 2020 shall continue to show us mercy in this New Year in Jesus’ name”.

    He said that the best way to overcome the challenges of this year without loosing anything is to dwell in the ‘Secret Place of the Most High’, adding that: “This would cause us to abide under the shadow of the Almighty always according to Psalm 91, beginning from verse one. The whole Psalm is appropriate as our watchword to overcome all challenges of the year.

    “I was reading in the newspaper the statement of Bill Gates who said that he could not explain why COVID-19 mortality was low in Africa generally where healthcare was poorer than the Developed World. The right answer is that dwelling in the secret place of the Most High saved Africa. We are technologically poor but we believe we have a big and great God whom we can trust, whom we can run to His secret place and abide under His shadow. The mercy of God made the difference in Africa, especially Nigeria where health experts predicted that 30 million people would die. I am not saying that the advanced nations of the world do not believe in God but that our own lack of human strength, lack of health infrastructure (though not our pride), have made us to trust in God more than human science and technology. The mercy of God has preserved us and will continue to preserve us all the days of our lives in the name of Jesus Christ.

    “The secret place of the Most High is like the VIP lounge where important people stay in the airport. It is different from the common lounge where other travellers stay. It is equipped with better chairs for maximum comfort and with other services making waiting at the airport more comfortable. On behalf of Christian Association of Nigeria, I wish everyone in this nation a Happy, Prosperous and COVID-19 free New Year 2021 in Jesus’ name.”

  • Cross-over: Oyo seeks CAN’s compliance with FG curfew

    Cross-over: Oyo seeks CAN’s compliance with FG curfew

    Oyo State Government has urged the state chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria to ask churches in the state to end their cross-over services before 12 midnight on New Year eve to enable worshipers to comply with the existing 12 midnight to 4 am curfew imposed by the Federal Government.

    The Coordinator of the Oyo State Task Force on COVID-19, Prof. Temitope Alonge, said this in Ibadan on Tuesday while briefing newsmen on the latest developments on COVID-19.

    He urged the Oyo State chapter of CAN to emulate their counterpart in Lagos State which had directed their members to end their cross-over services latest by 11pm on Thursday.

    He said street carnivals were banned in order to curb the spread of the virus while appealing to residents to obey COVID-19 protocols.

    Alonge said, “I know that the Christian Association of Nigeria in Lagos State, after the release from the Lagos State government, had a meeting and directed that churches should in compliance with the national directive complete their services early enough to go home.

    “We are asking CAN in Oyo State to do the same, admonish and advice as many of their members to comply with the national directive.

    “It is not an Oyo State directive and we believe that was in the general good of everybody.

    “It is the responsibility of the individuals, families and corporate organisations to adhere to existing COVID-19 guidelines and protocols such as the use of face masks in public places, physical distancing and regular hand washing.”

     

  • Obey government directives on crossover services – CAN President urges churches nationwide

    Obey government directives on crossover services – CAN President urges churches nationwide

    The Christian leadership in Nigeria has directed worship centres to respect governments’ directives on New Year crossover services.

    President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev Samson Ayokunle, in a statement issued on Tuesday evening, said CAN understands the unfortunate state the coronavirus pandemic has put everybody worldwide.

    The association appealed to churches to strictly adhere to COVID-19 protocols and guidelines issued by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), federal and state governments.

    “This caused some state governments to place a total ban on crossover night service and we are not happy that we would not be able to enter into the New Year prayerfully in joint fellowship with our brothers and sisters.

    “We, however, urge you all to abide by the directives of each state government on this so as to prevent the spread of the infection.

    “There is no sacrifice that is too much in order to put an end to the pandemic once and for all. One thing that is certain is that the end of COVID-19 is here at last in the mighty Name of Jesus Christ.”

    CAN also advised that in states where the government has placed an embargo on the crossover services, churches may meet earlier to praise God for the gift of life despite the global crisis and place their requests for 2021.

    Ayokunle added that in such states, services should end by 11:00pm at most to enable worshippers to return home on time.

    “It is a passing phase and this too shall pass away in Jesus Name. Very soon, the pandemic will become history and we will return to our usual routine services in Jesus Name.”

    He advised state governments to continuously relate with CAN leadership in their states for understanding and support of their directives.

    “We are partners in progress and development of the country. We also call on local government authorities to enforce the COVID-19 protocols in our markets and in the transport sector”, his statement added.

  • Covid-19: CAN orders Lagos churches to close crossover services by 11pm

    Covid-19: CAN orders Lagos churches to close crossover services by 11pm

    Lagos State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has directed all churches in the state to close cross-over services by 11pm on December 31, 2020.

    Lagos CAN chairman Bishop Stephen Adegbite stated this at a media briefing on Monday.

    The association refuted reports that it was at loggerheads with the state government over the timing for cross-over services.

    The state government had ordered churches to “respect” the 12am to 4am curfew which is in place in the state to check the spread of COVID-19.

    “As part of our responsibility as a law abiding organisation and in response to the appeal made to us by the State Government, we hereby direct that all churches should ensure their services on 31st of December, 2020 end at 11:00pm so as to allow attendees get to their respective homes and places of rest on or before 12:00 midnight when the curfew will start,” Adegbite said.

    He added that the body is making arrangements for live TV broadcast that would begin at 11:30pm and end at 12:30 am for people to join from home.

  • CAN reacts on release of Kankara schoolboys

    CAN reacts on release of Kankara schoolboys

    The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Kaduna chapter, says the release of Kankara school children abducted by gunmen in Katsina State is cheering news to all.

    Rev. John Hayab, Chairman of the chapter gave this commendation in a statement issued on Sunday in Kaduna.
    Hayab however said that the spirit and tempo that government and the security agencies deployed to get the children back home should be sustained and engaged to get others still in captivity to return home.

    He said could imagine the joy, peace, and excitement of the parents and all well-wishers on the heels of the good news heralding the school children’s return.
    He noted that to make many more homes, families and communities happy, we appeal to the government to double her effort to rescue many more Nigerians that are in the dens of bandits, criminals and terrorists.

    “I appeal the government and security sgencies to sustain the temple so as not to allow the criminals to regroup or re-strategies.

    According to him, Some Nigerians have suffered untold tragedy and many are still suffering in the hands of bandits.
    Therefore, we pray to see that the evil stops and a new lease of life of peace and harmony take over the country.
    He said CAN equally appeal that the same tactics engaged to get the 344 students released should be urgently deployed in getting others out of captivity.

    “Some of the Chibok girls are still there, we can’t forget them.
    “Our prayer is that Nigerians will celebrate this Christmas and enter the New Year with hope for a secured nation,“he said.

  • Women exchanged sex for food during lockdown – CAN

    Women exchanged sex for food during lockdown – CAN

    The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has said men and women exchanged sex for food during the coronavirus-induced lockdown.

    Speaking on Thursday in Abuja at the launch of its 16 days of activism against gender-based violence, CAN President Samson Ayokunle urged President Muhammadu Buhari to prioritise investment in food production to reduce hunger and fast-track economic wellbeing of the people, especially women and girls.

    According to him, rather than pay lip service to women emancipation, the government should focus on practical means to address their economic and social needs in safe spaces free of violence and abuse.

    Ayokunle said, “Economic challenges during the COVID-19 outbreak posed a serious threat to young women’s work and business activity and exposed them to increased risk of exploitation and abuse.

    “We observed that higher levels of food insecurity and hunger led women and men to exchange food for sex. So, we urge the government to do more to reduce hunger in the land, which will help to fight gender-based violence in Nigeria.”

  • Borno killings: We won’t accept mass burial again, CAN warns Buhari-led govt

    Borno killings: We won’t accept mass burial again, CAN warns Buhari-led govt

    The Christian Association of Nigeria on Friday added its voice to the growing condemnation of the massacre of at least 78 rice farmers by the Boko Haram terrorists last Saturday in Zabarmari community in Borno State.

    The association said mass burial without Nigeria being in a full-scale war was “unprecedented and unacceptable.”

    In a statement by Pastor Bayo Oladeji, the Special Assistant, Media and Communications to the CAN President, Rev Dr Samson Ayokunle, the group noted that condolence visits after many souls had been wasted were unacceptable.

    CAN said, “The leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria has condemned in strong terms the killing of no fewer than 43 rice farmers in Borno State by unknown persons suspected to be terrorists. We call on the security agencies to stop the unending mass killings by the criminals who now operate with impunity all over the country but more devastatingly in the North-East and North-West of the country.

    “We are shocked, disturbed, saddened to learn that criminals suspected to be terrorists, but for which a terrorist group had claimed responsibilities, invaded the Garin Kwashebe community and murdered the innocent farmers while harvesting their products.

    “As usual, the number of the deceased gruesomely murdered remains disputed by the Federal Government. To us at CAN, 43 was not only frightening but inexcusable by those who should have prevented it. The massacre was wicked and completely satanic.

    “A situation where the terrorists and bandits are taxing farmers before they are allowed to work on their farms is unprecedented, and the government must stop it before it is too late. We are in a recession in the country, yet, criminals are still preventing farmers from going to the farm to harvest. We are not aware of any country where similar lawlessness is taking place without being adequately checked.

    “CAN calls on the security agencies to wake up from their prolonged slumber and save their image. The government is urged to think out of the box and take adequate steps to bring the terrorists to their knees rather than finding excuses to justify the failure of governance. Mass burial without a full-scale war is unprecedented and unacceptable.”

    The association noted that it was pained to observe that “killings and kidnapping of people are no longer news in the country, and no one is immune from it.”

    While reassuring all that we at CAN will not give up praying for this nation, we urge the government to fulfil its responsibility of protecting lives and property.

    “Sympathy through press statements or condolence visits after many souls have been wasted are not acceptable anymore. What we need is adequate protection of lives and property by those we have put in charge to do so,” the association noted.

  • #EndSARS: Listen to youths, make changes, CAN cautions FG

    #EndSARS: Listen to youths, make changes, CAN cautions FG

    The President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Samson Ayokunle, has advised the Federal Government to listen to the agitation of the youths of the country and make changes.

    The CAN President noted that the government should know that the youths were formidable and they should be adequately catered for by the government.

    Ayokunle, stated this on Saturday at the consecration ceremony of Rev. James Owoyemi, as the President of the United Apostolic Church of Christ worldwide, held in Akure, the Ondo State capital.

    According to him, the youths of the country had woken up to show to leaders that they are not an appendage to society.

    He also appealed to the youths to give the federal government time to plan.

    Ayokunle said, “I want the government not to trivialise the voice of the youth but to ensure and work assiduously and make concrete plans for them in the developmental programme of the country especially in creating an enabling environment for employment for the youths.

    “With the way they have spoken, I also want to advise the youths to be patient because Rome was not built in a day. They also need to allow the government to have space to rejig things and make plans for them.”

    Earlier, the newly consecrated president, Rev. Bayo Owoyemi, urged the government to prioritise the welfarism of the youths of the country.

    “The youths of the country have spoken. Let the government listen and rise to its responsibility. What we are expecting after the #EndSARS protest is a positive change in the country, ” the cleric added.

  • CAN lauds Ayade for running welfarist government

    CAN lauds Ayade for running welfarist government

    The Cross River State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), has commended Governor Ben Ayade for what it described as his welfarist and inclusive governance.

    Making the commendation during a courtesy visit to the governor at the executive council chamber of the governor’s office, Calabar, leader of the delegation and Chairman of CAN, Ambassador Okon E. Ekpenyong noted that Ayade’s reelection for a second term in office was a howling endorsement of his industrialization policy.

    He lauded the governor for his development strides in the last five years and his continuous support for CAN.

    Ekpenyong said CAN was grateful for the governor’s “commitment and continuous support to CAN. Let me also say that your election was an endorsement of your industrialization drive, welfarist and inclusive governance approach.”

    According to the chaiman of the Christian body, “For us, this meeting is apt and timely because it affords us the opportunity to say thank you and to honestly commend you for the giant strides and development of the State. Your passionate resolve to put Cross River on the map of Nigeria as a leading state in both infrastructure and human development, especially from our tour of the Ayade Industrial Park is worthy of note.”

    Ekpenyong, who was accompanied by the retired bishop of Calabar Metropolitan Arch-Diocese, His Grace, Bishop Joseph Ukpo, Senior Special Adviser to Governor Ayade on Religious Matters, Rev. Fr.Bob Etta as well as other CAN members, thanked the governor for his proactive safety measures in the management of the COVID-19 pandemic.

    His words: “The leadership of CAN is indeed very grateful for your profound efforts and proactive safety measures in the management of the COVID 19. We are particularly very grateful for the partnership and synergy that your administration created which enabled CAN to be part of the COVID-19 sensitization and monitoring task force team.

    He also acknowledged the role played by the governor in the Christian body’s quest for a secretariat.

    Ekpenyong said it was through the magnanimity of the governor “that CAN, Cross River State has been able to own a temporary secretariat after many years which was commissioned by you on 27 may, 2019. And during the commissioning, you donated a 50kva generating set. We sincerely commend you for that show of concern and support.”

    The association, therefore, reaffirmed its continuous support and prayers for Governor Ayade as he strives to deliver more developmental projects for the people.

    Responding, Ayade who thanked the delegation of the Christian association for their support during his second term electioneering, said: “I would like to thank you for the great support, the way and manner you came out to support me and campaign for me. I want to specially acknowledge your address which emphasised on the most essential essence of government and describing my government as welfarist government.”

    Disclosing why his administration is more focused on the people while at the same time prioritising industrialization, the governor said: “A government can build more infrastructure, skyscrapers, award contracts to multinationals who will take billions back to their countries and leave behind a very beautiful city with the best of roads while the people are poor and hungry. When the emphasis is not on the people, you would have failed in your constitutional, spiritual and moral obligation as governor.

    “So it is against that understanding and background that our administration is more focused on the people and because I come from a background that has a clear understanding of poverty, because I have also seen wealth at a very early age, I know the difference.”

    Against that backdrop, the governor noted that “In my gratitude to God, my commitment has been to lift people from extreme want, hunger and poverty and ensure that if nothing else under the regime of Ayade, kindred and family should have someone in government.”

  • VIDEO: Femi Fani-Kayode kneels for prayers as CAN chairman prophesy he will be Nigeria’s president

    VIDEO: Femi Fani-Kayode kneels for prayers as CAN chairman prophesy he will be Nigeria’s president

    The Chairman of the Lagos State Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has said Femi Fani-Kayode would become Nigeria’s president.

    The CAN Chairman stated this on Sunday, stressing that the former Aviation Minister would become president if he remains humble.

    https://www.instagram.com/tv/CEjmfgsjGZs/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    In a video that surfaced on the Internet, Fani-Kayode was seen kneeling down after the pronouncement.

    Thereafter, he was surrounded by church elders who prayed for him while he was on his knees.