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Tag: CAN

  • CAN Chairman tests positive for COVID-19

    CAN Chairman tests positive for COVID-19

    Bishop Stephen Mamza, Chairman, Christians Association Nigeria (CAN), Adamawa Chapter has tested positive for COVID-19.

    Mamza, who is a member of Adamawa State COVID-19 Committee, confirmed the development in a statement on Sunday in Yola.

    The Bishop said that the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) had confirmed his positive status.

    He said: “Today (Sunday), the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) confirmed to me that I am COVID-19 positive and I have to go into total isolation.

    “One lesson that I want people to appreciate and understand is that everybody has to make himself available for testing if need be”.

    The Cleric noted that testing positive for the virus was not a death sentence, urging people to pray for him and all who tested positive.

    He urged the general public to take COVID-19 protocols seriously in order to help stop the spread of the pandemic.

    Mamza said in compliance with COVID-19 protocols he had gone into self-isolation and already started treatment.

  • COVID-19: CAN makes fresh demands from government

    COVID-19: CAN makes fresh demands from government

    The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Ekiti chapter, on Saturday appealed to the state government to allow the conduct of multiple services by Churches as part of efforts to check the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

    Rev. Fr. Peter Olowolafe, the State Chairman of CAN, made the appeal in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, (NAN) in Ado-Ekiti.

    NAN reports that the deadline for worship centres to meet certain conditions before reopening for normal services expired on Friday August 14.

    NAN investigation revealed that mosques on Friday commenced normal Juma’at (Friday congregational) prayers with full adherence to COVID-19 protocols such as social distancing and washing of hands with water and sanitisers.

    Olowolafe, who expressed the readiness of the Churches to reopen for normal devotional services on Sunday, appealed for the review of the COVID-19 protocols as they affect Churches.

    According to him, Churches should be allowed to conduct multiple services in view of the limited worship hours occasioned by COVID-19 pandemic.

    “We are also appealing to the government to allow full attendance and participation of children in Church services as we have put in place solid arrangement for them.

    “Children are known to have separate arrangement for their Church services; all we need to do is to ensure strict adherence to the laid down COVID-19 protocols and conditions.

    “We, as leaders of Churches in the state, want to assure government that the granting of this appeal will not in any way jeopardise the efforts toward curbing the spread of COVID-19 in the state.

    “We are trying as much as possible to abide with the conditions, but leaving the children and the people above 65 at home calls for a review.

    “It is risky leaving children at home. It is like telling the parents not to come.

    “Even in Lagos State which is the epicenter of the pandemic in Nigeria, the governor has opened the Church and by Sunday, they can have multiple services.

    “Our position is that in Ekiti, having two hours service for people above 12 and below 65, is not just enough,” he said.

  • Insecurity: CAN declares Aug 23 national day of prayer

    Insecurity: CAN declares Aug 23 national day of prayer

    The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has declared Sunday, August 23, as a day of national prayer for the country to seek divine intervention concerning the spate of insecurity and violence across the states.

    CAN said this on Thursday in a statement by its General Secretary, Daramola Bade, titled, ‘Insecurity: CAN declares August 23 as a Day for Collective Prayers for Nigeria’.

    The Christian body noted that all churches in the country were expected to comply with the nationwide directive.

    Bade said, “Calvary greetings to you in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. Please, be informed that there will be a collective prayer session, at least 15 minutes, for Nigeria on August 23, to tell God in one accord to have His way and do His will in Nigeria.

    “This is borne out of the insecurity in Nigeria. All churches in Nigeria are to adhere to full compliance of this prayer. Thank you and God bless.”

  • Southern Kaduna killings: People might soon resort to self help, CAN warns Buhari-led govt

    Southern Kaduna killings: People might soon resort to self help, CAN warns Buhari-led govt

    The President of the Christians Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev. Samson Ayokunle on Tuesday described the ongoing killings in Southern Kaduna as unacceptable.

    Ayokunle said that the recent destruction of lives and property in the community has clearly shown that Nigeria: “is a nation that is at war against enemies of the state.”

    He warned that people might result to self-help as alternative if the situation is not addressed by government.

    The clergyman called for genuine intervention in the crisis, adding that: “Despite assurances from both the Federal and Kaduna State Governments to nip the crisis in the bud, the spiraling of these assaults have indisputably shown that these demons of murders are yet to sheathe their swords against Southern Kaduna communities and that the government appears not to be sincere in walking the talk.”

    According to a statement issued by his Special Assistant (Media and Communications), Pastor Adebayo Oladeji, the CAN boss said: “People should not be allowed to result to self-help, but if this situation is not addressed, self-help might be the alternative because nobody would keep on watching for these nuisance to continue to be on the prowl and snuff life out of him or her.

    “As the umbrella body for all Christians in Nigeria, we share in the pains of victims of terrorism being unleashed on Southern Kaduna and other communities in this nation. There is the urgent need by government and the security forces to walk their talk and combat the raging insecurity squarely across Kaduna state and other parts of the country. The government should not think that we are not appreciative of their efforts but we say without mincing words that your present best is unacceptable. It is not the best Nigerians expect. How can we be seeing and reading in the news about mass burials and be happy when we are not fighting a civil war? We deserve peace in Nigeria.

    “On our own part as a religious organization, we have never ceased and will never cease from praying for you our leaders to have the courage to put an end to these evils that are giving our beloved country negative image abroad.

    “The ongoing crisis in Southern Kaduna in recent weeks with the attendant destruction of lives and property has clearly shown Nigeria as a nation that is at war against enemies of the state.

    “The leadership of CAN was flabbergasted when the presidency described the current bloodshed in Southern Kaduna as politically motivated coupled with banditry deployed along ethnic and religious lines. Where is the statistical evidence for that? Who are the politicians involved in this inhuman and callous act that the Federal authorities have failed to apprehend or name? Do they have the right to be doing this scot-free if it is true? While the present bloodbaths in the southern part of Kaduna state has been shown to be acts of criminality that should have attracted sanctions, the lackluster disposition of the government in stopping further massacre of Christians and decimation of their communities by terrorist herdsmen speaks volumes on how government values human lives and genuine intervention.

    “Should the gunmen and terrorists be more powerful than a legitimate government? Why couldn’t the Kaduna State Government with Federal authorities go into the bush where these herdsmen are and apprehend them? Why couldn’t they mop up the ammunition with which they are doing havoc?”

    Ayokunle said it is regrettable that despite assurances from Governor Nasir Ahmad el-Rufai to bring perpetrators of the Southern Kaduna crimes to justice, the state and security agencies involved in the maintenance of law and order are yet to fulfil their pledge.

    He said: “We equally observe that the government must redeem its image by addressing the constant murders and ethnic war going on in Taraba State, the constant herdsmen’s attack on people of Benue State and the senseless banditry in the Northwest of this country. If the size of our security agents is too small to effectively secure the lives of the citizens of this country, why can’t the Federal Government engage more people? We have millions of young people who are jobless and are ready to defend their nation against internal and external aggression.”

  • CAN to LAGOS GOVT: ‘Reopen churches now, we have spiritual roles to play on Covid-19’

    CAN to LAGOS GOVT: ‘Reopen churches now, we have spiritual roles to play on Covid-19’

    The Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN has called on the Lagos State Government to reopen churches in the state, stressing that churches have a spiritual role to play in curbing Covid-19.

    The Christian body also asked the Ogun State Government as well as other states yet to do so to reopen worship centres, saying, “the continued lockdown order on the places of worship is no longer acceptable and reasonably justified”.

    This was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by Adebayo Oladeji, Special Assistant on Media and Communications to CAN President, Samson Ayokunle.

    The Federal Government had in March ordered the closure of religious centres as part of measures to curb the spread of the coronavirus disease.

    But CAN argued that despite the directive on the reopening of religious centres in the country by the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, the states were yet to comply.

    “Despite the directive given by the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 with regards to the re-opening of places of worship nationwide, some states like Lagos and Ogun are yet to allow worship places, especially churches, to be reopened. What sin have the places of worship committed?

    “With the sudden emergence of the coronavirus pandemic, the leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria at all levels, agreed with the government on the need to close down the places of worship, economy, schools and every other facet of life.

    “But with the reopening of the economy, especially the markets (both organised and the unorganised markets) along with the plan to reopen airports and schools, the closure of churches anywhere in the country is no longer tenable and acceptable. In what way are the opened and roadside markets more organised than the church which warranted their opening?

    “Is it not our members in the places of worship that do go to markets and other sectors opened? Why are they allowed to go to markets and disallowed from going to places of worship? Is it because the marketers cannot contact the virus in the markets and airports?”

    The apex Christian association in the country said while scientists and researchers are working to produce a vaccine for the COVID-19, the church has spiritual role to play in the fight against the pandemic.

  • CAN suspends Adamawa scribe Elishama over N1.35m theft

    The Secretary of Adamawa Christians Association of Nigeria (CAN), Mr Anthony Elishama, has been suspended for three months over alleged mismanagement of N1.35 million.

    The association also directed the suspended scribe to refund the amount during his suspension.

    Elishama was further asked to return all official properties, including vehicle and documents, to the secretariat.

    Bishop Stephen Dami Mamza said that Elishama’s suspension followed the unanimous decision adopted during the state executive meeting of the association held on Thursday.

    “Mr Anthony Elishama suspension is as a result of mismanaging of funds belonging to the Nigerian Inter-Religious Council (NIREC) to the tune of N1.350 million (one million three hundred and fifty thousand naira).

    “The state executive of Christians Association of Nigeria expressed disappointment by the secretary’s action,” Mamza explained.

    The Bishop noted that the present leadership of CAN in the state had zero tolerance to any type of financial indiscipline.

    He said that the secretary’s suspension would take effect from June 20, 2020, pending the state executive committee final decision on the issue.

    “The suspended Secretary must refund the money to CAN within the period of his suspension.

    “He should also immediately summit all the Association’s documents and properties, including the official car at his possession, to CAN Secretariat administration,” the statement read.

  • SAD: Former CAN Chairman loses wife

    SAD: Former CAN Chairman loses wife

    Pastor Victoria Avwomakpa, wife of the immediate past Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), South South, Archbishop God-Dowell Avwomakpa is dead.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports one of the deceased sons, Mr. Tareri Avwomakpa, a lawyer, on Sunday confirmed the passage of the female cleric, born on October 20, 1952.

    The deceased, 67, who hailed from Ekrerhavwen community in Ughelli North Local Government of the State, died on Friday night after battling an undisclosed illness for many years.

    Tareri, who described the death of her mother as a great loss, noted that the deceased pastor was pivotal to the growth of Christ Missionaries Crusaders Church in Delta State, and beyond.

    He noted further that his late mother was a great pillar of support for their father, Archbishop Avwomakpa, her children and the Christian community in the South-South region.

    Tareri noted that his mother would be greatly missed and prayed for the repose of her soul.

    Meanwhile, the Governor of Delta State, Senator (Dr.)Ifeanyi Okowa has commiserated with Archbishop Avwomakpa.

    In a statement by Mr Olisa Ifeajika, Chief Press Secretary of Governor Okowa in Asaba, the Governor said that it was heartbreaking to hear of the passing of Mrs Avwomakpa.

    He not8 that her death was a huge loss not just to her family, but to the church and the society.

    He said that Mrs Avwomakpa’s contribution to society was laudable urged her husband, children and other family members to be consoled by the legacies she left behind.

    “I learnt of the passing of Pastor (Mrs) Victoria Avwomakpa, the wife of our father and former South-South Chairman of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Archbishop God-dowell Avwomakpa.

    “It is indeed heart-breaking to lose a dear one, especially a wife of 48 years.

    “Although death is the way of all mortals and debt we must all pay, I am nonetheless consoled by the fact that Mrs Avwomakpa, a servant of God, lived a worthy and exemplary life.

    “She was known to have impacted so many lives, especially in the church while she lived.

    “On behalf of my family, the government and people of Delta, I condole with you, our father in the Lord, on the passing of your beloved wife, Victoria.

    “It is indeed a painful loss but I urge you, the church and the entire family, to take solace in the fact that hers was a life of notable accomplishments and indelible footprints.

    “It is our prayer that God will grant you and the family the fortitude to bear the great loss,” Okowa said.

    Archbishop Avwomakpa is the General Overseer of Christ Missionaries Crusaders Church, Warri.

  • CAN seeks adjustment of worship time to 90 minutes

    CAN seeks adjustment of worship time to 90 minutes

    The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has requested that worship centres be allowed to go beyond one hour.

     

    The association stated this during a meeting with the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), in Abuja on Thursday.

     

     

     

    CAN’s General Secretary Joseph Daramola said the one hour timing would not be enough for services, adding that it should be extended to at least 90 minutes.

     

    He urged Christians to adhere to the guidelines, and ensure safety at all time.

     

    FCT Minister Malam Muhammad Bello released procedures on reopening of places of worship in Abuja.

     

    According to the statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Anthony Ogunleye, the minister said all places of worship must sign up to full compliance with all aspects of non- pharmaceutical interventions required to protect the public from COVID-19, including but not limited to: “Ensuring the supply of running water and soap/alcohol sanitisers at entry and exit points and in all high-contact locations, including bathrooms; worshippers must sanitise their hands before entry; Provision of temperature checks before entry; mandatory use of face masks;

     

    “Strongly discourage all close contacts, including shaking of hands, hugging, kissing, handing out of materials and sharing of worship implements including prayer mats, musical organs, microphones etc;

     

    “Churches and mosques within the FCT must limit the capacity of their facilities to allow for physical distancing of at least two meters between persons.

     

    “Limit congregational contact times, with places of worship only opening for regular church and mosque services; churches are to open from 5am and close by 8pm and each service shall be for a maximum of 1 hour with an interval of 30 mins in between services to allow time for disinfection;

     

    “Mosques are to open 15 minutes before Adhan and close 10 minutes after prayers for the five prayers. Waiting period between Adhan and Iqamah should not be more than 10 minutes. Prayers are to be shortened to reduce duration of contact between congregations”.

     

    The meeting, the statement said, also acknowledged that the situation of COVID-19 in the FCT is still at a very critical stage and recognises that there is the danger that if the established protocols were not adhered to, the cases of those infected and fatalities will increase.

     

    The minister said: “It is therefore essential that all residents of the FCT take personal responsibility in ensuring strict compliance”.

  • FG’s reopening of worship centres is victory over Coronavirus – CAN

    The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has hailed the Federal Government for the planned reopening of worship centres.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports that the government had on Monday announced the decision to relax the ban on religious gatherings though to be fully undertaking by the state governments.

    CAN described the development as victory over the dreaded Coronavirus (COVID-19), pandemic.

    Special Assistant (Media &Communications) to CAN President Pastor Adebayo Oladeji said: “We want to get the details before we will react fully. But in the interim, it is a welcome development. It is our prayers that God will surely deliver Nigeria from the pandemic in Jesus Name.

    “If Christians and Muslims return to their worship places to pray for victory over COVID-19, God will surely answer us. The closure of the worship places is not acceptable to God. We thank God for opening the eyes of our government to the reality”.

  • COVID-19: Okotie lampoons CAN leadership, rejects social distancing in churches

    COVID-19: Okotie lampoons CAN leadership, rejects social distancing in churches

    Senior Pastor, Household of God Church, Oregun, Lagos, Rev. Chris Okotie on Sunday said the leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, cannot speak for the Christendom and that its proposed social distancing in churches is blasphemous infidelity.

    Okotie, in a statement said “CAN is an amorphous organization sustained by a Christian appellation. It is bereft of any authority to speak on behalf of the Church of Jesus Christ. Arrayed in Episcopalian vestments, they are the modern day Pharisees who arrogate divine honors to themselves.

    “They have a form of godliness and yet hobnob nicodemusly with enemies of the Lord Jesus. The true ministers of the sanctuary must recognize CAN’s treachery and reprehensible Phariseeism. That which a man spits against heaven shall fall back upon his face. We shall not bow to the idol called Corona Virus. Jesus is Lord”.

    Okotie condemned CAN’s proposed recommendations of distancing in the seating arrangement in churches as “blasphemous infidelity” and desecration of the Church of Jesus Christ.

    Okotie, in the statement issued through his media Adviser, Ladi Ayodeji, made it clear that he was in full support of social distancing and other safety measures ordered by the government to contain the spread of the COVID-19 Pandemic.

    However, the Pastor rejected the extension of social distancing to churches because it compels the reordering of seating arrangements, and the determination of the size of congregational worship per service for fears of the spread of the deadly virus.

    He argued that to accept such arrangement was to nullify the redemptive work of Jesus, which involves healing.

    CAN President, Dr. Samson Olasupo Ayokunle had rolled out the guidelines for the reopening of churches, which he said would be discussed with the federal government for approval, after consultation with the leaders of the other religious bodies.

    In the guidelines, Ayokunle said CAN recommended social distancing of one meter in seating arrangement, in churches, wearing of face masks by worshippers, 90 minutes worship sessions, provision of sanitizers, hand washing with soap, etc.