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Tag: CAN

  • CAN Gombe raises concerns over Almajiri Bill

    CAN Gombe raises concerns over Almajiri Bill

    The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Gombe State chapter, raised concerns on Monday about a bill to establish the Almajiri and Out-of-School Children Agency in the state.

    Mr Joseph Shinga, the state’s CAN chairman, submitting a protest letter to the Gombe State House of Assembly, stated that some areas required clarification.

    Shinga explained that the bill had raised questions within the Christian community in the state, who mandated the chapter to seek answers from the relevant bodies.

    He stated that CAN officials had come to the House to submit their protest letter and present their concerns to the House.

    He noted that the bill, which was sent to the House as an executive bill, lacked proper inclusion.

    Shinga expressed concerns that the bill could have a negative impact on Christians in the state.

    “We came here to express the concerns of Christians regarding the Almajiri and Out-of-School Children Bill before the House of Assembly.

    “The Christians have reviewed the bill, raised concerns, and mandated me to present these concerns to the chairman of the House Committee on Education.

    “The letter outlines fears and concerns regarding the bill. We want the House to consider the composition of the board and clearly define the term ‘out-of-school.’

    “If given the chance, we are ready to submit our own proposal for an agency, but we do not want duplication. This is why we ask for inclusivity,” he stated.

    The chairman called on the Speaker, Mr Mohammed Luggerrewo, and the legislators to revisit the bill to address the concerns raised. He claimed that CAN officials were excluded from the public hearing on the bill.

  • What Nigerians should do in 2025 – CAN President

    What Nigerians should do in 2025 – CAN President

    President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Archbishop Daniel Okoh has called on all Nigerians to return to God and serve Him faithfully.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Archbishop Okoh made the call in his New Year message to Nigerians, while urging citizens to embrace faith and unity for the renewal of the nation.

    The CAN President reflected on the challenges faced in 2024, including economic difficulties and security concerns, while acknowledging God’s sustaining grace.

    He encouraged all Nigerians to return to God, emphasising that peace and progress were achievable through divine guidance.

    “In spite of the many difficulties we faced in 2024, including economic challenges and insecurity, we have witnessed God’s grace sustaining us as a nation.

    “His mercy has brought us this far, and we trust that He will continue to guide us through the trials ahead. As we look ahead to 2025, we urge all Nigerians to return to God and serve Him faithfully,” Okoh added.

    CAN also appealed to leaders to prioritise transparency and compassion in governance while fostering inclusivity.

    “We call on those in governance to lead with compassion, transparency, and accountability. Let decisions be made with the welfare of the people in mind, ensuring that no Nigerian is left behind in the pursuit of a prosperous nation,” he said.

    Okoh also stated that with collective faith and commitment, he believed 2025 could be a transformative year for Nigeria.

  • SAD: CAN youth wing Chairman is dead

    SAD: CAN youth wing Chairman is dead

    The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has expressed deep sorrow over the sudden passing of Mr Monday Adze, Chairman of the its Youth Wing (YOWICAN).

    The President of CAN, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja commended the late Adze for tirelessly working to uplift the youth, encouraging them to embrace their roles as leaders and advocating for positive change.

    “He was a dedicated veterinarian and youth advocate and was celebrated for his efforts to empower young leaders within the Christian community. His unexpected death has left a significant void, particularly among the youth he passionately served.

    “On behalf of CAN, I extend my deepest sympathy to the family, the youth of CAN in Delta State, and all who were touched by his life and service. May we find comfort in our shared memories and in the knowledge that his spirit will continue to inspire us,” he said.

    He urged members to honour Adze’s legacy by continuing his work, and extended condolences to his family and the youth of CAN.

  • Pray for unity in Delta, Okowa urges CAN(Photos)

    Pray for unity in Delta, Okowa urges CAN(Photos)

    Immediate past Governor of Delta State, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, has called for prayers for the unity and development of the state.

    The former governor made the call when he received the State Executive of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) at his residence in Asaba on Tuesday.

    He said that Delta had remained a praying state and that God had continued to be with the state and its leaders.

    The former governor congratulated the new executive committee of CAN in the state and expressed gratitude to the body for its support throughout his eight years in office.

    He urged the group to continue with same support to the new administration in the state, saying that as governor, Sheriff Oborevwori needed the spiritual support of all Christians and citizens in the state.

    According to him, I went through a lot as governor. Within three months of my coming into office, the governor’s lodge caught fire while we were sleeping, but God saved us, and we were able to run out of the house before fire service came.

    He added that there were other challenges, but with prayers from you and others, God saw me through all the travails.

    Okowa recalled that from May, 2015 to October, 2017, the Forcados Pipeline in this state was damaged, preventing oil exports from the terminal and the financial squeeze it caused in the country, made it difficult for us to pay salaries during the period.

    “We thank God that the workers saw the figures themselves and accepted half of their salaries until we started paying back the backlog after October, 2017.

    “The church was very supportive in prayers, including our traditional rulers, communities and even our youths and I remember that we had to invite the then Vice-President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, to come and talk to our people.

    “Thereafter, they allowed the oil companies to repair the Trans-Forcados oil pipeline that was breached for over two years.

    “That repair was completed in September, 2017 and thereafter, we started exporting oil again from the terminal and we later climbed to the number one oil producing state a year later.

    “So, when people begin to talk about misappropriation of funds, I wonder if they have forgotten all these so soon.

    “I may not be a Saint and I cannot say that as a politician i may not have done one wrong or the other but the most important thing is that I was truly interested in the development of the state to the best of my ability and I thank God for the support I got from all stakeholders in the state.

    “We thank God for the current Governor because he is completing ongoing projects and as I said, let the EFCC continue with their investigation, am not afraid of investigation and am sure by the grace of God the results will speak for itself,” he said.

    Earlier, the Chairman of CAN in the state, Rev. Rev. Lucky Osagbakhoe, said they came to introduce the new CAN Executive to the former governor as one of its critical stakeholders and to thank him for his support to the Christian body throughout his tenure in office.

    “We bring you greetings from CAN Delta State, this visit is to formerly introduce to you members of the new executive of Christian Association of Nigeria as we have course to relate with you from time to time as a major stakeholder.

    “We are also here to express and thank you very sincerely for your unrelenting enthusiasm, guidance and support to the leadership of CAN Delta State over the years and for all that you did for the good people of Delta State.

    “Your remarkable contributions to evangelism in Delta State will forever be remembered and we owe you debt of gratitude for the completion and furnishing of the CAN Guest House and over 3,000 sit capacity CAN Christian Centre in Asaba.

    “This visit is to reassure you that your being out of office will not in any way delete from our minds your contributions to the development of the state, because your legacies and achievements are too profound to be forgotten.

    “We hope to continue to partner with you in our work towards Christian unity in the state and beyond. By the grace of God, we would like to honour you by the middle of next if God tarries, with the title ‘Defender of the Christian Faith for openly letting the world know of your Christian life.”

  • CAN reacts as Otti imposes tax on churches in Abia

    CAN reacts as Otti imposes tax on churches in Abia

    The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Abia State chapter has expressed its disapproval of a tax policy imposed on church signposts within the state.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports that Governor Alex Otti-led administration recently introduced a tax on churches for their signposts.

    Expressing their concerns, the religious body highlighted the unique position of Abia as a Christian state, a state recognized as divinely favoured.

    They found it unfortunate that Abia, a state with such a strong Christian identity, would be the sole state in Nigeria levying taxes on churches for their signposts.

    The association, in a letter titled “Taxation of Church Signposts in Abia State,” dated October 22, 2024, and signed by the State CAN chairman, Rev. Ojo Ojo Uduma, and the State CAN secretary, Rev. Dr. Francis E. Okere, called upon the Governor to reconsider this policy to prevent the perception that the state government is opposed to the Church.

    The letter read: “We write to express our displeasure over the state government policy of compelling churches to be paying taxes on their signposts.

    “As a Christian and God’s own state, it is regrettable that Abia State is the only state in the whole federation that is taxing churches on their signposts.

    “We therefore passionately plead with your Excellency as a matter of urgency to carefully look into this matter and possibly rescind the policy to avoid compelling the body of Christ in the state from seeing the regime as anti-Church.

    “Furthermore, leaders of the Christian body in the state can be invited for a roundtable discussion on the way forward over this very little but delicate issue.

    “While looking forward to your favourable response, accept our esteemed assurances of our unalloyed support and prayers.”

  • CAN slams Lord Chosen over member claims ‘angel’ gave her exam answer

    CAN slams Lord Chosen over member claims ‘angel’ gave her exam answer

    The chairman of the Lagos chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Bishop Stephen Adegbite, has expressed dismay over a viral testimony by a member of the Lord’s Chosen Charismatic Revival Ministries.

    It would be recalled that a video featuring a woman, allegedly a member of The Lord’s Chosen  recounting how an “old man” appeared in the examination hall and provided her with answers, which she then shared with a fellow candidate surfaced on social media.

    “Brethren, nobody knew this question. So, all I did was to raise the question paper and declare to it: ‘I am a Chosen! I am a chosen!! I am a chosen!!! This question: who are you? Where is the God of my pastor power?’” she asked.

    “Then, suddenly, an old man appeared by my right-hand side in white apparel. He told me, ‘My daughter, begin to write.’ And I began to write.”

    Reacting, Adegbite described the testimony as “fabrications,” after which criticized the church for allowing such testimonies without verifying them. 

    He emphasized that divine assistance doesn’t come through miraculous exam answers but through hard work and faith.

    Adegbite said CAN plans to meet on September 28 to address the concerns.

    He said, “She is entitled to her opinion as she is the owner of her mouth. But for anyone to say such, we must verify that. We must see the people in the hall, and they must testify against her that that was never the situation.

    “But looking at it ordinarily, that is a foolish talk, and nobody should accept that. There are testimonies you don’t allow to be given in the church. And that is why before people give their testimonies, you should invite them and know what they want to talk about.

    “If it is something that is good for public consumption, you should allow it to go. But if you know that the story they are telling can only be told to monkeys, you should ask the person to go and face the monkeys and say that, not in the church. So, that type of testimony should be served to the monkeys and not to human beings.”

  • Top religious organizations, JNI, CAN oppose planned protests

    Top religious organizations, JNI, CAN oppose planned protests

    Despite economic hardship in the country, top religious organizations, have appealed to organizers of the planned protest slated for August 1 to shelve their plans and engage in dialogue.

    Those who appealed that the planned protest should be suspended included the Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) and Christian Association of Nigeria, (CAN)

    They argued the protest could be hijacked by miscreants, leading to chaos and violence.

    The Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) in a statement issued in Kaduna yesterday by its Secretary General, Prof. Khalid Aliyu, said although Nigerians were passing through difficult challenges, protest might not be the panacea.

    According to the statement,”The calls for protest in Nigeria, occasioned by food insecurity, inflation, abject poverty and escalating national security challenges became worrisome and required immediate attention. However, the JNI under the leadership of Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, with all sense of responsibility appeals to the protest convener, their covert and overt benefactors as well as other critical stakeholders and the Federal Government of Nigeria to urgently engage in critical and realistic dialogue before the situation degenerates or snowballs into an uncontrollable scenario.

    Nigerians no doubt are passing through difficult challenges, but protest might not be the panacea. We should learn from the bad experiences of protests in other climes and we should avoid the bobby traps they had fallen into.

    Therefore, the JNI is compelled to make this clarion call and passionate plea to all concerned parties. The Federal Government should make more frantic efforts to secure the country so that the citizens would have access to their lands”.

    Similarly, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) called on citizens to exercise caution and consider alternative means of expressing their grievances. CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, in a statement on Friday, warned that the protests could be hijacked by miscreants, leading to chaos and violence, as seen in previous protests.

    The apex Christian body said, “We recognize and deeply empathize with the pain, anger, and frustration that many of our fellow Nigerians are experiencing. Peaceful protests are a powerful tool for civic engagement, allowing the populace to communicate their concerns and hold leaders accountable. However, the anxiety related to the impending protests is heightening, especially given the volatile experiences in countries like Kenya and Pakistan.

    We urge all Nigerians to consider alternative means of expressing their grievances. Dialogue, petitions, and town hall meetings are viable options that can yield positive results without the risk of disorder.

    We call on the government to cut the cost of governance and expedite its efforts to alleviate the hardships in the land. The government must implement the newly approved national minimum wage to provide immediate relief to struggling families. Specific measures must be taken to put an end to kidnappings, banditry, and mass killings that have plagued various parts of our country”.

     

  • Hardship: Why Nigerians should be calm with Tinubu – SGF

    Hardship: Why Nigerians should be calm with Tinubu – SGF

    Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Sen. George Akume, has urged Nigerians to remain calm in spite of the current economic challenges.

    “Nigerians must remain calm. President Bola Tinubu is working to improve the economy,” Akume said in Abuja on Thursday, while addressing the National Executive Council of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).

    He said that the current administration took over power when the economy was in a turbulent state, noting, however, that massive reforms were being undertaken.

    “One of them, which appears to be a little bit tough for people to understand, is the removal of subsidy on fuel. People should stop shouting; they need to know the actual truth,” Akume stated.

    He said that government had taken several measures to address current hardships, including swift actions in implementing palliatives to cushion the effects of the reforms.

    “We are all aware of the N35,000 wage award for workers, which means a N30,000 minimum wage with 35,000 on top of that.

    “Additionally, 100 billion naira for CNG fuel buses will help reduce transportation costs and food prices,” he added.

    He said that government also took some measures to support various sectors.

    “These include the allocation of N125 billion in conditional grants and financial inclusion for medium and small enterprises, and 150 billion naira in palliative loans to states to mitigate the impact of fuel subsidy removal.

    “We are providing 200 billion naira to support the cultivation of hectares of land, which is even more now,” Akume said.

    He added that there were buses ready to be distributed soon, while rice and other essentials would also be made available.

    On the recent industrial strike by labour union leaders, Akume condemned the shutdown of the national grid, describing it as a “treasonable offense”.

    He said that there was nowhere in the world where labour ever interrupted the national grid, and advised labour against actions that could jeopardise government efforts.

    “It is treason! Treasonable felony is economic sabotage, you don’t do that.

    “We are trying to rebuild the economy. The nation is picking up, and they want to destroy it. Of what use is that to all of us? That is not the way,” he said.

    Akume said that the federal government was not only committed to paying new minimum wage, stressing that it was also focusing on productivity and economic stability.

    “Our people must rise up and have something in their pockets. It is not about demanding N100,000 without productivity.

    “We are looking at controlling inflation and ensuring a balanced economy,” he asserted.

    Akume urged religious institutions to provide essential services.

    “The Church must collaborate with the government in providing facilities for people whether it is on education, health or agriculture.

    “We don’t separate; we combine. There is a symbiotic relationship that can never be destroyed,” he said.

  • CAN demands rescue of remaining Chibok girls

    CAN demands rescue of remaining Chibok girls

    The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), on Saturday demanded the release of the remaining Chibok girls from captivity 10 years after.

    The Christian body said the pain and anguish experienced by the parents of the abducted girls was still being deeply felt.

    It said that it was not only a matter of national importance, but also a test of commitment to upholding the rights and safety of Nigerian citizens.

    This is contained  in a statement  by its National Director for Education, Youth and Women Development, Rev. Ozumba Nicodemus on Saturday in Abuja.

    “The trauma experienced by the remaining 276 abducted girls from Nigeria is unimaginable.

    “The pain and anguish felt by their parents, who have endured sleepless nights filled with hopelessness, are deeply felt by CAN.

    “We cannot remain silent while their children remain in captivity, yearning for freedom and reunion with their families,” it  said.

    CAN urged  government to intensify efforts and take decisive action to rescue the remaining children still held hostage.

    “It is our duty as a nation to ensure their safe return, and to bring an end to the anguish and suffering endured by these innocent young girls and their families.

    “We call on the government to mobilise all available resources, engage relevant security agencies, and collaborate with international partners to secure the release of the remaining Chibok girls,” It said.

    The religious body also implored the international community, humanitarian organisations, and well-meaning individuals to join hands in advocating for the release of the Chibok girls.

    “Together, we can amplify our voices and exert greater pressure on the abductors to bring an end to this prolonged ordeal.

    “CAN remains resolute in its commitment to seeking justice and ensuring the safe return of the Chibok girls.

    “We will continue to engage with relevant stakeholders and utilise all available avenues to shed light on their plight and secure their release.

    “We urge all Nigerians to stand united, to lend their voices and to demand immediate action from the government.

    “Let us show our unwavering support for the families of the Chibok girls and demonstrate our collectivedetermination to bring them back home,” It  added.

  • FIRS tenders apology to CAN over offensive Easter message

    FIRS tenders apology to CAN over offensive Easter message

    The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has finally apologised to the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and Nigerians over an Easter message regarded as offensive by the apex Christian body in the country.

    Recall that a flier shared via its social media accounts on Sunday reads, “Jesus paid your debts, not your taxes.”

    However, reacting to the FIRS’s Easter post, CAN, the Christian body, demanded a public apology, noting that the message was offensive to the Christian faith.

    This post also elicited reactions from Nigerians.

    Meanwhile, on Tuesday, Dare Adekambi, Special Adviser on Media to the FIRS Chairman, Zacch Adedeji said its intention was not to denigrate the message of Easter but to engage taxpayers and remind them of their civic duty.

    The service rendered an “unreserved apology” to CAN and Nigerians, adding that the agency had no religion and had no intention to offend adherents of the Christian faith.

    The statement read, “Our attention has been drawn to a statement by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) about a flier posted on our social media platforms with the headline ‘Jesus paid your debts, not your taxes.’

    “As a responsible government agency, we would like to say we did not put out the flier purposely to denigrate Jesus Christ or detract from the huge sacrifice He made for humanity. We are acutely aware that the essence of the Easter period is to celebrate this huge sacrifice.

    “The message was our way of uniquely engaging taxpayers, to remind them of the need to prioritize payment of their taxes as a civic obligation.

    “Yes, we would say the message ruffled feathers in some circles. The unintended meaning/insinuation being read into the post was not what we were out to communicate as an agency.

    “Good a thing, this much is acknowledged by CAN in its statement wherein it said, ‘We recognize that the intended message may have been to creatively engage taxpayers…’ We wish to offer our unreserved apologies for this misinterpretation.

    “FIRS, as a responsible agency, has no religion and will not bring down any religion or offend the sensibilities of adherents of various faiths in the country.

    “Our goal is to assess, collect, and account for revenue for the wellbeing of the Federation. It is an investment in the country’s progress when citizens pay taxes. Once again, we wish to apologize to CAN and Christians who felt offended by the unintended consequence of our message on Easter Sunday”.