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Tag: CAN

  • Alleged N90bn scam: CAN President, others visit Osinbajo, say allegation baseless

    …says churches, Nigerians ready to fight for him

    The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) on Friday threw its weight behind Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on the N90 billion allegation leveled against him by a former chieftain of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Timi Frank.

    National President of (CAN) Rev. Supo Ayokunle and its members on Friday visited Osinbajo over the alleged N90 billion allegation to pray with him.

    Frank had alleged that the Vice President collected N90 billion from the Federal Inland Revenue (FIRS) to fund the 2019 election.

    Ayokunle, who spoke with reporters at the Christian Ecumenical Centre where he held a meeting with top members of CAN, said Osinbajo is innocent of the allegations, describing it as baseless.

    He told newsmen that the church and all Nigerians are proud of the VP and would continue to pray for him.

    The CAN boss, who did not disclose discussion with Osinbajo, when urged Nigerians not to toy with the innocent faithfully serving the nation, adding that the whole country would rise up to fight for him.

    His words: “He has cleared the air that the allegation is baseless and there is no truth in it and that some people are plotting against him and he was ready to provide himself to be cleared.

    “If there is an allegation there must be an evidence and that it can never happen and will never happen. The church and the entire country will fight for him.”

    On the security situation in the country, Ayokunle said: “We must stay together to fight the challenges and we must overcome”.

  • CAN reacts to El-Rufai’s decision to halt demolition of 110-year Kaduna Church

    The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has reacted to the recent decision by the Mallam Nasir El-Rufai led Kaduna State Government to halt its initial decision to demolish the 110-year St. George Anglican Church, Zaria.

    The body in a statement signed by its Director, Legal and Public Affairs, Evang. Barr. Kwamkur Samuel Vondip, said the governor only acted for ‘historical value’ and not for the purpose for which the church was built.

    Read full statements below:

    PRESS STATEMENT FROM THE CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA (CAN) NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS ABUJA ON THE THREAT TO DEMOLISH ST GEORGE’S ANGLICAN CHURCH ZARIA BY THE KADUNA STATE GOVERNMENT.
    The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) under the leadership of His Eminence, Rev. Dr Samson Supo Ayokunle has followed with keen interest the threat by the Kaduna State Urban Planning Development Agency to demolish the St George Anglican Church, Sabon Gari, Zaria.
    We acknowledge the fact that the Kaduna State Government has decided to retract their threat to demolish the ancient church building which has been standing for over 110 years in that location for historical value of the Church.
    While we commend the Government for taking the bold step to withdraw from their earlier threat to demolish the Cathedral, we are concerned that the only reason for withdrawing such threat is for “historical value” not for the purpose for which the church is built and the blessings it has brought to the immediate communities and the entire nation. This is a church that has developed the spiritual and moral values of many people in the ancient city for decades, yet the only reason the government will advance is the historical value of the church! To us the reason suggests lack of respect for the church in Nigeria and a probability of future threats to other churches without that long ‘history of historical value,’ not only in Zaria but the entire Kaduna State. By the time that church started there, about one hundred and ten years ago, how many structures were in the vicinity to now warrant threat to the existence of the church? If the market came there many years after the existence of the church, should it be the church which first got there that should have its existence threatened? If overriding public interest was the excuse given, is the church equally not serving the public? Is the church serving an individual? The threat issued in the first instance was a provocation which ought not to happen in the first instance.
    Nigeria is passing through very critical challenges of insecurity, poverty and high level of joblessness leading to many Nigerians giving up on life to the extend of committing suicide. This is the time that calls for more commitment to God and spiritual values are desirable and all arms and tiers of government are expected to recognize this and promote more commitment to God rather than waging war against religious organizations like this. Don’t we have abundance of land in Zaria Local Government Area to which the so-called market can be relocated?
    From recent developments in our nation, we observe that some politicians in power are the ones using their selfish ambitions or immature political decisions to cause political tensions in our land, not the religious leaders as such. We seize this opportunity to plead with them to desist from provocative political decisions that border on religion that can set the religious groups against one another. We the religious leaders in the country have promised never again to allow any politician or any other group to use their actions or statements to divide us again. Without religious harmony in Nigeria, there cannot be peace and progress. We urge those in political leadership never to give flimsy excuse of overriding public interest again in this country to order for the relocation of any church or mosque all over the country. We equally urge some states, especially in the North of the country who refused to give Certificate of Occupancy to churches that had applied for it to stop the discriminatory and unconstitutional policy. Different religious adherents in all states of the Federation should have unhindered opportunity to build their places of worship within the ambit of the law. Deliberate refusal to issue Certificate of Occupancy in order to destroy such facilities later if built must stop. Those in government are expected to be seen to be promoting religious peace and harmony at all levels.
    We commend greatly the Vicar of the church and Bishop of the Anglican Dioceses of Zaria for drawing the attention of Nigerians to the threat.
    We sincerely appreciate the Chairman and members of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Kaduna State Chapter for the peaceful approach taken in resolving the matter. We equally commend the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC) for the actions taken on this matter.

  • Nigeria likely to face famine if Taraba crisis persists – CAN warns

    Pastor Isaiah Jirapye, Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Taraba chapter, has said that food crisis was imminent if the Tiv/Jukun communal violence was not checked.
    Jirapye told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on Saturday in Jalingo that the tribes locked in the conflict were predominantly farmers, and regretted that the violence had made it difficult for them to visit the fields.
    The clergy, who particularly condemned the gruesome murder of Rev. Fr. David Tanko by unknown gunmen along Takum-Wukari road, advised the perpetrators to repent and seek the face of the Lord.
    “It is worrisome that both Tiv and Jukun, who have been living together as brothers, will fight so dirty, killing and destroying their homes.
    “Another issue of concern is that both ethnic groups are predominantly farmers who have been forced to desert their farms due to fear of attacks.
    “The adverse effects are that this crisis will lead to food shortage and that will affect every body.
    “I am appealing to both parties to sheath their swords and embrace peace.
    “I am very sure that governments at all levels are putting everything in place to resolve the conflict amicably.
    “I also advise the killers of Rev. David Tanko, who was on a peace mission before he was shot dead, to repent and confess to God, otherwise they will face their punishment which is death.
    “God Himself said: ‘do not touch my anointed and do no harm to my Prophet’. But that is exactly what they did in a very gruesome manner.
    “So, the curse will follow them, generation upon generation, except they repent and seek the face of the Lord.
    “The Tiv and Jukun people all claim to be Christians, but their actions do not portray Christianity. This lack of tolerance is a huge embarrassment to Christianity,” he fumed.
    Jirapye commended the state government for its support to the displaced persons, and especially for the provision of facilities and security in the IDPs camp.
    He, however, urged the government to do more, especially in the area of food and medicals.
    According to him, the IDPs deserve every form of support because it is not their intention to find themselves where they are.
    “So, we are appealing to government and other well meaning citizens and organisations to do more in the area of humanitarian support to the displaced,” he added.
    The CAN chairman gave Gov. Darius Ishaku a pass mark as he attained another 100 days in office.
    He said that Ishaku’s ability to handle the many crises in the state within this period was another landmark achievement.
    Jirapye noted that crisis could bring distractions to governance, calling on the people in the state to live in peace with one another, to attract development.
    According to him, without peace, there can’t be development.
    “If you build roads and nobody can walk on them, if you build schools and hospitals and nobody is using them, what is the gain?
    “So, wherever there is no peace, development is bound to be scarce,” he said.

  • Nigeria going through difficult phase- CAN President

    Rev. Olasupo Ayokunle, the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), says Nigeria is passing through a difficult phase.

    He spoke in Ibadan on Wednesday at the ongoing 37th Holy Ghost Convention of the Sword of the Spirit Ministries popularly known as Christ Life Church.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Sword of the Spirit Ministries is headed by Bishop Francis Wale Oke.

    “Things are not going on right in Nigeria. Our nation is passing through a difficult phase,” Ayokunle said.

    Ayokunle, who is also the President, Nigerian Baptist Convention(NBC), however, expressed optimism that God would intervene to salvage the situation

    The CAN President who confessed that steering affairs of the association had not been easy, noted that it was not a political party but out to defend the interest of Christians in the country

    Ayokunle thanked Oke for supporting him and members of his cabinet, praying that God would always uphold him.

    “Oke is a world shaker who came from nowhere but has been everywhere. I thank him for supporting me and members of his cabinet,” he said.

    In his remarks, Oke commended the CAN president for always speaking when it mattered to the authorities concerned.

    He said that Christian leaders were not keeping quiet about the situation in the country, adding they speak up from time to time to the authorities.

    NAN reports that the ongoing convention with the theme, ‘The Manifold Wisdom of God,’ is scheduled to end on Sunday, which coincides with the 63rd birthday of Oke.

  • CAN, Pastor Adeboye tackle Buhari-led govt over RUGA

    The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has told the Federal Government to jettison the planned RUGA scheme, saying the association was opposed to the implementation of the programme anywhere in Nigeria.

    The President of CAN, Pastor Samson Ayokunle, announced the position of the association at a church leaders’ summit in Lagos on Saturday.

    “We, the Christian body call on the Federal Government to immediately suspend and abrogate the RUGA settlement programme,’’Ayokunle stated.

    According to him, anything that smacks of mutual distrust should be avoided in the interest of national unity.

    The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, said that he supported the opposition of CAN to RUGA settlement.

    “CAN must do everything possible to let the world know that CAN is one. Whatever the CAN president says is the final,” he said.

    On May 21, the Federal Government approved what it termed the RUGA settlement scheme, to curb open grazing of animals nationwide.

    RUGA entails the settlement of animals by farmers in an organised place with the provision of necessary amenities.

    But Ayokunle said CAN is opposed to the policy.

    He said also that the perception by many Christians that CAN had not been showing enough interest in national issues was wrong.

    “Let me state it here that our position, although it may differ from that of government is not opposition but a way of helping those in government.

    “Our position is a way of helping those in government by calling their attention to the dangers that may come from the proposed action if adequate caution is not considered.

    “We, the Christian body also kick against the Control of Waterways Bill now before the National Assembly. The Control of Waterways by the Federal Government Bill before the National Assembly should be rejected.

    “Waterways in each locality should be controlled by local authorities. God created the waterways there. At most they should be controlled by State Governments.”

    The CAN chief advised the Federal Government to intensify efforts on the establishment of modern ranching facilities, abattoirs and meat processing firms.

    The Vice-President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, in a message, said that building of the nation is in the hands of God.

    He pleaded with Nigerians to pray to God for supernatural intervention in the affairs of Nigeria, saying: “we need to cry to God to help Nigeria.”

    Osinbajo was represented by the Chaplain of Aso Rock Chapel, Pastor Sheyi Malomo.

    Church leaders at the summit include Pastor Felix Omobude, President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria.

    Elder Napo Emuchey, President of the Organisation of African Instituted Churches, Rev. S.T.V. Adegbite, President of the Christian Council of Nigeria and Benebo Fubara-Manuel, among others.

    The theme of the summit is: “RUGA: The Church Response in the 21st Century.’’

  • Killings: Call your violent members to order, CAN tells Miyetti-Allah

    Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) on Thursday urged the leadership of the Miyetti-Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) to call their members who are violent to order.
    The President, CAN, Dr Samson Ayokunle, who made the call at a news conference in Abuja, said until they were called to order they cannot regain the trust and respect of Nigerians.
    The cleric explained that nobody hates the Fulani until some Fulani began to act violently and killing innocent people.
    CAN said that if there was any enemy from any Fulani man, the Fulani man created the enemy for himself, they have been living peacefully for many years in our various communities, till the killing issues started.
    ”In those days, our children married them, they married our children, but when they became too violent and started carrying AK47, killing people, what type of play is that? that’s a dangerous play.
    ”We can no longer think we are friends with that type of play it’s too dangerous, so let them call their people to order and ensure that they remove the enmity they have created around an average Fulani person,” he said.
    He challenged their leaders to call out the violent ones among them to order, that is the only way people will respect them and people can trust them again.
    Ayokunle also charged the government to step up its security system across the country with a view to stopping the unending killings.
    He further said that the association had taken it stands in the alleged rape case against the founder of Commonwealth of Zion Assembly (COZA), Pastor Abiodun Fatoyinbo.
    He noted that the allegation no matter how bad it may be, remains an allegation until proven otherwise, that is until it is properly investigated and we have a truth to hold onto.
    ”We have told you without mincing words that we will never support immorality in whatever form, it is alien to the culture of the church, to the teachings of Christ.
    ”And there is no pulpit that I know in Nigeria that the members are taught immorality, but we will not condemn until we have reasons to condemn, let the panel come out with the result let’s know what the truth is.
    ”I told you in the press release we issued that we have given the right to Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), because we don’t deal with individual churches, we deal with blocs.
    ”We have directed PFN, an arm of a bloc, which is also large enough to investigate that matter. I am telling you under God that PFN has set up that panel and that panel had been given two weeks within which to submit its report,
    ”Not only that, the two individuals involved have been invited by the committee and we are assuring them that nothing will be covered,” he said.

  • Collaborate with us to end farmers, herders conflicts in Nigeria, Miyetti Allah tells CAN

    Leaders of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) have called for the collaboration of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in uniting the different religious groups in the country for peaceful resolution of the farmers-herders’ conflicts.
    The National Secretary of MACBAN, Baba Ngelzarma, made the call in his remark during the delegation of the association’s courtesy visit to the National leadership of CAN on Wednesday in Abuja.
    Ngelzarma said that the cattle breeders association sought partnership with CAN to demonstrate its desire toward peace and mutual resolution of the lingering conflicts.
    “MACBAN wishes to request the partnership of CAN in uniting the different religious groups in the country for peaceful resolution of the farmers-herders conflicts.
    “We should unite against hatred and support all government initiatives toward solving the conflict.”
    He said that MACBAN acknowledged the increasing tension between farmers and its members in the last five years due to scarcity of pasture over grazing reserve as a result of climate change.
    Ngelzarma said that MACBAN was duly aware of the effort by the Federal Government in conjunction with state governors to address the farmers-herders conflicts through the 10-year National Livestock Transformation Plan (NLTP) 2019 to 2028.
    He said that the association had embraced the plan fully and had already trained her national and state executives on negotiation, peace building and conflicts prevention in preparation for the plan.
    The national secretary said that MACBAN recognised the need to partner government to modernise livestock production as proposed in the NLTP.
    “We believe the 10 years plan will guarantee efficient time for pastoralists to learn new techniques of Livestock production.
    “MACBAN will require that government implements the plan as designed in order to assist the pastoralists through proper extension services and training over the plan period to properly learn how to manage livestock efficiently.
    “Both MACBAN and the umbrella body of farmers, AFAN, benefited in training organised by the Presidency on peace-building and conflict resolution.
    Ngelzarma said that MACBAN also looked forward to more engagement with CAN as a body and other stakeholders in the Nigerian project.
    “We seek the cooperation of CAN to be part of our National Campaign to reorient our youth to fear the Almighty, inculcate values of hardwork, empathy and being our brothers keeper irrespective of their faith.”
    He said that pastoralists had lived peacefully for ages with different nationalities and had learned to resolve their quarrels peacefully.
    He, however, noted that the media were making it look like the pastoralists were perpetually at war with other communities.
    “Like all other communities we have our bad eggs and we have not relented in fishing them out all across the country.
    “We have been to Ebonyi, Ekiti, Enugu, Katsina, Oyo and now Zamfara to assist in resolving conflicts with our members.
    “We are grateful with the level of understanding and cooperation we have received from the state governments in resolving some of these security issues.”
    He said that as part of effort to address the farmers-herders conflicts, MACBAN had resolved to embark on a number of stakeholder engagements which it began with the leadership of CAN.
    The engagements according to him include a summit that would involve people from all walks of live as well as multiple engagements with the media at various levels across the country.
    Ngelzarma, who condemned the killing of Mrs Funke Olakunri, the daughter of Pa Reuben Fasoranti, the leader of the Yoruba socio-cultural group, Afenifere, urged Nigerians to desist from politicising the killing.
    He also urged Nigerians to desist from dressing it in ethnic garb and allow the security to do its work.
    “We are also reaffirming our call on the Police and other security agencies to do all they can to get to the root of this dastardly killing and ensure diligent prosecution of any individual or group found to have had a hand in the incident.”
    Ngelzarma said that MACBAN as a responsible association did not condone criminals and criminalities within or outside the association but ever willing to assist the security in ensuring peace reigned.
    He denied the allegation on the social media that the association donated N3 billion to a candidate of a political party in Akwa Ibom in exchange for the establishment of cattle colonies in the state.
    In his response, the National Chairman of CAN, Rev. Supo Ayokunle, urged all Nigerians to be prayerful for the plan of the devil for the country not to be achieved.
    “I will urge all of us to be prayerful because I see the devil at work, provoking men to do things that are very odd, things that for years ago you cannot think can happen in Nigeria.
    “Devil is at work and it will make us to be fighting ourselves. If we are not careful we with not be able to chase him out.
    “It is with our collectivity that we can chase the devil away.”
    Ayokunlec commended MACBAN for the call for collaboration, pledging that CAN would discuss the proposal and get back to the association.
    “We have received your move with appreciation, we will sit down articulate it to be well informed on all these proposal you have raised,” he said.
    Also at the event was the National President of MACBAN, Muhammadu Kirowa, and other national leaders of both CAN and MACBAN.

  • CAN reacts to protest against Adeboye

    The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has urged secular musicians who protested to the General Overseer of Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, to direct their future protests to the government.
    The was stated by the association in a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja by its National Director, Legal and Public Affairs, Mr Samuel Vondip.
    Some musicians, including Charly Boy, Idris Abdulkareem and Baba Fryo on Monday staged a peaceful protest at the RCCG Redemption Camp on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, calling on Pastor Adeboye to speak up against what they termed the injustice in the country.
    ”While we appreciate the concern of the protesters over the issues they raised and the call for a better nation, we strongly believe that singling out one of our leaders and members, to say the least, is unfair.
    ”The entire exercise, in our view, was ill-motivated. The people who staged this insulting protest against a highly revered Servant of God in the person of Pastor Adeboye are totally ignorant of the operations of CAN.
    ”It needs to be known to all that Adebayo had addressed the press on several occasions, saying that as a ‘man under authority’, he cannot speak on issues that CAN or PFN have spoken about,” Vondip said.
    He said that any protest against Adeboye would be viewed by CAN as a systematic insult against church leaders in Nigeria.
    ”Why should any group of people think that it is their right to protest and demand that Pastor Adeboye must speak on the issues they listed when CAN and PFN had spoken about them?
    ”On about three occasions, CAN had taken many of the issues raised by the protesters to President Muhammadu Buhari
    ”CAN had requested the government to do more to get the people in Boko Haram captivity released.
    “We specifically mentioned the remaining Chibok girls, Leah Sharibu, Ibrahim El-Zakzaky, the Islamic preacher who is still kept in detention against the ruling of the court,” he said.
    Vondip said that CAN had also spoken to those in government, especially the Christians among them who were members of the association, to speak for the oppressed in the country.
    He added that they had been urged to defend their faith rather than explaining away evils in order to protect their jobs and daily bread.
    The CAN national director also added that on some occasions, the association had written the National Assembly for their intervention.
    ”While we understand the frustration of those who organised the protest, we are against the method they adopted by directing their anger against an innocent man.
    ”Adeboye will never support oppression and he has been speaking against these evils in the land through CAN and, on several occasions, in his sermons.
    ”We further urge those who protested to direct their future protests at those in government who should do more to free those who have been in captivity for no sins of theirs.
    ”They should direct their protest against the people in power to make the nation safer from the attacks of herdsmen, kidnappers, ritual killers, armed robbers, armed bandits and Boko Haram terrorists.
    ”We have no gun to fight our battles except to speak out as we have been doing and never at the same time give up praying to God who can do all things,” he added.

  • Why Pastor Adeboye is 'silent' on national issues – CAN

    The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has come in defence of Pastor Enoch Adeboye’s presumed silence on prevailing national issues.
    The Christian body said Adeboye is a member of CAN as well as Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) and the two Christian bodies have taken their stand of current national issues.
    CAN said no one should expect Adeboye to speak on the same issues that have been addressed by the two prominent Christian bodies.
    The reaction of CAN is coming on the backdrop of alleged protest by a group of secular musicians who claimed they were protesting the refusal of Adeboye to comment on national issues in recent times.
    In a statement issued in Jos on Wednesday by Evangelist Barr Kwamkur Samuel, National Director, Legal and Public Affairs CAN said, “The attention of the Christian Association of Nigeria has been drawn to the news of a protest led by some secular musicians against one of our highly respected leaders of the Church, not only in Nigeria, but Worldwide, namely, the General Overseer of Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch A. Adeboye, over his purported silence on some unpleasant national issues and the call for his suspension from the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, (PFN).
    “While we appreciate the concern of the protesters over the issues they raised and the call for a better nation, we strongly believe, as the umbrella body for Christians and churches in Nigeria, to which the Redeemed Christian Church of God and Pastor E. A. Adeboye belong, that to single out one of our leaders and members, to say the least, is unfair. The entire exercise, in our view, was ill-motivated.
    “The people who staged this insulting protest against a highly revered servant of God in the person of Pastor Enoch A. Adeboye are totally ignorant of the operations of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN). It needs to be known to all that for more than once, Pastor E. A. Adebayo has addressed the press and said that as a ‘man under authority’, he cannot speak over issues that CAN or PFN have spoken about, unless by the express permission of these two bodies.
    “Our highly respected worldwide, Pastor Adeboye is an unusually humble man and a man of the spirit, who has learnt to operate under authority in line with Scriptural injunctions as a Servant of God. He has said more than once that he cannot say anything again after CAN and PFN have spoken about issues.
    “Any protest against Pastor Adeboye will be seen by us as a systematic insult against the leaders of the church in Nigeria. Why should any group of people think that it is their right to protest and demand that Pastor Adeboye should speak over the issues they listed when CAN and PFN have spoken on them?
    An attempt to demand that pastors that belong to our collective Association should again be speaking one by one after the group has spoken is an attempt to divide the Christian body.
    “For emphasis, if we go the memory lane, for not less than three occasions, CAN has taken many of the issues which the protesters were mentioning to President Muhammadu Buhari, requesting the government to do more to get the people in captivity released such as the remaining Chibok Girls, Leah Sharibu, the captive of faith and El Zakzaki, the Islamic Preacher that is still kept in detention against the ruling of the court. CAN has spoken to those in government, especially the Christians among them, who belong to our Association, to speak for the oppressed like Esther of the Bible did, and defend the faith rather than explain away evils in order to protect their jobs and daily bread. On some occasions we have written the National Assembly for their intervention to no avail.
    “While we understand the frustration of those who organized the protest, we are against the method they adopted by directing their anger against an innocent person. Pastor Adeboye will never support oppression and he has been speaking against these evils in the land through Christian Association of Nigeria and on several occasions in his sermons”
    CAN further urge those who protested to direct their future protest at those in government who should do more to free people in captivity for no sin of theirs. They should direct their protest against the people in power to make the nation safer from the attacks of herdsmen, kidnappers, ritual killers, armed robbers, armed bandits and Boko Haram terrorists, saying, “We have no gun to fight our battles except to speak out as we have been doing and never at the same time give up praying to God who can do all things”

  • CAN re-elects Ayokunle as President

    The President of the Nigerian Baptist Convention, Rev. Supo Ayokunle, has been re-elected President of the Christian Association of Nigeria.

    The results was announced on Tuesday by Bishop Matthew Kukah, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, at the Ecumenical Centre, Abuja.

    Ayokunle got 59 votes to defeat the runner up, Rev. Caleb Solomon-Ahima, President, Fellowship of Christian Churches in Nigeria, who got 44 votes.

    Ahima, according to the CAN constitution, becomes the Vice President of the organisation.

    Ayokunle was born on January 25, 1957, and hails from Isheke, Oyo in Oyo State.

    He has his first degree in Sociology from the University of Ibadan in 1983.

    He had a Postgraduate Diploma in Education and a Master of Education (M.Ed) in Guidance and Counselling from the same university.

    Ayokunle equally bagged a Master of Divinity in Theology (M.Div Th) from the Nigerian Baptist Theological Seminary, Ogbomoso in 1995 before proceeding to the United Kingdom to obtain a Master of Arts (MA) in Theology and Religious Studies from Liverpool Hope University.

    He also obtained a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Theology with an emphasis on liturgical studies