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Tag: CAN

  • CAN demands public apology from FIRS over Easter message

    CAN demands public apology from FIRS over Easter message

    The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), on Tuesday in Abuja called on the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) to retract its Easter message and offer public apology.

    The National Director, National Issues and Social Welfare, CAN, Commodore Abimbola Ayuba (rtd), in a statement said that FIRS’ Easter message threatened Nigeria’s unity and undermined respect among diverse religious groups.

    The FIRS Easter message reads, “Jesus paid your debt, not your taxes.”

    CAN, however, expressed concern over the FIRS message calling it “offensive and derogatory” to the Christian faith

    “The Easter message by FIRS does not only threaten Nigeria’s delicate fabric of unity but also undermines the efforts of many Nigerians working towards fostering mutual respect among diverse religious groups

    “As a nation that prides itself on religious harmony and peaceful coexistence, we are deeply concerned by the recurrence of provocative messages around religious holidays.

    “This year, a public institution, which should be the bastion of exemplary conduct, has been implicated in disseminating content that is widely regarded as offensive and derogatory to the Christian faith.

    “Such messages not only threaten the delicate fabric of our national unity but also undermine the efforts of countless Nigerians working towards fostering mutual respect among diverse religious groups,” the statement reads.

    The FIRS’ Easter message has sparked serious controversy.

    In its Easter message signed by, FIRS Chairman Muhammad Nami, emphasised the need for Christians to pay their taxes as a form of religious obligation.

    This draws criticism for what some perceived as insensitivity and religious bias.

    This has reignited debates over the role of government agencies in promoting religious harmony and respect for diverse beliefs in Nigeria.

    Critics argued that while tax compliance is important, public messages should be inclusive and respectful of all religious groups to avoid fueling tensions in the country.

    However, CAN’s statement urged the FIRS to retract the message and offer a public apology for the distress caused.

    CAN also called on public and private organizations to exercise caution and consideration for the diverse religious backgrounds of Nigerian society in their communications.

  • CAN thanks FG over release of abducted Kuriga students

    CAN thanks FG over release of abducted Kuriga students

    Rev. John Joseph Hayab, the immediate past Kaduna State chairman of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), has expressed delight for the open and humane approach shown by government to finding solution in regaining the freedom of abducted Kuriga students and teachers from their abductors.

    He said, “lt is really a thing of joy to learn that all the children were released unharmed and specifically want to thank all those involved in ensuring that the victims will be reunited back to their families.”

    Addressing newsmen,  Hayab added, “The news about the release of Children kidnapped from Kuriga school is a cheering news and further shows that we only need genuine commitment from those in government to overcome the challenge of insecurity.

    According to him, “Our appreciation goes to President Tinubu, Malam Ribadu, the National Security Adviser, the Chief of Defense Staff and other serving chiefs. The secret to putting an end the insecurity problem we are having is synergy between governments, security agencies and the general public.”

    He appealed that similar synergy and strategy should also be deployed to rescue the 87 people kidnapped in Kajuru, Gonin Gora and other places in the state.

  • Kaduna chapter of CAN inaugurates new leadership

    Kaduna chapter of CAN inaugurates new leadership

    The Christian Association of Nigeria, (CAN) Kaduna State chapter on Friday, inaugurated its newly elected leadership.

    In his address, the new chairman, Rev. Ma’aji Caleb, said that the new executives will focus on building trust and true love.

    “Our focus shall be to build trust, respect and true love among believers and people of other faiths in the state towards ensuring peace, unity and development in the state.”

    He assured that the new leadership of CAN in the state would continue to consult past leaders for guidance, saying that they have proved themselves worthy mentors and excellent leaders.

    The new chairman added that the new leadership is coming at a time when there is a need for a new approach to be put in place to foster unity and development for the body of Christ to contribute positively to a peaceful and united state.

    Earlier, the outgoing chairman, Rev. John Joseph Hayab, thanked the church for the support given to the outgoing leadership and prayed for more support for a united and purposeful leadership in the state.

    He lamented that a few days ago, about 400 people were kidnapped by bandits in the state but thanked Governor Uba Sani for being there for the people of the state.

    According to him: “Governor Uba Sani’s government has so far proved to be inclusive to all and very sensitive to the plights of the common man. He, therefore, needs our prayers and support so that he will be able to carry out the programmes he has for the good people of the state in moving their living standards forward.”

    Hayab expressed delight that the religious preaching bill that the government of the former governor, El-Rufai, wanted to use to regulate the activities of both Christians and Muslims has been quashed in the court of law.

  • What Christian faithfuls should do during Lent – CAN President

    What Christian faithfuls should do during Lent – CAN President

    The President, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Archbishop Daniel Okoh, has appealed to Christian faithfuls to extend a helping hand to those in need.

    Archbishop Okoh, in his message to Christians on Wednesday at the commencement of this year’s Lent, reminded Christians of “the significance of the period and what it holds for our faith and our society.”

    He equally urged leaders at all levels of governance to recognise the urgency of the economic challenges facing the  nation and to take concrete action in providing support for individuals facing economic hardship.

    “Let us come together in solidarity and commitment to create a more inclusive and compassionate society where the burdens of the marginalised are alleviated and their voices are heard.

    “On behalf of the national leadership CAN, I extend warm greetings to all Christian faithful on the occasion of Ash Wednesday and the commencement of Lent.

    “The observance of Ash Wednesday and the Lenten season presents a timely opportunity for self-reflection, repentance, spiritual growth, renewal, and learning to love and be compassionate like Jesus Christ in our daily lives.

    “This is a call to action to support those enduring economic hardships in Nigeria, ” he said.

    Accordong to Archbishop Okoh, the ashes placed on the foreheads served as a reminder of mortality, humble origin, and how the body of the first man, our forefather Adam, was formed from the earth.

    He reminded Christians of the return of their bodies to dust, urging them to reflect on the purpose and the impact of their actions on the world around them.

    “It is a time when we are reminded to grieve for our sins and the sins of our nation and to seek the face of the Lord for forgiveness and restoration.

    “During this time of self-examination and sacrifice, we are called to contemplate the ways in which we can contribute to the well-being of others, as Christ, our Lord, will do.

    “As we embark on this Lenten journey, our hearts are drawn to the plight of many who struggle to make ends meet, facing financial uncertainty and limited access to basic needs.

    “We long for a Nigeria where every individual is afforded the opportunity to thrive, and where our leaders prioritise the well-being of the most vulnerable in our society, ” he added.

    The Archbishop enjoined Nigerians to strive in order to build a Nigeria where compassion and support for fellow citizens were central to their values and actions.

  • Tinubu pleads with CAN to support administration

    Tinubu pleads with CAN to support administration

    President Bola Tinubu has said his administration will not relent in addressing corruption and other vices.

    President Tinubu also said that it was a sacred duty to ensure that the country is set right for the prosperity of all Nigerians.

    A statement by presidential spokesman Ajuri Ngelale, quoted Tinubu to have said this when he received a delegation of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) on Monday in Abuja.

    Tinubu called on Christian leaders to support the administration’s ongoing fight against corruption by encouraging Nigerians to have a change of mindset on money-related matters.

    “We have no other country but Nigeria. If you do not preach the sermon of understanding, tolerance, perseverance, and hope for Nigerians, you are doing damage to the country, and nobody will help us repair it.

    “Let us dialogue because public condemnation of a nation is not what makes any citizen a good one.

    “We must admonish Nigerians to have a change of mindset and not to make money our god or master. I believe we will get to the Promised Land, and Nigeria will flourish.”

    Tinubu urged the religious leaders to always consult him if they noticed any inadequacies in government policies and programmes.

    On the reason for the large number of cabinet, Tinubu told the delegation that it was to allow for efficiency and effective service delivery to Nigerians.

    “If you want efficient, mobile, and resourceful people, we have to give people a load they can carry. If you combine too many ministries because you want to save money, you will have a future of non-performance and no results.

    “Nigeria needs to turn the corner to grow, and we must give people challenges they can manage, and that is what we are doing,” the President said.

    In his remarks, CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, urged the President not to relent in his efforts to provide good governance by ensuring security, inclusivity, and peaceful co-existence in the country.

    “You have extended a hand of fellowship to us, and we embrace you and your family with the love of Christ and promise to partner with you in nation-building, for the task is quite daunting.

    “We believe that you have the sagacity to give leadership in battling our challenges and in turning around the fortunes of our nation, Nigeria, within a short time. You have shown that you are a listening leader, and we appreciate this.

    “CAN has maintained an active presence at all levels from the national to the grassroots, and we have remained non-partisan. You will always find our association as a ready and willing partner in nation-building,” Okoh said.

  • What we discussed with Tinubu – CAN President

    What we discussed with Tinubu – CAN President

    The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) says the administration of President Bola Tinubu has taken the right steps towards repositioning the country.

    Archbishop Daniel Okoh, President of CAN, made this known while speaking with State House Correspondents after a meeting with Tinubu on Monday in Abuja.

    He said that the visit was to congratulate the President for the electoral victory in the 2023 election and to pledge their support for the administration.

    Okoh said that Tinubu has shown that he is sensitive to the feelings of Nigerians, adding that Nigerians should be more patient with his various reforms.

    “Sincerely, what we found out is that the President is actually sensitive to all these challenges that we have. He’s aware, and we see him making very positive steps, even from the beginning of his administration.

    “He has come with a great sense of inclusiveness. And Nigerians are having a sense of belonging as Nigerians and in this government. And I tell you that his pronouncements so far, and his body language has increased the confidence of Nigerians in Nigeria.

    “And we believe that, given the chance, he will do a lot more. And we are praying that the Lord will strenghten his hands to be able to do more and turn around the fortunes of this country,” he said.⁣

    Okoh called on Nigerians to continue to persevere with the current challenges, saying, “this is just the beginning of this administration, and Nigeria is big and what we face now started not just today”.

    He said that these challenges would take awhile to rectify, stressing that the President was already taking steps to reverse the ugly trend.

    “So, we ask Nigerians who are watching and those people who seem to have lost hope, to not lose hope, but to have patience and persevere. Though it is night, we know that a new dawn is just in the horizon.”

    He urged the President to continue with the path he has chosen to steer the ship of leadership through inclusiveness and openness.

    Okoh said the president has pledged to continue dialogue and engage with all stakeholders to make Nigeria great again in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the administration.

    “So, we believe that now we have a listening president. And we urge him to continue on that path. And to continue to always look out for those who mean well for this nation, and put them into good use.”

  • BREAKING: CAN Chairman leads massive protest over Plateau killings

    BREAKING: CAN Chairman leads massive protest over Plateau killings

    The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) is currently leading a massive protest against incessant killing of people in Plateau State.

    The ongoing protest tagged “Plateau Peace Walk”, is being led by the state CAN chairman, Rev Polycarp Lubo, ECWA President, Rev Dr Stephen Baba Panya, COCIN President, Rev Dr Amos Mohzo.

    Others are Bishop of Methodist church, Jos; Rev Nkechi Nwosu; President, Gideon and Funmi-ParaMallam Peace Foundation, Rev. Dr Gideon ParaMallam among other prominent Christian leaders in the state.

     

    It was learnt that the protesters started the peace walk at the PRTVC Roundabout in Jos and headed to the Rayfield Government House to express their dissatisfaction over the killings in the state.

     

     

     

  • How FG should tackle corruption in 2024 – CAN

    How FG should tackle corruption in 2024 – CAN

    The Oyo State Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has urged the government to put in stricter measures against corruption in all areas.

    The Chairman, Apostle Joshua Akinyemiju, gave the advice in an interview on Wednesday in Ibadan.

    Akinyemiju urged the government to look at diversifying the economy by boosting agriculture, ensuring stable market system, improving electricity supply and maintaining political will to block wastage.

    He emphasised that laws must be enforced to punish defaulters severely irrespective of position or status.

    “There should be no sacred cow. These leaders go to Dubai, Singapore, China and more but they failed to copy what those countries do and replicate it here.

    “That attitude should change, they need to do away with selfishness, insensitivity and insincerity. Having done all of these and more, leadership must have the fear of God.

    “They must know that the day of judgment will come when everyone will give account before his/her creator,” he said.

    He cited 2 Chronicles 7:14 – “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land”.

    “We must continue to hammer on the need for leaders and followers to turn from their wicked ways if we want peace in the land. God bless Nigeria,” Akinyemiju said.

    Also, the pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Jesus Place, Ibadan, Pastor Francis Oghuma, urged citizens to endure the hardship of this time as it was momentarily in the place of weeding the economy.

    “As Christians, we must be ready to make sacrifices, living for a while in self denial, enduring a worth waiting harvest while making selflessness a watchword.

    “We must discourage wasteful spending, overloaded wedding, burials, and the likes must be seen as economic saboteur and a draining pipe to economic redundancy,” he said.

    Oghuma enjoined the government to create enabling environment for citizens and strategically take headlong to deal with “our green economic drainages monsters- electricity.

    He called for government emergency declaration on the alternative “Solar Power system” by subsidizing solar sources to make it more affordable for the citizens.

    “The epileptic electricity has sent many striving businesses to their early graves and leaving no carcasses for revamping.

    “Solar energy will also help to salvage the manufacturing sector.

    “There was a generating set call “I pass my neighbour”; that little generating set brought good life to many homes, with food to the tables of many. Today it is Solar,” he said.

    The RCCG cleric further urged Nigerians to continue to pray and engage the author of life who knows the end from the beginning of which without Him we can do nothing.

    “Finally, we must return to our basis and cultural values where persons with questionable wealthy possession are not celebrated nor recognised.

    “With the aforementioned, I see a formidable and robust economy ranging from this 2024,” Oghuma stressed.

  • CAN tasks government to arrest perpetrators behind killings in Taraba

    CAN tasks government to arrest perpetrators behind killings in Taraba

    The Christian Association of Nigeria, (CAN), Taraba State Wing has appealed to the government and intelligence agencies to take immediate and decisive action in apprehending those responsible for the recent killings in the state.

    They made the calls following the killing of farmers in the Yangtu Development Area of Taraba State on Friday by suspected Fulani bandits.

    In a statement on Sunday, CAN, urged authorities to spare no effort in bringing the perpetrators to justice.

    The statement which was personally signed by the state chairman, Rev. Dr. Isaiah Magaji Jirapye, expressed strong condemnation for the “inhuman and dastardly acts”.
    CAN noted that there is need for urgency for thorough investigation to identify and hold accountable those behind the attacks.
    While calling for calm in the affected communities, CAN emphasized the importance of cooperation with security agencies, urging residents to provide relevant information that could aid in the quick apprehension of those responsible.
  • CAN calls for employment of CRK teachers in Niger

    CAN calls for employment of CRK teachers in Niger

    The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Niger State chapter, has appealed to Governor Umar Mohammed Bago to recruit Christian Religious Knowledge (CRK) teachers in public schools to instil sound morals in pupils and students.

    Niger State CAN chairman, Most Rev. Dr. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna made the call in his goodwill message at the 45th Anniversary and National Conference of the National Association of Christian Religious Educators of Nigeria (NACREN) in Minna, the State capital, noted that teachers are employed to teach Islamic Religious Knowledge (IRK) in the state.

    He said CAN has been calling on successive governments to restore the teaching of CRK in all public schools since 2003.

    Yohanna, also the Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese, said, “Just to take us back, as of 2004, when there were about 152 public schools, we had only 120 CRK teachers in the state.

    “In 2004, when Niger State hosted the National Conference of CRK Teachers, the statistics given to us by the government was 220 CRK teachers, including the non-qualified teachers for over 450 schools.

    “According to the 2016 statistical data, the state needed about 300 CRK teachers for the over 300 schools in the state.”

    He noted that teaching CRK as a subject in public schools could help address the high rate of social vices among youths in the state.

    The cleric also argued that the best way to tackle youth restiveness, drug abuse, waywardness, disrespect and other vices in society is to teach children the way of God so that worldly affairs will not influence them.

    He called on the government to make the study of CRK attractive for those in higher institutions to have professional teachers in the subject.

    Earlier in his address, the National President of the NACREN, Rev. Dr. Reuben Maiture, called on the Federal Government to place more emphasis on CRK as it does with other fields.