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Tag: Daniel Okoh

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.”

  • Workers Day: Treat workers with dignity, respect, fairness – CAN tells employers

    Workers Day: Treat workers with dignity, respect, fairness – CAN tells employers

    The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has called on governments and other employers to treat workers with dignity and respect, and provide them with decent conditions, fair wages and job security.

    This is contained in a statement signed by the CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, on Monday in Abuja.

    The  association praised the resilience, dedication and hard work of Nigerian workers, who it said had continued to drive the economy forward in spite of  numerous challenges.

    CAN said that it recognised invaluable contributions of Nigerian workers to the growth and development of the nation.

    “We recognize the sacrifices they make daily to ensure that their families and the nation at large have a better future.

    “As Christians, we believe that work is not just a means of earning a living but also a means of fulfilling our God-given purpose on earth.

    “We, therefore, encourage all Nigerian workers to continue to approach their work with diligence, excellence and integrity, knowing that their labour is not in vain.

    “We also want to use this occasion to express our solidarity with Nigerian workers who have been adversely affected by the current economic situation,” it said.

    The association called on governments and other employers to treat workers fairly.

    “The Christian Association of Nigeria is committed to working with stakeholders to promote the welfare and well-being of Nigerian workers and will continue to advocate policies and programmes that will enhance their productivity, skills and job opportunities,” it added.

  • VIDEO: Woman pushes out “dead animal” from her stomach after receiving miracle water

    VIDEO: Woman pushes out “dead animal” from her stomach after receiving miracle water

    A woman identified as Ikenga Regina has reportedly pushed out a “dead animal” from her stomach after receiving miracle water at a prayer summit in Asaba, Delta State.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Christ Holy Church International, also known as Nation Builders Commonwealth disclosed this on Friday.

    Sharing a video of the “dead animal” pushed out by Regina on Facebook, Nation Builders Commonwealth wrote:

    “Awardee Ikenga Regina is a member of Christ Holy Church Int’l Nkpologwu-Enugu.

    “She attended the 3-Days 2023 Prayer Summit of Christ Holy Church Int’l at the Christ Holy Church Int’l Camp Ground Asaba with Stomach pains that has disturbed her for long.

    “The pain was so excruciating that it could not allow her participate and enjoy the program.  She only stayed inside their vehicle though was connecting by faith in prayers.

    “After the prayers by the General Superintendent His Eminence the Most Rev Dr Daniel Okoh on the third day, he blessed water which was sprinkled to all the participants according to divine instruction.

    “As the water touched her, she began to feel intense hotness in her stomach and suddenly began to feel pressed.

    “She went to ease herself and push out this dead animal from her stomach and immediately regain herself. God indeed is faithful”.

     

    Posted by Nation Builders Commonwealth on Friday, 13 January 2023

    TNG reports Most Rev. Okoh is the president of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).

  • Be hopeful, God has not forsaken Nigeria – CAN President

    Be hopeful, God has not forsaken Nigeria – CAN President

    Archbishop Daniel Okoh, President, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has urged Nigerians not to lose hope due to challenges,  stating that God has not forsaken the nation.

    The CAN president noted that the story of Christmas depicted God’s intervention in hapless situations that afflicted mankind, therefore, as a people,  we should not lose hope.

    In a Christmas message on Saturday in Lagos, Okoh said the mystery of the birth of Jesus Christ as a Messiah came in handy now that the nation is on the verge of transition to new leadership that would pacify the people from anxieties.

    According to him, the 2022  Christmas celebration amidst uncertainty in the face of challenges,  can be likened to the sufferings of the Israelites as a result of the disobedience of their leaders to forsake God because of material things.

    “God will always save us through our Lord Jesus Christ.

    “The message of Christmas is of peace and oneness. It is to express love to our neighbours regardless of their religion, ethnicity or political leanings.

    “Our political leaders especially those jostling to lead the country, should use the season to reflect on the good ways of Jesus Christ to give them directives when they assume office.”

    The CAN president appealed to Nigerians not to allow the fear of insecurity in the land to hinder them from coming out enmass during the forthcoming general elections to vote for credible candidates of their choice.

    He prayed for God’s protection of all Nigerians.

  • CAN President’s home taken over by flood [VIDEO]

    CAN President’s home taken over by flood [VIDEO]

    The Ndoni home of the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Most Reverend Daniel Okoh in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State has been taken over by flood.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports wife of Okoh, Ngozi disclosed this on Saturday, saying the whole community is submerged as well.

    “This is the home of the founder of my church and the home of the CAN President of Nigeria Christ Holy Church Int’l. The whole community are submerged. May God Almighty deliver us and set us free from this. Amen,” she wrote.

    Watch video below

     

    This is the home of the founder of my church and the home of the CAN President of Nigeria Christ Holy Church Int’l. The whole community are submerged.
    May God Almighty deliver us and set us free from this. Amen.
    #2022flood #flooddisaster #flooddamage #thankyoulord #Godhealourland #FloodVictims #inGodwetrust @classicmummy1

    Posted by Ngozi Okoh on Saturday, 15 October 2022

    Earlier, the CAN President had asked the federal government to set up and empower a presidential flood relief and rehabilitation committee to mobilise funds for victims of the recent flood that has ravaged parts of the country.

    In a statement, Okoh expressed deep concerns about the havoc that floods have wreaked around the country, especially as a huge number of people have been displaced and their homes, business places, thousands of acres of farmlands and worship centres submerged underwater for weeks.

    The Archbishop stressed that CAN is troubled that in the recent flooding incidents recorded in Anambra, two churches, Madonna Catholic Church, in Idemili Iyiowa Odekpe, and an Anglican Church at Obenani, collapsed because of the floodwaters currently pounding Ogbaru Local Government Area of state.

    “In the same breath, parishes of Christ Holy Church, particularly in Umueze Anam, Anambra West Local Government and its environs; St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Ndoni, in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of the Rivers state as well as the branches of many other church denominations located in the swathes of land around the lower Niger River and the coastal states of our nation have been taken over by the worst deluge in living memory.

    “Also, in at least nine local government areas in Kogi State, namely: Kogi-Koto, Lokoja, Igalamela-Odolu, Bassa, Idah, Ibaji, Omala, Ajaokuta, and Ofu, the devastation caused by the flooding in over 160 communities may take several years to get over.

    “As a result of the flooding in Kogi, many travellers and traders are suffering serious collateral damages by being stranded around Lokoja and its surrounding districts, while truckers of perishable foodstuffs are on the verge of losing hundreds of millions of naira as their goods rot away even now that the nation is struggling to maintain food security.

    “Similarly, hundreds of distributors of refined petroleum products are trapped in a heavy traffic gridlock that reportedly stretches as far as 10 kilometres.

    “In our country where natural disasters such as earthquakes and volcanic eruptions are remarkably rare, flooding is fast becoming the major source of worry because its effects are posing serious barriers to both the spiritual and material advancement of our people.

    “As citizens, we may not be used to responding to natural disasters of the magnitude that the country is witnessing presently, but we must not allow the experience to leave behind an indelible memory of horror and destruction”, the CAN President said.

    He, therefore, said “consequently, CAN urges the Federal Government to urgently set up and empower a Presidential Flood Relief and Rehabilitation Committee that will consist of eminent and wealthy Nigerians to mobilise financial assistance from both the public and private sectors for the victims of the flood disaster raging communities across the country.”

    Archbishop Okoh said such a presidential committee is necessary and timely at this point in Nigeria because the diligent intervention by all stakeholders will no doubt reduce the burden imposed by the natural disaster facing the country today

    The CAN President said the authorities should also make deliberate efforts by designing and implementing a permanent solution to the flood disaster which is steadily becoming a yearly occurrence in Nigeria.

    “We must further improve on our warning system, promote flood resilient buildings, construct buildings above flood levels and increase spending on the construction of flood defences.

    “Our people should be encouraged to planting of trees strategically while the authorities should stop at nothing to restore rivers to their natural courses and introducing water storage areas.

    “Apart from clearing the drainage, the government should also embark on public enlightenment about the responsibilities of citizens, which could help to reduce the impact of flooding,” he added.

  • Nigeria will be great despite challenges – CAN President

    Nigeria will be great despite challenges – CAN President

    Archbishop Daniel Okoh, President, Christian Association of Nigeria, and Co-chairman, Nigeria Interreligious Council, says Nigeria will be great if the citizens remain steadfast and prayerful in pursuing the Nigeria project.

    “Though we are still facing challenges, let us not give up,” Okoh said in his message to mark Nigeria’s 62nd Independence Anniversary on Saturday.

    He added that Nigeria has the potential to not only be great, but continue to lead Africa on the global stage.

    While urging Nigerians to pray fervently for the success of the 2023 elections, the CAN president advised the Federal Government to resolve the impasse with university lecturers, for the sake of young people whose future is at stake.

    “Let us continue to rely on the faithfulness of God as we continue to do the best we can to ensure justice and peace reign in our country.

    “I urge you to take the unpleasant experiences that have plagued our nation in the past as necessary lessons of life that will make us a stronger, better, and resilient nation on earth.

    “In the face of the hardships in our country, let us continue to exercise patience through perseverance as we bring all our challenges to God, trusting that He will reveal His righteousness and grant us justice in our times of distress,” he added.

    He said that CAN would continue to speak and stand up against injustice and work for peace in a constructive way.

    “As we march gallantly towards the next general elections, let us bear in mind that we have a stake in this country, and so refrain from engaging in acts that will destroy the fortunes and the prospects of this nation.

    “Rather than take up arms to kill each other and terrify innocent Nigerians, adults in this nation should take up their voters’ card and go to the polls.

    “We must resist any threat, strong or subtle, in whichever form to stop us from going out to vote on the day of elections,” Okoh emphasised.

    The CAN president also urged Nigerians to shun vote-buying.

    “Politicians who present some inducement to voters, especially on the polling day are not really interested in the welfare of the people.

    “I counsel you to look out for politicians who are genuine and who are sincere to provide the basics that will be the catalyst for economic growth and development,” he said.

    Okoh prayed God to rescue Nigeria from the hands of wicked people, grant peace to the country and help the people to love one another irrespective of religious and ethnic diversities.

  • Strike: CAN President wades into FG-ASUU impasse

    Strike: CAN President wades into FG-ASUU impasse

    President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Dr Daniel Okoh called on the Federal Government and the leadership of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to end the seven-month strike.

    Okoh made the appeal on Sunday in his address during the interdenominational church service to mark the 62nd Independence Day at the National Ecumenical Centre, Abuja.

    “I call on the Federal Government to do all that is necessary so that most of these youths will go back to the universities and engage with their studies. As it is often said that ‘idle minds are the devil’s workshop, idle lips are his mouthpiece,’” he said.

    Describing next year’s elections as one of Nigeria’s greatest tests, Okoh urged citizens of voting age to obtain their Permanent Voter’s Card. He argued that politicians who hand out inducements to the electorate do not care for the nation or her people as they “disappear” afterwards.

    “The year 2023 is the year of our test as a nation. Rather than taking up arms to kill one another and terrifying innocent and ordinary Nigerians, adults in this nation should take up our voter’s cards and go to the polls,” he added.

    He urged all Nigerians to give the Independent National Electoral Commission all the support to enable it to succeed in its assignment.

    Vice President Yemi Osinbajo said despite Nigeria’s troubled past and present, its future holds more peace and glory.

    “The future of Nigeria will be far more glorious, more peaceful than her past, and so it shall be for you too. Every year will be happier for you, more glorious, more prosperous and more peaceful, in Jesus’ name,” Osinbajo said in his address at the service.

    He added, “We stand at the gates of a new nation and we see its lights shining bright. The nation of God’s promises, a nation of opportunities, of equity and justice, a secure and prosperous nation, a nation of laws and righteousness.

    “Even if what we see today seems bleak, and dark, we are confident that God who owns the heavens and the earth will fulfil His promises concerning this nation.”

  • 2023 one valid chance to turn things around – CAN President

    2023 one valid chance to turn things around – CAN President

    President of the Christian Association Nigeria (CAN), Archbishop Daniel Okoh has said the 2023 general election is one valid chance that Nigerians have to turn around the fortunes of the country for good.

    Archbishop Okoh stated in his speech delivered at the second plenary meeting of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria in Orlu, Imo State.

    Okoh expressed concern over the spate of insecurity in the country, saying that the situation has diminished human life abysmally, stressing that the 2023 elections would give Nigerians the opportunity to turn the country around for the better.

    “The unprecedented spate of insecurity in our nation today, calls for serious concern. We have come to a point in our national history where the value of human life has diminished abysmally,” he said.

    While describing the killings as an aberration, Okoh told the Catholic Bishops that kidnapping for ransom had become a very lucrative criminal enterprise in Nigeria.

    He said, “As I was growing up in the 1960s and 1970s, children were not allowed to see dead bodies. But now, even the sensibilities of the children are no longer protected. All kinds of crime and wickedness are available almost for free on social media.

    “It is sad to note that those whose duty it is to guarantee the safety of our lives and properties appear to be helpless in the face of a real threat and advancing forces of darkness eclipsing the land.”

    Okoh described Nigeria as a country of great potential, adding, however, that the nation’s challenges over the years had been a lack of patriotic, visionary, and committed leadership.

    “This has become manifest in the brazen embezzlement of public funds, the entrenchment of bribery and corruption in almost every aspect of our public life, and the falling economic fortunes and joblessness among the youths that now confront us daily.

    “Impunity, executive recklessness and political brigandage are tearing our nation apart. As a result of the long closure of our Federal Universities, our nation suffers another bout of brain drain that is unprecedented. Nigerian lecturers are being absorbed in a rapid rate by Ivy League universities in the Western world,” he said.

    However, the CAN President stressed that despite all of these, the people should not lose hope.

    Okoh said, “The 2023 general election is one valid chance that we have to turn around the fortunes of Nigeria for good.”