Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has called on Christian denominations across the country to sustain their unity and cooperation as the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) celebrates its 50th anniversary.
Tinubu made the appeal on Saturday, October 17, 2026, during CAN’s golden jubilee award ceremony and thanksgiving service at the National Christian Centre in Abuja, where prominent political leaders and former government officials were honoured for their contributions to Christianity and national development.
Among those recognised were former Heads of State Generals Yakubu Gowon and Olusegun Obasanjo, former President Goodluck Jonathan, former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume.
The first lady received the Christian Icon Award, while Gowon, Obasanjo, Jonathan and Osinbajo were presented with the Pillar of Faith Award. Other recipients included Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Benjamin Kalu, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde.
Speaking at the event, Tinubu congratulated CAN on five decades of service to God and humanity, describing the anniversary as a significant milestone in the history of Christianity in Nigeria. She said the anniversary theme, “Walking Together in Faith,” reflected the biblical call for unity among believers and the importance of working towards a common purpose.
The first lady urged the different Christian blocs and denominations within CAN to maintain their unity and strengthen their collective commitment to the church and the country. “I pray that, just as Christ prayed for the saints, all the Christian blocs and denominations will continue to remain united in Jesus’ name,” she said.
Tinubu described her award as a call to greater service to God and humanity, expressing appreciation to CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, for the recognition. She also wished the association continued success in its mission and prayed for the progress of Nigeria.
In his anniversary address, CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, called on the church to strengthen its role in national development by defending human dignity, promoting justice and holding the government accountable. He maintained that religious institutions should support government policies that advance the common good while challenging actions that undermine justice, constitutionalism and citizens’ welfare.
Advocating what he described as “critical collaboration” between the church and government, the CAN president said religious leaders must preserve their independence while engaging constructively with public institutions.
He identified internally displaced persons, out-of-school children, unemployed youths, farmers unable to access their farmlands because of insecurity, women facing violence and victims of human trafficking among the vulnerable groups requiring greater attention.
Okoh also urged political leaders to protect citizens, respect the Constitution, account for public resources and strengthen national institutions. He challenged Christians to complement their prayers for Nigeria with practical action and active participation in nation-building.
“The message to the church must be equally clear: pray for Nigeria, pray for those in government, speak for Nigeria, serve Nigeria, build Nigeria and heal Nigeria,” he said.
The CAN president warned against actions capable of undermining the progress made towards unity, particularly inflammatory exchanges on social media. He stressed that the association belonged to all Christians and urged members to take greater responsibility for its growth rather than leave its affairs solely to elected and appointed leaders.