The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), North Central Zone, on Sunday, inaugurated new executive, to pilot its affairs in the region for the next five years.
The 10 member executive who will serve a single tenure that will last till April 30, 2028, was sworn in at the National Christian Centre, Abuja.
Rev Dr. Samson Jonah from TEKAN/ECWA bloc of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) CAN, was sworn in as the Chairman.
Bishop Dr. RBC Okonkwo of the Organisation of African Churches (OAIC) Plateau state, will serve as the vice chairman while Pastor Dr. Simon Dolly (Christian Council of Nigeria) Nasarawa state, is the secretary of the zone.
Others are Bishop Sado Henry, Assistant secretary, Rev Fr. Patrick Polit, Treasurer, Barr. Adebowale Olaoluwa, Director legal and Public Affairs, Rev Fr. Jude Omaku, Director Ecumenism, Ven Dr. Andrew Olugbemiro, Director Research and Planning, Apostle Tony Ukachukwu, Director youth and Women Education, Daniel Peverga Dam, Director National Issues and Social Walfare.
Inaugurating the newly elected officers, the President of CAN, Most Rev. Dr. Daniel Okoh charged them to be determined in ensuring that the organisation succeed.
He advised that while influencing the people they lead, they should work in cooperation towards the goal, vision and aspiration of the association at all times.
Citing John Gospel chapter 17 verse 21, the President of CAN urged the North Central Zone executive to be ambassador of the christian body in discharging their duties.
“Leaders are chosen by election and they are expected to lead, having the motto of their association in mind and therefore leading the Christian Association of Nigeria at any level, it is expected that leaders must be seen to walk together. And to influence people, all Christians must come together in service, walking in one accord.
“I therefore as the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, charge you all, my dear sister and brothers to be with deep understanding of the vision, mission, goals of Christian Association of Nigeria. I charge you to work with compassion and Commitment to the objectives of the Christian Association of Nigeria at any particular point in time.
“I charge you the Christian Association of Nigeria North Central Zone, that with compassion, with commitment, with humility, sincerity, with honesty, it is important to continue to protect the dignity and the integrity of this global association. When we do this, Christ will be pleased with us”, he added.
However, the executive after been prayed for, collectively pledged to fulfill their duties and obligations as designated.
In the acceptance speech, the newly installed chairman, Rev Dr. Jonah Samson, who spoke on behalf of the executive said although the task ahead is not an easy one, they are encouraged by the Lord Jesus Christ who said he will never leave his own. He expressed confidence that God Almighty will be with them.
He urged the church in Nigeria to continue to pray for them to succeed.
Speaking to journalists at the end of the event, the newly inaugurated secretary, Pastor Dr. Dolly said it is the will of God to have been elected to serve the North Central Zone of CAN.
He noted that the major problem in the zone is lack of unity. “We have inter religious issues, we also have the intra problem but the main problem is the Inter-Religious crisis bedeviling this North Central.
“Our key cardinal point in this administration, is to go for unity and peace between Christians and Muslims in North Central Zone”.
In the same vein, CAN North Central Zone conferred an Icon of Peace and Democracy in Nigeria award to Former President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan. Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha was awarded with the Pillar of peace and administrative excellence in Nigeria. Plateau state governor was conferred with the award of an Icon of Peace and Unity in Nigeria while the governor of Benue state was given the Icon of peace and good governance in Nigeria award. Taraba state governor, Arch Dickson Ishaku got the award of the Icon of peace and exemplary leadership in Nigeria.
Other awardees were; CAN President, Most. Rev Dr. Daniel Okoh (Unity and defender of the faith), Accord Presidential Candidate, Prof Christopher Imumolen (Icon of Excellence and Education Development in Nigeria), FCT Abuja Senator, Philip Aduda (Icon of Peace and good leadership in Nigeria), President, Nigerian Baptist Convention, Rev Dr. Israel Adelani Akanji (Pillar of peace and exemplary leadership in Nigeria), Member House of Representative, Rt.Hon Yohanna Micah (Icon of Peace and exemplary leadership in Nigeria), Chairman AMAC FCT, Christopher Zaka Maikalangu (Icon of Peace and good governance in Nigeria), Chairman Bwari Area Council FCT, Hon. John Gabaya (Pillar of unity and good governance in Nigeria).
One of the awardees, Accord Party presidential candidate, Christopher Imumolen, appreciated the Christian organisation for recognising his impact in the education sector.
He said receiving the award has spurred him to do even more for education in the country.
