. Church have to be voice of IDPs, attacked farmers, says Okoh
Kuni Tyessi in Abuja
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) yesterday honoured former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (rtd.), former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo, Goodluck Jonathan; former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, and the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, at its fiftieth anniversary thanksgiving service in Abuja.
This is simply because the President of the affiliation, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, has declared that the Church can’t afford to be silent whereas susceptible Nigerians undergo, charging it to talk boldly in opposition to injustice, insecurity and corruption.
The ceremony, held yesterday, was a part of the actions marking CAN’s golden jubilee.
Senator Tinubu was conferred with the Christian Icon Award, whereas Gowon, Obasanjo, Jonathan and Osinbajo acquired the Pillar of Faith Award for his or her contributions to the Christian neighborhood and nationwide growth.
Other recipients included Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume; Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio; Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Dr Benjamin Kalu, Governors Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta, Monday Okpebholo of Edo and Seyi Makinde of Oyo State.
Speaking after receiving her award, Senator Tinubu thanked Okoh, describing the honour as a name to deeper service.
“I want you to know that this award is a call to greater work in service to God and humanity,” she mentioned.
She mentioned 50 years of CAN was a major milestone and urged sustenance of unity amongst denominations.
She mentioned the anniversary theme, “Walking Together in Faith”, displays God’s name for oneness, citing John 17:21-22 and Ephesians 4:4-6, and prayed that CAN blocs would proceed to work collectively for the Church and Nigeria.
She urged CAN to stay targeted on making ready believers for the second coming of Jesus Christ.
In his deal with, Okoh mentioned CAN’s 50-year journey attests to God’s faithfulness and the foresight of founders who in August 1976 created a united platform for Christians.
He famous that Nigeria remained the one African nation the place various Christian traditions had been united underneath one ecumenical umbrella CCN, CPFN/PFN, OAIC, TEKAN/ECWA and others, regardless of early suspicion, prejudice and marginalisation which successive leaders had labored to beat.
He urged Christians to protect that unity and shun divisive social media exchanges, stressing CAN belonged to all Christians.
Okoh mentioned in 50 years CAN had spoken on non secular freedom, justice, good governance, corruption, insecurity and humanitarian service, however should now be extra knowledgeable, brave and evidence-based.
He charged the Church to defend susceptible Nigerians, IDPs, out-of-school youngsters, jobless youths, farmers who had been unable to entry farmlands as a result of insecurity, ladies dealing with violence and trafficking victims.
Okoh, mentioned the gospel itself makes indifference unattainable.
“The gospel makes it impossible to remain indifferent to the living conditions of the vulnerable. Faith must find practical expression in compassion, service and advocacy. The Church must speak!” he added.
He listed these the Church should defend to additionally embrace communities destroyed by environmental degradation.
“The church must speak!” he declared, however warned interventions have to be anchored on reality and credible proof, not rumours or partisan politics.
He advocated “critical collaboration” with authorities: “Collaborate where common good requires it, challenge where justice requires challenge, commend where government does well and warn where government fails, while maintaining the church’s independence.”
Okoh urged stronger institutional capability for analysis, advocacy, environmental safety, local weather resilience and moral expertise.
He referred to as on leaders to control responsibly, respect the Constitution and account for public assets, and on the Church to “pray for Nigeria, pray for those in government, speak for Nigeria, serve Nigeria, build Nigeria and heal Nigeria.”
