The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has urged Christian denominations in Nigeria to sustain their unity, while the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, called on the Federal Government to protect citizens, respect the Constitution and account for public resources.
They spoke on Saturday at CAN’s 50th anniversary celebration at the National Christian Centre in Abuja, where the association honoured the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, with its Christian Icon Award.
Tinubu, who was the special guest of honour, congratulated CAN on five decades of service to God and humanity, saying the anniversary theme, Walking Together in Faith, reflected the prayer of Jesus Christ for unity among believers.
Quoting John 17:21–22, the First Lady said the biblical passage underscored the importance of unity among Christians. She also cited Ephesians 4:4–6, which emphasises one body, one Spirit, one Lord, one faith, one baptism and one God and Father of all.
“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 wished CAN more years of service in God’s vineyard and prayed for the continued progress of the association and Nigeria.
“I wish you many more fruitful years of service in the Lord’s vineyard. May God bless the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN). God bless Nigeria,” she added.
In his anniversary address, Okoh said the association’s next 50 years should be marked by a more informed, courageous and evidence-based approach to national issues, stressing that the Church must hold leaders accountable without turning its interventions into partisan attacks.
“The message of the Church to those in governance must be clear. Govern well, serve faithfully, protect the people, respect the Constitution, account for public resources, listen to citizens, protect the vulnerable, strengthen institutions, and make Nigeria great,” he said.
Okoh said CAN had spent the past five decades providing a common platform for Christians to address issues of shared interest, including religious freedom, justice, good governance, corruption, insecurity, humanitarian services and national development.
He, however, said the golden jubilee should mark the beginning of a renewed national mission rather than merely celebrate past achievements.
According to him, the Church must remain vigilant on issues affecting justice, human dignity, democratic institutions, constitutionalism, peace, religious freedom and the welfare of vulnerable citizens.
He identified internally displaced persons, children denied education, unemployed young people, rural farmers unable to access their farmlands because of insecurity, women facing violence and victims of human trafficking among those whose interests the Church must defend.
“The gospel makes it impossible to remain indifferent in the living conditions of the vulnerable. Faith must find practical expression in compassion, service, and advocacy. The church must speak,” he said.
The CAN president cautioned religious leaders against allowing their interventions in public affairs to become partisan attacks, urging them to distinguish facts from rumours and legitimate disagreements from injustice.
“The church’s public voice must therefore be truthful, informed, courageous, balanced, and responsible. Prophetic authority is strengthened when it is supported by credible evidence and careful analysis,” he said.
On the relationship between the Church and the state, Okoh advocated what he described as “critical collaboration”, explaining that religious institutions should cooperate with the government where the common good required it and challenge authorities where justice demanded it.
He said the Church should maintain its independence while commending government policies that benefited Nigerians and speaking out against failures that undermined justice and accountability.
Declaring that “Nigeria can be better, and Nigeria will be better,” Okoh urged CAN to strengthen its capacity for research, advocacy, service and constructive engagement with public institutions.
He also called on Christians to contribute actively to national development, saying, “Pray for Nigeria. Pray for those in governance. Speak for Nigeria. Serve Nigeria. Build Nigeria. And heal Nigeria.”
Akume described the Christian Icon Award as a humbling affirmation of faith, integrity, compassion, sacrifice and service.
“I am deeply humbled and profoundly honoured to receive the prestigious Christian Icon Award. I receive this award with great humility, gratitude and a deep sense of responsibility,” the SGF said.
He said the award went beyond recognition of his public service, describing it as an affirmation of the values that had guided his journey in public life.
Akume said he accepted the honour on behalf of his family, colleagues, associates and Nigerians he had served.
Reflecting on CAN’s five decades of existence, he commended the association for its contributions to the Christian community and national development, particularly in promoting peace, unity, moral values and social cohesion.
“For fifty years, CAN has remained an important voice. At a time when our nation, like many societies around the world, faces complex challenges, the responsibility of religious institutions to promote peace, tolerance, compassion and responsible citizenship has never been greater,” he stated.
Akume said his Christian faith had shaped his understanding of leadership, stressing that public office should be treated as an opportunity to serve rather than a privilege to be enjoyed.
“As Secretary to the Government of the Federation, I remain profoundly conscious of the enormous responsibility entrusted to me by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and of the duty to contribute to the success of the Renewed Hope Agenda and to the building of a more prosperous, peaceful and united Nigeria,” Akume said.
He dedicated the award to Nigerians who serve their communities and the country selflessly, often without public recognition, as well as young people whose energy and creativity, he said, represented the promise of a greater Nigeria.
The SGF congratulated CAN on its 50th anniversary, expressing hope that the association would make greater contributions to peace, stability and national development in the next five decades.
He also pledged to use the recognition as motivation to serve more diligently, lead with greater humility and remain committed to national unity and progress.
Other award recipients included former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (retd.); former President Olusegun Obasanjo; former President Goodluck Jonathan; and former Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, who received Pillar of Faith Awards.
CAN also honoured Akume, Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde with Christian Icon Awards, among other honours presented at the event.
The celebration attracted political leaders, former government officials and Christian leaders, including Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd.); Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo; former SGF Boss Mustapha; former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa; and former Minister of Information Prof. Jerry Gana.
CAN was founded in August 1976 to provide a common platform for Christians in Nigeria.