CAN, Northern Christians celebrate Hayab at 57, hail peacebuilding efforts

The Northern Christian Association (NCA) has congratulated its chairman, Rev. (Dr.) Joseph John Hayab, on his 57th birthday, praising his contributions to Christian unity, religious freedom, justice and peaceful coexistence.

The association described Hayab as a national voice and bridge-builder whose leadership and advocacy have extended beyond Northern Nigeria, particularly through his efforts to promote dialogue, defend human dignity and strengthen cooperation among Christian leaders. Blueprint reports

Hayab, who was born on October 24, 1969, celebrated his 57th birthday on Saturday, October 24, 2026.

In a birthday statement signed by its General Secretary, Bishop Mohammed Naga, the NCA described him as “a national voice, a bridge-builder and a servant of God,” commending his commitment to the Christian community and the wider society.

The statement, titled “Birthday Tribute to Our Chairman, Reverend (Dr.) Joseph John Hayab: A National Voice, a Bridge-Builder and a Servant of God,” said the occasion offered an opportunity to celebrate a leader whose influence extended beyond the boundaries of the North.

“Today is an opportunity to celebrate a leader whose influence extends beyond the boundaries of the North, whose voice resonates in national conversations, and whose dedication to the cause of Christians and the wellbeing of society reflects a deep sense of responsibility to God and humanity,” the statement said.

The NCA said Hayab’s leadership reflected the importance of principled engagement, unity of purpose and the willingness to speak on issues affecting Christians and other vulnerable groups.

It noted that the Church must remain a voice of truth, a source of hope for vulnerable people and a bridge-builder in a society requiring greater understanding, justice and peaceful coexistence.

The association also commended Hayab’s concern for communities affected by insecurity, violence and displacement across Northern Nigeria, stressing the need for compassionate leadership and practical assistance to people facing hardship.

According to the NCA, his advocacy on religious freedom, justice, peace and national cohesion has contributed to conversations about building a more peaceful and inclusive society.

It further praised his efforts to foster fellowship and cooperation among Christian leaders across the 19 Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory, noting that unity remained essential to supporting communities through difficult periods.

The association prayed that God would preserve Hayab’s health, renew his strength and grant him greater wisdom to discharge his responsibilities, expressing hope that his new year would bring further opportunities for service and greater impact on society.

North-East CAN celebrates his service to the Church

The North-East zone of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) also congratulated Hayab, describing his leadership, faith and selfless service as a source of inspiration to Christians across Northern Nigeria.

In a birthday message signed by Apst. Sunday Udoh Rufus on behalf of the zonal chairman and Christians in the region, the association praised Hayab’s commitment to Christian advocacy, peaceful coexistence, justice and religious freedom.

The message said the celebration was an opportunity to recognise his contributions to the unity, peace and progress of the Christian community in Northern Nigeria.

It expressed appreciation for his service to the Church and society, praying that God would continue to bless him with sound health, renewed strength, greater wisdom, divine protection and abundant grace.

The North-East CAN zone also expressed hope that the new chapter of Hayab’s life would bring greater accomplishments, new opportunities and further testimonies of God’s goodness.

It prayed that his leadership would continue to yield lasting positive results across Northern Nigeria and beyond, wishing him many more fruitful years in God’s service.

Kaduna CAN praises mentorship, courage and advocacy

Similarly, the Kaduna State chapter of CAN congratulated Hayab, commending his commitment to the Church, peacebuilding, justice and religious freedom.

The state CAN chairman, Rev. Caleb Bawa Ma’aji, described him as a mentor to emerging leaders and an advocate for peace and justice whose influence went beyond official positions.

“Your commitment to the Church, your passion for peacebuilding, your courageous advocacy for justice and religious freedom, and your unwavering dedication to humanity distinguish you as a leader whose impact goes beyond titles and positions,” Ma’aji said.

He noted that Hayab had consistently demonstrated that leadership required sacrifice, service and the courage to stand for what was right, even when the journey was difficult.

The Kaduna CAN chairman particularly praised his efforts to mentor emerging leaders, saying his commitment to helping them discover their potential and embrace responsibility remained valuable to the Church and society.

Ma’aji added that Hayab’s example reinforced the need for faith to be expressed through love, justice, compassion and service to humanity.

He prayed that God would renew Hayab’s strength, grant him sound health and greater wisdom, and bless him with many more years of fruitful service.

He also expressed hope that the celebrant would experience greater fulfilment and witness the positive impact of his mentorship in the lives of those he had inspired.

Benue CAN highlights concern for displaced communities

The Acting Chairman of CAN in Benue State, Rev. Jonathan Terwase Ugbede, also congratulated Hayab, commending his commitment to truth, justice, Christian unity and peaceful coexistence.

Ugbede said Hayab had distinguished himself through courageous leadership and sustained efforts to promote peace and justice.

He stressed that Christian leaders had a responsibility to defend human dignity, stand with vulnerable people and encourage dialogue in addressing difficult national issues.

The Benue CAN leader noted that the values of compassion, solidarity and practical concern for human suffering were particularly important to communities affected by insecurity and displacement in the state.

“For us in Benue State, where many communities have endured the painful consequences of insecurity and displacement, the values of compassion, solidarity and practical concern for human suffering carry particular significance,” the statement said.

Ugbede added that Christian leadership should go beyond words to include practical service, support for vulnerable people and efforts to restore hope to communities facing hardship.

He also commended Hayab’s commitment to fostering unity among Christian leaders across Northern Nigeria, noting that cooperation remained important in addressing shared challenges and promoting peaceful coexistence.

The Benue CAN chapter prayed that God would preserve Hayab’s health, renew his strength and grant him greater wisdom as he continued his service to the Church and humanity.

Tributes underscore need for unity and peaceful coexistence

The birthday messages from the NCA and the CAN bodies highlighted shared expectations of Christian leadership, particularly the need to promote unity, defend religious freedom, support vulnerable communities and encourage peaceful coexistence.

Their commendations also drew attention to the challenges facing communities across Northern Nigeria, where insecurity, displacement and religious tensions have continued to make dialogue, humanitarian assistance and constructive engagement important.

The associations expressed confidence that Hayab would continue to contribute to the Church and society through advocacy, mentorship, humanitarian service and efforts to strengthen relationships among Christian leaders.

They wished him continued divine favour, good health, wisdom and strength, praying that his 57th year would bring further opportunities to serve God and humanity.