The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) marked its 50th anniversary (Golden Jubilee) in October 2026 with the theme “Walking Together in Faith.”
Highlights of the Golden Jubilee Program
The anniversary events took place from 12th to 18th October 2026:
• Anniversary Road Walk: Believers and church members participated in a health and fellowship road walk through the streets of Abuja.
• National Ecumenical Workshop: Church leaders and scholars gathered to focus on strategic future planning. Key addresses were delivered by prominent figures like Rev. Prof. Yusufu Turaki.
• Jubilee Colloquium: Titled “Jubilee of Justice: Faith, Governance and the Pursuit of Common Good in Nigeria,” this event assembled patriarchs and youth leaders at the National Christian Centre, Abuja. They discussed national cohesion, social transformation, and proactive governance.
• Anniversary Revival Crusade: A mass prayer and intercessory rally was held to pray for peace, economic stability, and divine intervention in Nigeria.
• Youth & Women Summits: Dedicated talent showcases and leadership empowerment sessions were organized by the Youth Wing (YOWICAN) and Women Wing (WOWICAN).
• Grand Finale & Thanksgiving: The celebration culminated on Saturday, October 17, 2026, featuring an awards ceremony and the official unveiling of a commemorative CAN history book by First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu.
Brief History of CAN
• Founding: CAN was founded in August 1976 during a meeting convened by the military government of General Olusegun Obasanjo at the National Arts Theatre in Lagos. Initially intended as a forum for Christian leaders to discuss civic concerns, it rapidly evolved into Nigeria’s primary ecumenical platform. thers-at-50/),
• The First Constitution: The association’s first formal constitution was officially signed on April 20, 1977.
• Key Co-Founders: Pioneer leaders included Archbishop Francis Arinze, Cardinal Anthony Okogie, and Rt. Rev. Festus O. Segun.
• The Core Purpose: CAN was formed to ensure the strategic propagation of the Gospel, defend religious freedom, act as a moral watchman, and promote peaceful coexistence across Nigeria’s complex ethno-religious landscape.
First Lady Oluremi Tinubu and several state governors attended the grand finale to mark 50 years of Christian unity in Nigeria
Other Details of the Celebration
• Grand Finale & Awards: The celebration concluded with a grand finale, award ceremony, and thanksgiving service held at the National Christian Centre in Abuja.
• Leadership Message: CAN President Archbishop Daniel Okoh delivered an address titled “CAN at 50: A Prophetic Voice of Hope,” urging churches to remain morally vigilant on justice, human dignity, democracy, and support for vulnerable groups. He also called on the Federal Government to protect citizens and address economic hardships.
• Notable Honorees:
• Christian Icon Award: First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu and Secretary to the Government of the Federation Senator George Akume.
• Pillar of Faith Award: Former Heads of State General Yakubu Gowon and General Olusegun Obasanjo, former President Goodluck Jonathan, and former Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo.
• Other Awardees: Senate President Godswill Akpabio, state governors (including Seyi Makinde, Sheriff Oborevwori, and Monday Okpebholo), and various church and community leaders.)
• Five Major Blocs: Archbishop Okoh highlighted that all major Christian traditions in Nigeria are united under CAN’s five blocs: the Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN), the Christian Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria/Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (CPFN/PFN), the Organisation of African Instituted Churches (OAIC), TEKAN/ECWA, and the Christian Solidarity Network (CSN).
