# Christian Association of Nigeria 50th anniversary

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/christian-association-of-nigeria-50th-anniversary
> Updated: 2026-10-17T13:36:50.000Z. Sources: 15. Developments: 3.

To mark its 50th anniversary, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) issued a call for the Federal Government to prioritize citizen protection, constitutional rights, and national welfare. CAN President Archbishop Daniel Okoh emphasized that the organization would not remain silent regarding injustice, terrorism, banditry, or kidnapping. He also warned political actors against weaponizing religion or ethnicity ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In response to the anniversary, the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) issued a congratulatory message, noting a shared responsibility between Muslim and Christian populations to address national challenges such as insecurity, poverty, and social inequality.

The anniversary celebrations continued in Abuja with a golden jubilee thanksgiving and award ceremony. During the event, Archbishop Okoh presented several high-profile awards to Nigerian leaders. Recipients of the ‘Christian Icon Award’ included Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu. Former leaders, including General Yakubu Gowon, Olusegun Obasanjo, Goodluck Jonathan, and Yemi Osinbajo, were honored with the ‘Pillar of Faith Award’. Other honorees included Senator George Akume, Senator Godswill Akpabio, Dr. Benjamin Kalu, and Governors Monday Okpebholo and Seyi Makinde.

Addressing the assembly, Archbishop Okoh urged the Church to maintain a ‘prophetic voice’ and called on Christians to remain vigilant concerning justice, democracy, religious freedom, and the welfare of vulnerable populations, such as victims of insecurity and internally displaced persons.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-17: Christian Association of Nigeria honors leaders at 50th anniversary

At its 50th anniversary in Abuja, the Christian Association of Nigeria honored leaders including Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu for their service and integrity.

9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sheriff-oborevwori-receives-christian-icon-award-from-can

### 2026-10-14: NSCIA congratulates Christian Association of Nigeria on 50th anniversary

The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs congratulated the Christian Association of Nigeria on its 50th anniversary, emphasizing the importance of inter-faith dialogue for national peace.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nscia-congratulates-christian-association-of-nigeria-on-50th-anniversary

### 2026-10-03: Christian Association of Nigeria vows to hold government accountable

At its 50th anniversary, the Christian Association of Nigeria warned against weaponizing religion in the 2027 elections and vowed to criticize the government if it fails to protect citizens or uphold rights.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/christian-association-of-nigeria-vows-to-hold-government-accountable

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Cite as: Christian Association of Nigeria 50th anniversary. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/christian-association-of-nigeria-50th-anniversary