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SGF, new CAN President Enjoin Christians to  Pray for Peace in Nigeria 

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The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha has urged the Church to pray fervently for the country following the rate of insecurity.

Mustapha spoke in Abuja at the 12th General Assembly and leadership transition service of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).

The theme of the event is: “The role of the Church in times like this”.

The SGF urged Nigerians to always embrace peace and unity irrespective of religion or tribe.

He congratulated the incoming and the outgoing CAN presidents and prayed for their success.

Also ,the General Assembly of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) formally validated the election of Archbishop Daniel Okoh as the new president of the religious body.

His recommendation was done by an Electoral College set up to screen and suggest candidates for the office of the President and Vice President, respectively.

His nomination was in line with the provisions of the 2021 CAN constitution as amended.

Okoh, the General Superintendent of Christ Holy Church International, emerged the new leader  after getting a 100 per cent vote of all 259 delegates, who participated in the 12th General Assembly of CAN.

 He is expected to serve a single five-year term.

In his acceptance speech, Archbishop Okoh charged the President Muhammadu Buhari to quell the rising insecurity in the country.

” i thank the President and the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari (GCFR), for his efforts to combat terrorism and banditry.

” I will like to appeal to His Excellency to end the bloodletting, kidnapping and general insecurity in all the geo-political zones of the country.

“I believe that government can do more to secure the lives and property given all the modern technology within its reach.”

Okoh noted the need for CAN to respond appropriately to national issues and assured that the apex Christian body would continue to participate actively and effectively in nation building.

Okoh stated that for Christians to remain relevant in the scheme of things, the first step was to increase CAN’s efforts to work towards Christian unity and mutual understanding.

He said these should be among the denominations of the Church in Nigeria.

In his remarks, the outgoing CAN President,  Rev. Samson Ayokunle, urged his successor to love the people irrespective of their weaknesses.

“The people will annoy him, make him angry, and may not even appreciate him, but he must continue to seek the good of the people,” he advised.

In a sermon by Rev William Okoye, General Overseer, All Christians Fellowship Mission spoke on the topic “Finishing well”.

He said there were three very important questions all Christians and leaders should bear in mind and would give account of before God

“What did you do with my son Jesus Christ;

“As one who benefitted from Jesus’ death on the cross,did you live for him?

“What did you do with all the talents and gifts I gave you?

Okoye urged all Christians to ensure they lived within these questions to live right and enhance national development.(NAN)

Religion

Palm Sunday: CAN President Tasks Leaders to Emulate the Humility of Christ 

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By Laide Akinboade, Abuja 

President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Archbishop Daniel Okoh on Sunday,  tasks leaders in Nigeria to always ensure they  emulate the virtue of unity and humility exemplified by Jesus Christ no matter the situation and ensure peaceful coexistence.

His Eminence stated this in his message to Christian faithfuls marking  the Palm Sunday, and made available to media in Abuja, he said in the midst of challenges ranging from insecurity, economic uncertainties amongst others, this period offers everyone a beacon of light and inspiration.

The  statement which His Eminence, personally signed, he said: “As we observe Palm Sunday, a day that holds profound significance in the Christian faith, I humbly extend my heartfelt greetings to all Nigerians.

This sacred day commemorates the triumphant entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem, a moment marked by jubilation, hope, and symbolism that transcends time.

“In the midst of our current realities in Nigeria, where we are confronted with a myriad of challenges ranging from social unrest to economic uncertainties and tensions, the essence of Palm Sunday offers us a beacon of light and inspiration.

“The image of Jesus riding into Jerusalem on a donkey, instead of a war chariot or an exotic means of transportation, and being welcomed by crowds waving palm branches and laying their cloaks on the ground, serves as a poignant reminder of humility for our leaders and the power of peace and collective faith for all citizens.

“In reflecting on the lessons of Palm Sunday for contemporary Nigerian society, we are called to emulate the virtue of unity exemplified by Jesus Christ. Just as the people of Jerusalem set aside their differences to welcome the Prince of Peace, let us set aside our prejudices, grievances, and animosities to foster a spirit of harmony, reconciliation, and understanding among ourselves.

“At this critical juncture in our nation’s history, as we navigate through turbulent waters and strive towards a more prosperous and equitable society, let us draw strength from the enduring message of Palm Sunday. Let us remember that in times of adversity, faith can move mountains and bridge divides, and love can conquer all.

“Witnessing the unfolding events in our nation, let us heed the call to action embedded in the spirit of Palm Sunday. Let us be beacons of hope and agents of positive change in our communities, extending a hand of friendship to our neighbors, showing kindness to the marginalized, and upholding justice for the oppressed.

“As we embark on this journey of reflection and renewal during the holy season of Palm Sunday, may we be guided by the timeless teachings of Christ, and may we emerge as a stronger, more united Nigerian society, bound together by the common values of peace, justice, and solidarity. May the blessings of Palm Sunday be upon you and your families.”

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Ash Wednesday: Be Sensitive to Plight of Nigerians, Cleric to Political Office Holders 

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Rev. Fr. Christian Oji, the Parish Priest, Holy Family Parish Ologo in Enugu North Local Government Area of Enugu State, has appealed to political office holders to be sensitive to the plight of Nigerians.

Oji, who made the appeal in his Ash Wednesday sermon, advised politicians to use the lenten period to end the current economic hardship facing Nigerians.

The priest said that the political class appeared to be insensitive to the people’s sufferings, adding that the challenges facing the country were not natural but man-made.

“This is as a result of wrong policies, corruption, wickedness and insensitivity of many political office holders.

“I call on our leaders to have a rethink and come back to Christ, who is the giver of knowledge to seek wisdom to rule Nigeria.

“They should do everything humanly possible to change the face of Nigeria because people are really suffering, while the country is going down.

“Unless they take action now, something drastic may happen in future but we don’t pray for that.

“I call on them to rise and emulate Christ by making efforts to change Nigeria,” the clergyman said.

He also spoke on the meaning of the Ash Wednesday, being the beginning of Lent.

According to him, the event signifies that we are nothing but ash and ash we shall return.

“It is a period where churches all over the world come together to make preparations to undergo 40 days retreat bearing the cross with Christ.

“Ash Wednesday as the beginning of Lent, runs through 40 days before Easter, and today serves as the beginning of those 40 days of intensive retreat among Christians to reflect the passion of Christ.

“It signifies that we are nothing but dust and we are going back to dust, and it also makes us understand that apart from Christ we are nothing.

“Therefore, Christians are expected to engage in spiritual activities of fasting, praying, abstinence and alms giving,” Oji said.

He said that the message of Ash Wednesday and Lent was for humanity to give their lives to Christ.

“With the spate of insecurity, economic hardship, it is time that Christians came together to pray fervently for God to take control of this country.

“We should pray to God to intervene and deliver this country from going into self-destruction,” he said. (NAN)

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Religion

Christmas: CAN Youth Wing calls for Sober Reflection

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The Youth Wing, Christian Association of Nigeria (YOWICAN), has called on Nigerians to use Christmas as a moment of sober reflection to redirect all thinking and actions towards nation building.

The Chairman of YOWICAN, Enugu State, Mr Chekwube Ani, made the call in a Christmas message made available to newsmen in Enugu on Sunday.

According to Ani, Christmas should not be a time of festivities alone.

It should be a moment of deep sober reflection.

He said: “We should take out time in this season to evaluate ourselves and the society to see how much we have appreciated and promoted the salvation work of God.

“The gift of Jesus, whom we celebrate His birth during Christmas, is for reconciliation and salvation of mankind.

“This gift of Jesus was borne out of love and is for all men, John 3:16. Therefore, let us take this season to reconcile with our maker and demonstrate love to one another as God did to us.

“As we celebrate the birthday of Jesus Christ this year, let us be mindful of who we celebrate; what He represents and what He does.”

Ani also appreciated Gov. Peter Mbah, for the massive work done in security, health, education, agriculture, road construction, water project, tourism and other infrastructural works ongoing around the state.

He said: “We pray for Grace to sustain this great work. Also, we urge the people of Enugu State to support the government for more dividends of democracy.

“Congratulations to His Excellency, Peter Mbah, on his recent victory at the Supreme Court. Indeed, our tomorrow is here with great expectations.” (NAN)

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