First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has urged Christian denominations in Nigeria to sustain their unity, while the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Archbishop Daniel Okoh, has 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, 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 Jesus Christ’s prayer for unity among believers.
Quoting John 17:21–22 and Ephesians 4:4–6, she urged Christian blocs and denominations to remain united. She also prayed for CAN’s continued growth and Nigeria’s progress.
In his address, Okoh said the association’s next 50 years should be marked by a more courageous, informed and evidence-based approach to national issues. He stressed 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 five decades providing a common platform for Christians to address religious freedom, justice, good governance, corruption, insecurity, humanitarian services and national development.
He urged the Church to defend vulnerable Nigerians, including internally displaced persons, children denied education, unemployed youths, farmers unable to access their farmlands because of insecurity, women facing violence and victims of human trafficking.
“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 also advocated “critical collaboration” between religious institutions and the government, urging the Church to cooperate with authorities where necessary while challenging policies and actions that undermine justice and accountability.
He 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, while receiving his award, described the recognition as a humbling affirmation of faith, integrity, compassion, sacrifice and service. He said his Christian faith had shaped his understanding of leadership, adding that public office should be treated as an opportunity to serve rather than a privilege to enjoy.
The SGF dedicated the award to Nigerians who serve their communities selflessly, often without public recognition, and to young people whose energy and creativity represent the country’s future.
Other award recipients included former Head of State Yakubu Gowon, former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, and former Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, who received Pillar of Faith Awards.
CAN also honoured Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde with Christian Icon Awards, among other recognitions.
The event attracted political leaders, former government officials and Christian leaders, including Defence Minister Christopher Musa, Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo, former SGF Boss Mustapha, former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa and former Information Minister Jerry Gana.
Founded in August 1976, CAN provides a common platform for Christians across Nigeria.