CAN President Calls for Hope and Accountability as Nigeria Marks 50‑Year Milestone

During the concluding service of the Christian Association of Nigeria’s (CAN) 50th‑anniversary celebrations at the National Christian Centre in Abuja, Archbishop Daniel Okoh addressed a mixed‑denomination audience and expressed confidence that Nigeria will emerge stronger from its current difficulties. He told congregants that the nation possesses a wealth of talent, resilient communities and active civil‑society groups capable of driving positive change, and that these assets, combined with prayer and hopeful outlooks, can translate into tangible progress.

Okoh highlighted that real transformation will require Nigerians to pair their optimism with concrete actions characterised by integrity, accountability and public service. He outlined a vision for the Church to serve as a prophetic voice advocating for justice, good governance, peace, human dignity and the protection of vulnerable groups. In this role, CAN is expected to monitor national developments, identify emerging threats and provide balanced, evidence‑based commentary rather than reacting solely on personal or political disagreements.

The archbishop also stressed the importance of a collaborative yet critical relationship between religious bodies and the state. He warned against hostility, subservience or the capture of the Church by partisan interests, suggesting instead a partnership that holds officials to account while supporting policies that benefit the broader population.

In a related statement reported by the Daily Post, Okoh urged Christian leaders to maintain independence and to speak out when government actions fall short. He identified several groups that require particular attention, including internally displaced persons, children out of school, unemployed youths, farmers hindered by insecurity, women experiencing violence and victims of human trafficking. While calling for a courageous and constructive approach to national issues, he cautioned that speaking against injustice should not be equated with opposing every governmental decision or turning the Church into a vehicle for partisan politics.

Overall, Okov’s remarks combined an optimistic outlook for Nigeria’s future with a call for the Church to act responsibly as a watchful guardian, balancing hope with accountability and encouraging societal participation across all sectors.