CAN at 50: Oluremi Tinubu challenges bloc to break divisions, embrace unity

From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja

First Lady of Nigeria, Oluremi Tinubu, has urged Christian blocs in Nigeria to close ranks and strengthen unity within the Church, warning against divisions that undermine the collective mission of the Christian faith.

She made the call on Saturday at the 50th anniversary celebration, awards and thanksgiving service of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), where she challenged Christian leaders and members to uphold the biblical principle of oneness.

According to a statement by her media aide, Busola Kukoyi, Mrs Tinubu said the anniversary theme, “Walking Together in Faith,” reflected the prayer of Jesus Christ for unity among believers, as recorded in John 17:21-22.

“The theme resonates with the prayer of our Lord Jesus Christ that they all may be one. I pray, as Christ has prayed over the saints, that all the Christian blocs that make up CAN will continue to be one in Jesus’ name,” she said.

The First Lady commended CAN’s leadership and members for their commitment to spreading the gospel and sustaining the Christian faith, urging them to remain conscious of the need for greater unity across the different denominations and blocs within the association.

She wished the organisation many more fruitful years of service in the Lord’s vineyard.

Mrs Tinubu, who received CAN’s Award of Excellence at the event, said the recognition would spur her to greater service to God and humanity.

“I want you to know that this award is a call to greater work in service to God and humanity,” she said.

In his remarks, CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, said the association’s 50-year journey had been marked by efforts to break down walls of division within the Christian community.

He said CAN was repositioning itself for a greater role in nation-building and to serve as a prophetic voice of hope, while strengthening collaboration with government on issues affecting the country.

Prayers were offered for Nigeria and the Christian community as part of the anniversary celebration.