The First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu and President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Archbishop Daniel Okoh, have called for greater unity among Christian denominations, warning that internal divisions and failure to speak against injustice could weaken the church’s role in national development.
The call came on Saturday as CAN marked its 50th anniversary in Abuja, where Tinubu and four former national leaders were among prominent Nigerians honoured for their contributions to the Christian community and the country.
Tinubu received the Christian Icon Award, while former Heads of State, Generals Yakubu Gowon and Olusegun Obasanjo, former President Goodluck Jonathan and former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo received the Pillar of Faith Award.
Other awardees included Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; Senate President Godswill Akpabio; Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu; and governors Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta, Monday Okpebholo of Edo and Seyi Makinde of Oyo states.
In her goodwill message, the First Lady described CAN’s 50 years of service to God and humanity as a milestone worthy of celebration, urging Christian denominations to preserve their unity.
She said the anniversary theme, “Working Together in Faith,” reflected the biblical call for Christians to remain united in purpose.
Citing John 17:21–22 and Ephesians 4:4–6, Tinubu said the scriptures emphasised the importance of unity among believers.
She said: “I pray that, just as Christ prayed for the saints, all the Christian blocs and denominations will continue to remain united in Jesus’ name.”
The First Lady, who thanked CAN for the recognition, described the award as a call to greater service to God and humanity and wished the association many more years of service.
In his anniversary address, the President of CAN, Archbishop Daniel Okoh acknowledged that CAN’s five-decade journey had been marked by mutual suspicion, prejudice and marginalisation among some Christian traditions, urging its constituent blocs to resist actions capable of reopening old divisions.
He said the association was established in August 1976 by church leaders who recognised the need for a united Christian voice on issues of common interest in Nigeria.
Okoh called on Christians to protect the unity achieved over the years, warning against inflammatory exchanges on social media and stressing that CAN belonged to all Christians, not just its elected and appointed leaders.
Beyond unity, the CAN president challenged the church to strengthen its voice on governance, insecurity, corruption, religious freedom and the welfare of vulnerable Nigerians.
He identified internally displaced persons, out-of-school children, unemployed youths, rural farmers unable to access their farmlands because of insecurity, women facing violence and victims of human trafficking as groups requiring stronger advocacy and practical support from the church.
“The church must speak!” he declared, insisting that Christian faith must translate into practical compassion, public advocacy and service to humanity.
Okoh also called for a more accountable relationship between the church and government, saying the association should support policies that advance the common good while challenging injustice and holding public officials accountable.
“The appropriate model is critical collaboration, meaning, collaborate where common good requires it, challenge where justice requires challenge, commend where government does well and warn where government fails, while maintaining the church’s independence,” he said.
Okoh urged CAN to strengthen its capacity for research, advocacy, humanitarian services and national engagement, while expanding its contribution to environmental protection, climate resilience and ethical technological development.
The CAN president further challenged political leaders to govern responsibly, protect citizens, respect the Constitution, account for public resources and strengthen national institutions.
He said the golden jubilee should not merely celebrate past achievements but usher in renewed commitment to national development, justice and responsible leadership.
“The message to the church must be equally clear: pray for Nigeria, pray for those in government, speak for Nigeria, serve Nigeria, build Nigeria and heal Nigeria,” Okoh added.