Christian leaders across the 19 Northern States of Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory have adopted a new identity known as the Northern Christian Association, in a move aimed at strengthening their regional voice.
The decision was reached in Kaduna during a stakeholders’ meeting of State Chairmen and Secretaries of the defunct Northern CAN.
The body, previously known as Northern CAN, says the change is not a breakaway from the Christian Association of Nigeria, but a return to its historical roots.
According to the Northern Chairman, Reverend Joseph Hayab, who is marking his first anniversary in office, the Association was originally founded in 1964 in Kaduna as the Northern Christian Association, before it evolved into the national Christian body in 1976.
He explained that the revived name deliberately excludes the word “Nigeria” to avoid confusion with the national structure under CAN President, Daniel Okoh, stressing that the Forum remains fully loyal to the mother body.
The leaders said the Forum will focus on challenges facing Christians in Northern Nigeria, including religious freedom, access to education, and insecurity affecting communities in the region.
The Northern Christian Association reaffirmed its commitment to unity within CAN, while maintaining a clearly defined regional platform to address issues specific to the North.
(Editor: Ken Eseni)
