Formerly known as the Northern Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Christian leaders from the 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have formalised the adoption of the Northern Christian Association (NCA) as their new identity.
The decision, taken at a two-day stakeholders’ meeting in Kaduna, attended by chairmen from the 19 northern states and the FCT, alongside their secretaries representatives of youth and women wings, is meant to clarify the bloc’s mandate and reinforce their regional voice.
Leaders observed that Northern CAN often created confusion about its relationship with the national structure of the Christian Association of Nigeria.
Addressing journalists at the end of the meeting yesterday, the Northern Chairman of CAN, Rev. Joseph Hayab, explained that the move was not a breakaway from the national body, but a return to the group’s historical roots.
According to him, the association was originally founded in 1964 in Kaduna as the Northern Christian Association before it later evolved into the Christian Association of Nigeria in 1976.
He said the new northern Christian body, NCA, was created without orchestrating friction with the national body, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).
According to him, the new name is intended to restore that original identity while maintaining full allegiance to CAN at the national level under its President, Daniel Okoh.
“We are CAN. We are Christians and we remain members of CAN,” Hayab said, adding, “But when we speak about issues affecting Christians in Northern Nigeria, we believe we should have a distinct and clear identity. There is no quarrel with the national body. Any contrary impression is a misunderstanding.”
Also speaking, Reverend Emmanuel Dziggau clarified that the 1964 formation of the Northern Christian Association was borne out of what he described as a struggle for survival by Christians in the region.
In his virtual address, elder statesman, Prof. Yusuf Turaki, lamented the prevailing insecurity across Northern Nigeria, stating that many Christian communities have borne the brunt of kidnappings, displacement and destruction of livelihoods.
He urged the forum to continue advocating for lawful and constitutional means to protect vulnerable communities in Northern Nigeria.
