Ex-Kaduna CAN Chairman, Hayab emerges new Northern CAN Chairman
By Austine Agbo Emmanuel, Kaduna
http://www.newsportng.com.ng Former Kaduna State Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev. Joseph John Hayab, has emerged as the new Chairman of CAN in the 19 Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Hayab was elected on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, during a gathering of CAN state chairmen, secretaries, zonal leaders, and other key stakeholders at the National Christian Centre, Abuja. He will lead the association for a single five-year term.
Other members of the newly elected CAN leaders include: Rev. Dr. Jonah Samson from FCT (TEKAN/ECWA) as Vice Chairman, Bishop Mohammed Naga from Borno State (PFN/CPFN) as the Secretary General, while Special Apostle Tajudeen Azeeze Afolabi from Zamfara State (OAIC) was elected as the Assistant Secretary, among others.
Addressing journalists at a press conference on Wednesday, Hayab expressed gratitude for the confidence reposed in him, pledging to prioritize unity, peace, and development within the Christian community in Northern Nigeria.
“Our region has faced serious challenges, including insecurity, economic hardship, and religious divisions. But we are not defined by these struggles, we are defined by our resilience, love, and hope for a better future,” he said.
The new leadership aims to engage with other religious groups to foster peace, tolerance, and coexistence across the region while assuring Faith members of the association’s readiness to promote access to education, healthcare, and economic empowerment programs, particularly for youth and women, to uplift Christian communities.
Hayab urged Christian leaders and faithful across Northern Nigeria to unite behind the association’s vision, emphasizing the need for collaboration to address common challenges.
“We must build bridges where walls have been erected. Our faith calls us to be peacemakers, advocates for justice, and agents of development. Together, we will strengthen CAN and uplift our communities,” he stated.
The new leadership takes office with immediate effect and is expected to drive the Christian community’s agenda in the region over the next five years.
