By John Wada, Lafia

The Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Nasarawa State Chapter, has unveiled its programme for the 50th anniversary of the association.

The Interim Chairman of CAN in the state, Rev. Dr. Kefas Abari, disclosed this in an interview in Lafia, explaining that the golden jubilee marks the national formation of CAN and not the state chapter.

According to him, CAN was established in 1976 at the national level, adding that Nasarawa State only recently celebrated 30 years of its creation, hence the 50th anniversary is that of the national body.

He said the decision to allow states to celebrate the anniversary was reached at a National Executive Council meeting of the association, where it was agreed that apart from the national celebration, states and local governments should also commemorate the milestone to ensure the impact is felt at the grassroots.

“When we are talking about association, we are talking about relationship, we are talking about inclusivity, everybody should be carried along,” Abari said.

He disclosed that the national celebration commenced on October 2 and will end on October 18, while the Nasarawa State chapter, after considering several factors, fixed its celebration for October 10 and 11.

Giving a breakdown of activities, the CAN Chairman said there will be a publicity rally on Thursday, October 8 and Friday, October 9, where youths of the association will go round Lafia metropolis with flyers and posters to mobilise residents for the event.

He said on Saturday, October 10, by 7:00 a.m., there will be a special prayer session for Nasarawa State and Nigeria at the Welcome to Lafia City Gate, which will last for one hour.

Abari explained that after the prayer, church leaders and members of the public will march to Stadium Junction where they will meet a large crowd for a rally to St. William’s Catholic Church, Lafia, where he will address journalists.

He added that by 3:00 p.m. on the same day, the association will hold a special colloquium and award presentation ceremony at ERCC Graceland, Lafia.

According to him, the awards will be presented to a few notable Christians, including past leaders of the association, Christian politicians and individuals who have sacrificed for the growth of Christendom in the state.

“Everybody is very important, everybody, because there are those that have made us to be what we are without us knowing about them, those who pray for us, those who wish us well. But we can’t give everybody an award. We just decided to choose few,” he said.

He noted that the colloquium will highlight the history of CAN, its achievements over the past 50 years and the way forward.

Abari further disclosed that on Sunday, October 11, there will be an interdenominational thanksgiving service at ECWA Good News Church, GRA, Lafia, featuring praises, prayers, thanksgiving and a sermon.

He said the chapter would have loved to include programmes for youths, women and other groups, but for financial and time constraints.

Speaking on his message to the people of Nasarawa State, particularly Christians, the interim CAN Chairman said the motto of CAN is “That They May Be One”, stressing that the association has continued to pray for unity, peace, understanding, growth and progress of the country and the body of Christ despite challenges over the past 50 years.

He urged Christians in the state to eschew sentiments and divisive tendencies and unite for the growth of the church and the state.

Abari also called on the church to continue to pray for a free, fair and credible election ahead of the 2027 general election, saying CAN is not taking sides but stands for justice and truth.

“It is our prayer that God should bring a candidate that is after His heart, someone who fears God, someone who is coming to serve God and serve humanity, someone who is coming to put everyone in Nasarawa as one body, regardless of ethnicity or regional differences,” he added.