NSCIA Congratulates CAN on 50th Anniversary
….Urges Muslim-Christian Unity
The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has congratulated the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) on its 50th anniversary, urging Muslims and Christians to strengthen interfaith cooperation and work together to address Nigeria’s challenges.
The Council said the golden jubilee was an important milestone for the Christian community and the country as a whole, highlighting the role of religious institutions in promoting peace, justice, national unity and peaceful coexistence.
The congratulatory message was contained in a statement dated October 14, 2026, and signed by the NSCIA Secretary-General, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede.
The Council, led by its President-General and Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, extended its felicitations to CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, members of the National Executive Committee, Christian denominations under the association and Christians across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s journey over the past five decades, the NSCIA noted that the country had experienced numerous challenges, during which religious leaders and institutions had remained important in fostering dialogue, mutual understanding and peaceful relations among different faith communities.
It stressed that Muslims and Christians, who constitute the overwhelming majority of Nigeria’s population, share a collective responsibility to promote justice, strengthen national security, encourage responsible citizenship and contribute to sustainable development.
The Council identified insecurity, poverty, unemployment, social inequality, injustice and the need for accountable governance as major national concerns requiring the collective commitment of Nigerians.
It therefore reaffirmed its support for sustained interfaith dialogue and collaboration, particularly through the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC), as a platform for promoting understanding and cooperation between religious communities.
According to the NSCIA, CAN’s 50th anniversary offers an opportunity for religious leaders to reflect on their responsibilities in building national unity and sustaining peaceful coexistence.
The Council maintained that religious differences should not become grounds for division, hatred or violence, but should instead inspire justice, compassion, peaceful coexistence and service to humanity.
It further urged religious institutions to continue contributing to national development by encouraging dialogue, promoting mutual respect and strengthening relationships across faith communities.
The NSCIA wished CAN greater wisdom and success as it continues to discharge its religious and national responsibilities.
