Oluremi Tinubu Calls for Christian Unity as CAN Honours Obasanjo, Gowon, Others at 50th Anniversary

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has urged Christians across the country to strengthen unity, cooperation and mutual understanding as the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) marks its 50th anniversary.

Tinubu made the call during the association’s golden jubilee celebration, which featured the recognition of prominent Nigerians for their contributions to the church, national development and the promotion of peaceful coexistence.

Among those honoured were former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Yakubu Gowon, alongside other distinguished individuals whose contributions have influenced Nigeria’s religious and national life.

The First Lady emphasised the importance of unity among Christian denominations, noting that cooperation and shared values were essential to strengthening the church’s contribution to national development.

She urged Christian leaders and members to look beyond denominational differences and work together to promote peace, tolerance and social cohesion across the country.

The anniversary provided an opportunity to reflect on CAN’s five decades of representing Christian communities, promoting interdenominational collaboration and engaging with national issues affecting the church and society.

Since its establishment in 1976, the association has served as an umbrella body for Christian denominations in Nigeria, providing a platform for dialogue, collective advocacy and cooperation among churches.

The recognition of Obasanjo, Gowon and other award recipients highlighted their respective contributions to national affairs and the development of Christian institutions.

The celebration also brought together religious leaders, government representatives and other stakeholders to reflect on the association’s history and its continuing role in addressing challenges facing Christians and the wider Nigerian society.

The golden jubilee comes at a time when religious organisations continue to play important roles in promoting peacebuilding, humanitarian assistance, education and social welfare across Nigeria.

CAN’s anniversary celebrations are expected to reinforce calls for stronger cooperation among Christian groups and sustained engagement with other religious communities in advancing peaceful coexistence and national unity.