BY JULIET EKWENUGO
Kaduna
Christian leaders across the 19 Northern States and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have formally adopted a new identity, unveiling the ‘Northern Christian Association’ (NCA) as a strategic move to strengthen their regional voice while reaffirming loyalty to the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).
The group, previously referred to as Northern CAN, said the change was aimed at clarifying its mandate and eliminating misconceptions about its relationship with the national body.
Chairman of the forum, Rev. John Joseph Hayab, disclosed this during the group’s one-year anniversary, explaining that the decision was informed by the need for clarity, historical continuity and effective representation of Christians in the region.
Hayab stressed that the association remains an integral part of CAN, noting that the new identity does not in any way suggest a breakaway.
“We are CAN, we are Christians, and we remain members of CAN. But when we speak about the North, we believe we should have a distinct identity”.
He traced the origin of the body to 1964 in Kaduna when it was first known as the Northern Christian Association, adding that the adoption of the name represents a return to its roots rather than the creation of a new structure.
According to him, the deliberate removal of the word ‘Nigeria’ from the name was to avoid confusion with the national body, while preserving unity and cooperation.
“There is no quarrel. Any contrary impression is a misunderstanding. Daniel Okoh remains our president, and we will continue to work together”.
He noted that the association would focus on addressing challenges facing Christians in Northern Nigeria, including the shortage of Christian Religious Knowledge (CRK) teachers, limited admission opportunities for Christian students, and concerns over religious freedom.
Hayab further explained that the new identity would address past ambiguities where statements made by the forum were often misattributed, adding that it would now be clear when Northern Christians speak as a regional body.
Providing historical context, the first general-secretary of Northern CAN, Engr. Samuel Salifu, recalled that the Northern Christian Association was founded in 1964 in Kaduna before it metamorphosed into CAN in 1976, when Christian leaders across the country agreed to operate under a unified national platform.
Salifu said the decision to revert to the former name was largely driven by persistent misconceptions that the regional body was operating in opposition to CAN.
Also speaking, Rev. Emmanuel Dziggau said the 1964 formation of the association was rooted in the struggle for survival of Christians in the region, urging the current leadership to remain committed to justice and equity.
In his virtual address, elder statesman Prof. Yusuf Turaki decried the insecurity in Northern Nigeria, noting that many Christian communities have suffered kidnappings, displacement and loss of livelihoods.
He urged the association to sustain advocacy through lawful and constitutional means to protect vulnerable communities across the region.
