CAN AT 50: Nigeria Islamic Council congratulates faith partner on Anniversary, calls for stronger cooperation
By KEMI KASUMU
The NSCIA noted that Muslims and Christians constitute the overwhelming majority of Nigeria’s population and share a common responsibility to promote peace, justice, security, responsible citizenship and national development.
The Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has congratulated the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the entire Christian community on the 50th anniversary of the association, describing the milestone as significant to both Christians and the Nigerian nation.
The Council, under the leadership of Sultan of Sokoto as its President-General, His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, CFR, mni, also called for sustained interfaith dialogue and cooperation to strengthen national unity, peace and peaceful coexistence.
The congratulatory message was contained in a statement dated October 14, 2026, and signed by the NSCIA Secretary-General, Professor Is-haq Oloyede, CON, FNAL.
According to the Council, religious leaders and institutions have continued to play important roles in promoting peace, dialogue and mutual understanding among Nigeria’s diverse religious and ethnic communities despite the challenges the country has faced over the years.
The NSCIA noted that Muslims and Christians constitute the overwhelming majority of Nigeria’s population and share a common responsibility to promote peace, justice, security, responsible citizenship and national development.
It stressed that the country’s challenges, including injustice, insecurity, poverty, unemployment and social inequality, require the collective efforts of all Nigerians.
“The Council particularly appreciates the platforms that have enabled leaders of the two faith communities to engage constructively on issues affecting the peace, unity and development of Nigeria, including the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC),” the statement said.
The Council maintained that CAN’s golden anniversary offered an opportunity to reflect on the responsibility of religious leadership in strengthening national unity and promoting peaceful coexistence.
It added that religious differences should not be allowed to become sources of division, hatred or violence, but should inspire justice, compassion, peaceful coexistence and service to humanity.
The NSCIA congratulated CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh; members of the association’s National Executive Committee; Christian denominations and associations under its umbrella; and Christians across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
It wished CAN greater wisdom in discharging what it described as its important national and sacred responsibilities.
