Archbishop Daniel Okoh, president of the [Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christian_Association_of_Nigeria), called on the church to serve as a prophetic voice that holds the government to account, protects vulnerable citizens and safeguards Christian unity during CAN’s 50‑year jubilee held in Abuja on Saturday.
**Key details**
- The celebration marked five decades since CAN’s founding in August 1976.
- The event featured a homily titled “CAN at 50: A Prophetic Voice of Hope.”
- Prominent honorees included former heads of state General Yakubu Gowon, Olusegun Obasanjo, Goodluck Jonathan and former Vice‑President Yemi Osinbajo.
- First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu addressed the gathering, urging denominations to remain united.
- Archbishop Okoh warned that prophetic witness must be evidence‑based, not merely oppositional.
What did Archbishop Okoh say about the church’s prophetic role?
He emphasized that the church should adopt a courageous, fact‑driven stance toward national affairs, demanding accountability from leaders while supporting policies that promote the common good. “The Church must speak!” he declared, listing internally displaced persons, out‑of‑school children, unemployed youths, farmers blocked from their lands, women facing violence and victims of human trafficking as groups the church must champion.
How should the church interact with government?
Okoh advocated a model of “critical collaboration,” urging Christian leaders to commend effective policies, challenge failures, and maintain independence. “Collaborate where common good requires it, challenge where justice requires challenge, commend where government does well and warn where government fails, while maintaining the Church’s independence,” he explained.
What vision did he set for the next fifty years?
He called for stronger research, advocacy, institutional maturity and collective action, with heightened focus on justice, human dignity, democratic institutions, religious freedom and the welfare of the vulnerable.
Why is unity important, according to the Archbishop?
Okoh reminded attendees that early CAN years were marred by suspicion and marginalisation of certain traditions. He noted that today all major blocs—CSN, CCN, CPFN/PFN, OAIC and TEKAN/ECWA—are represented at the table, and warned that denominational rivalries, especially on social media, could erode that unity.
What message did the First Lady convey?
[Oluremi Tinubu](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oluremi_Tinubu) congratulated CAN on its half‑century of service, linking the anniversary theme “Walking Together in Faith” to Christ’s prayer for believers’ unity. She prayed that all Christian blocs would continue to stand together in Jesus’ name.
The jubilee also honoured several national figures with Pillar of Faith and Christian Icon awards, presented a history book of CAN, and launched a proposal for an airport chapel project. The event concluded with prayers for Nigeria and its leaders, underscoring the call for prayer backed by concrete action, integrity and accountable leadership.