By Philomina Attah

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) on Monday, advocated stronger enforcement mechanisms to protect victims of gender-based violence and to hold perpetrators accountable.

The association also called on church leaders to lead the fight against violence inflicted on women and girls in the country.

CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, said this at the inauguration of the Gender-Based Violence Prevention Project in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event, with the theme, “Christian Leaders’ Response to Violence Against Women and Girls”, brought together faith leaders, civil society organisations, and advocates.

Okoh stressed the urgency of the theme, while noting the prevalence of abuse and exploitation faced by women and girls in communities across Nigeria.

“We are daily confronted with heartbreaking stories of abuse, exploitation, and violence, often perpetrated in silence.

“CAN is committed through this project to work with churches across all blocs by raising awareness of gender-based violence and its devastating impact on families and communities.

“We will train clergy and church workers on how to identify, prevent, and respond to cases of abuse.

“We will also promote survivor-centred support systems that affirm the dignity of women and girls,” he said.

He urged Christian leaders to break the culture of silence and shame, calling for an end to the anomaly.

“As Christian leaders, we must join forces with other humanitarian organisations that want an end to this anomaly.

“Men and women of God must not be silent when women are being brutalised in their homes and communities.

“The church must not be indifferent when girls are denied education, dignity, or protection. As Christian leaders, we have the moral responsibility to protect the weak and vulnerable around us.

“We must use our voices, pulpits and influence to break the culture of silence and shame that often surrounds gender-based violence,” the archbishop said.

Meanwhile, he commended the Ford Foundation and WEWE for their tireless work in promoting gender justice and supporting faith-based approaches to social transformation.

He highlighted the importance of collaboration between faith-based and humanitarian organisations.

“This partnership represents what can be achieved when faith meets action and compassion is translated into advocacy and service,” he said.

Quoting Isaiah 1:17, Okoh reminded the audience of the biblical instruction to defend the cause of the fatherless and plead the case of the widow.

He urged the church to follow Jesus’ example by creating safe spaces and speaking out against injustice. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Esenvosa Izah/Sandra Umeh

By Deji Abdulwahab

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has attributed the successes recorded in the 2025 Hajj operation to teamwork, hard work and dedication by all stakeholders.

The Chairman of NAHCON, Prof. Abdullahi Usman, said this at the Post-Arafat Stakeholders’ Meeting in Makkah.

Usman thanked the stakeholders for their tireless efforts towards successful 2025 Hajj operation.

“We thank you all for being part of the 2025 Hajj Operation. We recorded so many successes this year, and these were possible because of your teamwork, hard work and dedication.

“I thank you for your tireless work to ensure the success of this year’s Hajj.

“I have no words to express my deep appreciation and gratitude for your efforts in this regard, I only pray Almighty Allah to reward you abundantly,” he said.

The NAHCON boss, who said the return airlift of pilgrims would begin on June 13, expressed hope to complete it within a period of three weeks.

In his remarks, Mr Aliyu Abdulrasaq, NAHCON Commissioner of Policy, Personnel and Finance, stressed the need for stakeholders to plan ahead 2026 Hajj to mitigate the challenges of visa, accommodation and other logistics.

“I want to make it known to the public that preparation for Hajj 2026 has begun. The Saudi Authority has warned that we must keep the timeline of all the activities.

“The idea of not getting visa, not preparing, not getting accommodation, and all other logistics are not going to be entertained in the 2026 Hajj Operation,” Abdulrasaq said.

The NAHCON commissioner emphasised the need to open some accounts to mitigate the challenges of Business Travel Account (BTA), cash and card issues.

“It is advisable that we look at the issue of accommodation properly and carefully. We can renegotiate before going back to Nigeria,” he said.

He expressed optimism that if all necessary documents were well prepared for the 2026 Hajj operation, the accommodation will be comfortable and meet all the standards.

According to him, there is no point in coming for a negotiation. We have to do that now before we leave this country.

Prof. Abdulrasak Alaro, while delivering his report on behalf of the NAHCON Ulama Team, lauded the smooth 2025 Hajj operations.

According to Alaro, this year’s Hajj exercise, as far as the national ulama is concerned, went smoothly.

“We engaged in so many activities, all tailored towards achieving the slogan of this year’s Hajj, which is Hajj and positive change.”

He said that the Ulama team engaged pilgrims in the area of awareness creation and personal guidance.

“There was intensive awareness creation and guidance when they were approached.

“Also, I am happy to make it known to all of us gathered that National Weather Mountain introduced some innovative approaches in this chapter of our manifesto.

“For the first time, we had four flags in our own local languages, that Nigerian pilgrims can just click their phones and seek guidance of any area of the pilgrimage or Hajj rights.

“A total of 10 maps were distributed to scholars who are multi-faceted and competent to give guidance on areas of Hajj practices in Hausa, Igbo, Fulani, Yoruba, Kanuri, and other local languages.

“One of the innovative approaches that we also introduced this year was another intensive media activity that accompanied our awareness creation,” he said.

According to him, the National Ulama team produced a two-page magazine that taught pilgrims about every necessary step of their Hajj exercise.

“In addition to that, we also produce on a daily basis, what we call messages from Nigerian scholars.

“This feature saw some of our notable scholars in Nigeria disseminate very inspiring and life-transforming messages to pilgrims on a daily basis,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman

By Philomina Attah

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) says good governance is the cornerstone of any democracy and urged for transparency and accountability at all levels of government.

The CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, in a message to commemorate 2025 Democracy Day, said the day symbolises Nigerians collective commitment to democracy, freedom, and justice.

Okoh said Nigeria’s vast resources must be harnessed to address poverty, unemployment, and inequality as well as infrastructure development among others.

“The legacy of the 1993 elections remains a beacon of hope and a reminder of our nation’s enduring democratic spirit.

“As we reflect on this journey, we urge all Nigerians to embrace unity, peace, and mutual respect. We must stand firm against religious intolerance and violence in all forms.”

Okoh reminded the government that it has a duty to protect religious freedoms, ensuring that no one was persecuted for his or her faith.

“We want to remind the government to deliver justice to victims of religious violence.

“We call for urgent and sustained action to safeguard lives and property across the country.

“CAN remains committed to supporting every initiative aimed at restoring lasting peace and security,” he said.

The president also urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to strengthen its systems and processes to enhance electoral transparency and public trust.

He urged for the rights to free speech, peaceful assembly and press freedom, and encouraged the government to engage citizens constructively for inclusive solutions to national challenges.

“As we mark this significant day, CAN prays for the peace, unity, and progress of our beloved country.

“We call on all Nigerians to remain committed to building a just, inclusive, and prosperous nation; one that honours the sacrifices of our democratic heroes,” Okoh said.

The association appreciated the efforts of the government, security agencies, and citizens who continue to uphold the values of democracy and national cohesion. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Yakubu Uba

By Chidinma Ewunonu-Aluko

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Oyo State has urged the Federal Government to make the stability of Nigeria’s economy a priority as the country marks 26 years of uninterrupted democratic government.

The CAN Chairman in the state, Apostle Joshua Akinyemiju, made the call on Thursday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ibadan.

Akinyemiju also stressed the need for government to deploy all resources to tackle insecurity to guarantee peace and stability necessary to ensure socio-economic development and to attract foreign investors.

“If we prioritise our own brand by making quality products, our rate of engaging dollars will reduce hence, naira will be strengthened,” he said.

Akinyemiju, who is a retired military officer, also urged the government to adopt technology to tackle insecurity.

According to him, the deployment of drones, advance satellite, GPs trackers, and other modern equipment can be used to trace locations of insurgents and criminal hideouts.

He added that several other modern equipment necessary for security personnel should also be procured for the security agencies to combat banditry and other crimes.

“The practice of democracy in Nigeria is a work in progress hence, our leaders need more understanding on selflessness.

“Our economy is not what we are proud of yet, however, it is certain that we will get there.

“As a retired military officer, I can confidently say we have competent security forces that are capable of solving our current insecurity.

“We can see their efforts and with the right equipment and support from the Federal Government, we will see changes in the insecurity narrative,” he said.

On the legal system, the Oyo CAN boss said that more could be done to ensure the system operated smoothly, efficiently and effectively, promoting justice, stability and trust in the rule of law.

He emphasised that the country’s education system was a work in progress, though better than what it used to be.

“In previous years, strikes by Academic Staff Union of Universities and Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics were frequent.

“However, in recent times, we can see some stability; we also hope that our curriculum will gradually meet up with international standard,” Akinyemiju said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Esenvosa Izah/Bayo Sekoni