By Olivia Obijiaku
The outgoing Chairman of Christian Association of Nigeria, (CAN), Sabon Gari Branch, Kaduna State, Rev Prof ES Akuso has disclosed that his administration will be leaving the association in a better state even as he prays for like successors.
The chairman who made this known while delivering his final address at the Grand Finale of 2024 CAN Universal Week of Prayer and Fasting which took place at Chapel of Redemption, Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria on Sunday, 14th January 2024 also listed the legacies they would leave behind.
Topmost among their achievements include enhanced spiritual content; the construction of first phase of CAN Secretariat Project, the Office Complex which was dedicated on 16th September 2023; reduction in cases of abduction of underage Christian girls and forceful conversion; increased awareness and participation in politics and political matters by members; synergy with CAN Chairmen in Zone One to take decisions on matters affecting the Body of Christ in the zone; suspension of an already enacted Bye-Law in the local government which came into operation on 10th June, 2020 – aimed and controlling and regulating the sale of liquor and/or spirit and other related offences. Others are legal intervention in the case of the demolition of 3rd to 4th October, 2021 during which about 265 properties and 6 churches were demolished; intervention in a case of blasphemy in which a Christian student in Zaria posted something blasphemous against Prophet Mohammed on social media; and restructuring of the worship centre of over 600 Christian female students of GGSS which was burnt in 2011.On the suspended bye-law, the chairman explained that though CAN neither advocates for drunkards nor supports prostitution and indecent dressing it swung into legal action when it realized that the law had Christians as its principal target and that it was also an attempt to introduce Sharia in disguise in the local government.Prof Akuso who will be leaving office on 28th January 2024 thanked the association for the opportunity they were given them to serve and prayed that their successors may exceed their legacies.
He reminded members of the remaining project at the Secretariat Complex, the Multipurpose Hall and solicited support for its completion.Leading the prayer session at Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish ABU during the Week, the Assistant Pastor of Chapel of Redemption, Pastor Richard Bebekah prayed God to give them courageous, purposeful and visionary leaders to succeed the outgoing ones. He prayed for protection of members and that God delivers them from the spirit of fear, intimidation and compromise.
