Christian leaders from the 19 Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have formally adopted a new identity, unveiling the Forum of Northern Christians, also known as the Northern Christian Association, in a move aimed at clarifying their mandate and strengthening their regional voice.
The decision was taken in Kaduna during a well-attended stakeholders’ meeting of state chairmen, secretaries, and representatives of youth and women wings under the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), marking the first anniversary of the Northern Chairman, Rev. Joseph John Hayab, in office.
The regional body was previously referred to as Northern CAN, a description leaders said had often created confusion about its relationship with the national structure of CAN.
Addressing journalists after the meeting, Rev. Hayab explained that the change was not a breakaway from the national body but a return to historical roots dating back to 1964.
According to him, the association was originally founded in Kaduna as the Northern Christian Association before evolving into the national Christian Association of Nigeria in 1976 when Christian leaders across the country agreed to operate under one umbrella.
“We are CAN. We remain members of CAN,” Hayab said. “But when we address issues affecting Christians in Northern Nigeria, we believe we should have a clear and distinct identity. There is no quarrel with the national leadership.”
He noted that the word “Nigeria” was deliberately excluded from the revived name to avoid confusion with the national body, currently led by its President, Daniel Okoh. He added that the Forum of Northern Christians and the FCT has been duly registered and incorporated.
Hayab said the Forum would focus on challenges confronting Christians in the region, including concerns over religious freedom, access to education, shortage of Christian Religious Knowledge teachers in schools, and alleged limited admission opportunities for Christian children in some parts of the North.
Providing historical context, the first General Secretary of Northern CAN, Engr. Samuel Salifu, recalled that the 1964 body later metamorphosed into CAN in 1976 during the administration of former military leader Olusegun Obasanjo, when the late Interior Minister, Shehu Shagari, formalised its registration.
Salifu said the latest name adjustment was prompted by persistent misconceptions that the regional structure was operating in opposition to the national CAN.
“There was never a separate Northern CAN independent of CAN,” he said. “Christians in the North were simply organising themselves. The new name removes suspicion and affirms that we are one body under CAN.”
In his remarks, elder cleric Rev. Emmanuel Dziggau described the 1964 formation as a response to the need for collective survival, urging the present leadership to remain focused on justice and equity.
Speaking virtually, elder statesman Prof. Yusuf Turaki raised concerns over insecurity in Northern Nigeria, citing kidnappings, displacement and destruction of livelihoods affecting Christian communities, and called for lawful and constitutional advocacy to protect vulnerable groups.
At the end of the meeting, stakeholders passed resolutions reaffirming loyalty to the national CAN leadership and pledging collaboration with the central body while maintaining a clearly defined regional framework.
Hayab stressed that the rebranding was about clarity of purpose rather than division. “This is not about names,” he said. “It is about standing for justice, equality and peaceful coexistence within the framework of the Nigerian Constitution.”
