By Peter Omopo
Christian leaders across the 19 Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory have adopted a new identity, unveiling the Forum of Northern Christians, also known as the Northern Christian Association, in a move they say is aimed at clarifying their mandate and strengthening their regional voice.
The decision was reached at a two-day stakeholders’ meeting in Kaduna attended by state chairmen, secretaries, and representatives of youth and women wings from across the North. The gathering also coincided with the first anniversary in office of the Northern Chairman, Rev. Joseph Hayab.
The body had previously operated under the name Northern CAN, a designation leaders said often created confusion regarding its relationship with the national leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria.
Addressing journalists at the end of the meeting, Hayab explained that the change does not signify a breakaway from the national body but rather a return to the group’s historical roots. According to him, the association was originally founded in 1964 in Kaduna as the Northern Christian Association before it evolved into the Christian Association of Nigeria in 1976.
“We are CAN. We are Christians, and we remain members of CAN. But when we speak on issues affecting Christians in Northern Nigeria, we believe we should have a distinct and clear identity. There is no quarrel with the national body,” he said.
Hayab noted that the word “Nigeria” was deliberately excluded from the revived name to prevent confusion with the national structure and to show respect for the parent body. He added that the Forum of Northern Christians and the FCT has now been fully registered and incorporated, describing the restructuring as a step toward improved coordination within the region.
He said the body would prioritise issues affecting Christians in Northern Nigeria, including religious freedom, access to education, shortage of Christian Religious Knowledge teachers, and limited admission opportunities for Christian children in some areas.
“These are serious issues that demand focused attention. Our priority is to ensure that our people are treated as equal citizens, respected, and given the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to nation-building,” he stated.
Providing historical context, the first General Secretary of Northern CAN, Engr. Samuel Salifu, said the 1964 formation of the Northern Christian Association was driven by the need for Christians in the region to organise themselves. He recalled that the body later transformed into a national platform in 1976 when Christian leaders nationwide agreed to operate under one umbrella as CAN.
Salifu added that the registration process was completed during the administration of former military leader Olusegun Obasanjo, with the late Interior Minister, Shehu Shagari, formalising it.
“There was never a Northern CAN as a separate entity from CAN. There were Christians in the North organising themselves. To avoid confusion and unnecessary suspicion, the name has now been properly registered. We are together in CAN as one body,” he said.
Also speaking, Rev. Emmanuel Dziggau described the 1964 formation as a “struggle for survival” and urged the present leadership to remain committed to justice and equity.
In a virtual address, elder statesman Prof. Yusuf Turaki expressed concern over insecurity in Northern Nigeria, noting that many Christian communities had experienced kidnappings, displacement, and destruction of livelihoods. He urged the forum to continue advocating lawful and constitutional means of protecting vulnerable communities.
Stakeholders at the meeting reaffirmed their loyalty to the national CAN leadership and pledged continued collaboration while maintaining a clearly defined regional structure under the revived Northern Christian Association identity.
