*Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the NSCIA, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar.
The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has congratulated the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) on its 50th anniversary, describing the milestone as significant not only for Christians but for the entire nation.
In a statement dated 3rd Jumadal Ula 1448 A.H. (14 October 2026), the Council, under the leadership of its President-General and Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, CFR, mni, extended warm felicitations to CAN’s leadership and the wider Christian community.
The NSCIA noted that over the past five decades, Nigeria has faced numerous challenges. Throughout these periods, religious leaders and institutions have played a vital role in promoting peace, dialogue, mutual understanding and peaceful coexistence among the country’s diverse peoples and faith communities.
The Council emphasised the importance of the relationship between Muslims and Christians, who together form the overwhelming majority of Nigeria’s population. It said both communities share a common responsibility to promote peace, entrench justice, advance security, foster responsible citizenship and contribute to national development.
Highlighting pressing national challenges — including injustice, insecurity, poverty, unemployment, social inequality and the need for accountable governance — the NSCIA stressed that collective efforts by all Nigerians are essential. It reaffirmed its strong support for sustained inter-faith dialogue and cooperation, particularly through platforms such as the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC).
“The 50th anniversary of CAN is therefore an opportunity to reflect on the responsibility of religious leadership in strengthening national unity and promoting peaceful coexistence,” the statement said. “The NSCIA believes that religious differences should never be allowed to become sources of division, hatred or violence. Rather, our respective faiths should continue to inspire us towards justice, compassion, peaceful coexistence and service to humanity.”
The Council specifically congratulated the President of CAN, Archbishop Daniel Okoh; the National Executive Committee; the various Christian denominations and associations under CAN’s umbrella; and Christians across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
It wished the Association greater wisdom in discharging its national and sacred responsibilities.
The statement was signed by Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, CON, FNAL, Secretary-General of the NSCIA.