Delegates of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) have arrived in Plateau State ahead of the National Executive Council meeting scheduled to commence on Tuesday, November 18, 2025.
The delegation was received at the Yakubu Gowon Airport by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Policy and Governance, Hon. Istifanus Mwansat, who represented the Secretary to the State Government, Arc. Samuel Jatau, on behalf of Governor Caleb Mutfwang. He was accompanied by the Plateau CAN Chairman, Rev. Dr. Dunka Gomwalk; the Special Adviser on Religious Affairs, Rev. Dr. Stephen Dang Gana; and other senior government officials.
CAN President, His Eminence Archbishop Daniel Oko, who arrived earlier expressed gratitude to the state for the warm reception and emphasized the significance of hosting the final quarterly CAN Executive Council meeting of the year in Jos.
“We are here to stand with Plateau in prayer and hope. This meeting allows us to connect with Christians at the grassroots and to pray for lasting peace and progress in this state,” he said.
“We postponed this meeting earlier due to the loss of the CAN chairman, but we are now here to pray with the people, encourage them, and reaffirm our solidarity.”
Earlier, the Vice President of CAN, Rev. Dr. Stephen Baba Panya, said Plateau was chosen because of its long-standing Christian heritage and its reputation as a hospitable city.
He added that the delegation’s presence was a spiritual and symbolic gesture towards peacebuilding in the state.
“Jos remains a welcoming city to people from across the country. We believe our coming will add to the legacy of peace Plateau is known for,” he stated.
Delegates Taken on Tour of the Ten Commandments Crusade Ground
As part of the visit, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Policy and Governance, Mr. Yilchap Ibrahim, led the team on a tour of the Ten Commandments crusade ground.
He explained that the project, originally envisioned by former Governor Jonah Jang, has been expanded significantly to accommodate larger worship gatherings.
He noted that seating capacity had increased to nearly 8,000, with additional platforms for ministers, VIPs, and national Christian leaders expected to attend the upcoming Plateau Unity Christmas Festival.
Plateau CAN Chairman: “This Visit Is a Prophetic Blessing”
Welcoming the national delegation, Plateau CAN Chairman Rev. Dr. Dunka Gomwalk said the timing of the visit was divinely orchestrated.
“This meeting is prophetically and strategically timed by God to bring a blessing upon Plateau,” he said.
“We have faced many security challenges, but the presence of the national executive council here is a sign of hope and stability.”
Advisory Council on Inter-Religious Harmony Welcomes CAN
The delegation also met with the Plateau State Advisory Council on Inter-Religious Harmony, who expressed delight over CAN’s visit.
Co-chair of the council, Rev. Pandam Yamsat, urged CAN leaders to remain firm in promoting unity in Nigeria.
“Plateau is a home of peace despite challenges. Take the bull by the horn and continue to stand for fairness and unity in this country,” he told the visitors.
Representing the Emir of Wase, Alhaji Mohammed Sambo Haruna, a JNI official welcomed CAN warmly, describing Christians and Muslims as members of the same family under God.
Another council member, Dr. Sumia Hamza, applauded CAN for choosing Plateau, noting that interfaith unity must be showcased to counter negative narratives.
“This picture of Christians and Muslims sitting together should go out to the world. Plateau is peaceful, and we must change the wrong perceptions,” she said.
