The Northern chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has reaffirmed the Church’s crucial responsibility in fostering national peace, unity, and development through transformative gospel messages and community engagement.
Reverend Dr. John Joseph Hayab, Chairman of CAN for the 19 Northern States and Abuja, made the call during the 10th edition of the Authentic News Daily Lecture and Awards held in Kaduna. The event, themed “Religion as a Tool for Peace and National Unity,” drew leaders from religious and civil society groups to deliberate on the role of faith in nation-building.
Describing the event as timely and necessary, Rev. Hayab stressed that the role of religion in society must be clearly understood, properly upheld, and positively harnessed — especially at a time when Nigeria faces persistent challenges to its unity and social cohesion.
“True religion builds character, fosters unity, and never incites hatred or division,” Hayab stated. He emphasized that Christians should exemplify the teachings of Jesus Christ, who preached peace, compassion, and reconciliation.
According to Hayab, when practiced sincerely, religion promotes love, forgiveness, and justice — values urgently needed to heal the nation’s deepening divisions.
“Jesus Christ broke social barriers, spoke truth to power, and reached out to the marginalized. His sacrifice on the cross was for the unity and redemption of mankind. This is the model we are called to follow — as peacemakers, bridge-builders, and defenders of justice,” he added.
Quoting Romans 12:18 — “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone” — the clergyman urged faith-based communities to discourage divisive rhetoric and champion reconciliation, empathy, and mutual respect.
He stressed that sustainable peace in Nigeria would only be achieved when religious leaders teach followers to see others first as fellow Nigerians, beyond ethnic, religious, or regional lines.
Rev. Hayab also identified youth and children’s moral upbringing as a critical area where religion must exert positive influence. He advocated for the Church, families, and civil institutions to work collaboratively in instilling values of respect for life, law, and human dignity in the younger generation.
“Women and young people must not be sidelined in nation-building,” Hayab emphasized. “From biblical figures like Deborah to Mary, women have historically shaped destinies with wisdom and faith. In Northern Nigeria and beyond, empowering our women as moral anchors and peace agents is essential.”
He warned that denying girls access to education not only deprives them of personal growth but weakens the moral and intellectual foundation of society.
Speaking on justice and equity, Rev. Hayab cited Amos 5:24 — “Let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream” — affirming that lasting peace is impossible in the absence of fairness and inclusivity.
He urged government at all levels to enact policies rooted in empathy, accountability, inclusiveness, and security, calling on leaders to serve with integrity and a sense of divine responsibility.
“True leadership is about people, not power,” he noted. “Just as Christ served humanity with humility and grace, so must our leaders govern with justice and a heart for the common good.”
The Christian leader expressed optimism that the Kaduna event would rekindle collective commitment to using religion as a genuine instrument for healing, reconciliation, and national progress.
He concluded with a prayer for peace and understanding, urging Nigerians to abandon suspicion, overcome tribal and religious divides, and build a culture of trust and unity.
