Unic Press UK: Rev Dr Supo Ayokunle, President of the Nigerian Baptist Convention, has been elected as the national president of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).
Ayokunle secured 54 votes to win, while Joseph Otubu of the Motailatu Church Cherubim and Seraphim Movement (MCCSW) got 28 votes. The results were announced by Ayo Oritsejafor, the outgoing president of CAN.
Genesis of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN)
CAN: “On 27th August 1976 the (then) Federal Military Government, under Gen. Obasanjo invited several Church Leaders of diverse denominations to Dodan Barracks, Lagos. the Governments sole purpose was to hold a discussion with the church Leaders, on the National pledge and the salutation of the National flag, which the Government intended to introduce into the Nation’s Primary and Secondary Schools.
“The Church Leaders did not object to the introduction of the two items provided and on the condition that reading and reciting the National Pledge and saluting the National Flag would be preceded by the usual Morning Devotions, during which the Staff and the Students of each school worship their Creator and offer Praises and Prayers to Him. Immediately after the meeting the Church Leaders spontaneously decided to go to a place, not too far from Dodan Barraks where they could hold another meeting. The Catholic Secretariat opposite the race course bus stop was unanimously chosen.
“At the meeting, the Church Leaders arrived at a monumental decision that they should from an organization which would provide a forum where they could regularly meet together and take joint actions on vital matters, especially on issues which affect the Christian Faith and the welfare of the generality of Nigerians. That was the origin and the beginning of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).”
