By Samson Adeyanju 

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), has described the recent attack on a church gathering in Eda Oniyo, Ekiti State, where a pastor was killed and several worshippers abducted, as an assault on the Church, human dignity, and the sanctity of life.

In a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by the President of CAN, His Eminence, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, CAN expressed deep shock over the incident, noting that the victims were attacked while peacefully gathered for an open-air crusade.

The association strongly condemned the violence, stressing that it was not only an attack on a place of worship but also a “brutal assault on shared humanity.”

CAN mourned with the family of the slain pastor and expressed solidarity with the victims and the Christian community in Ekiti State. It also called for the immediate and safe release of those abducted, urging security agencies to act without delay.

The association further noted that the Ekiti incident reflects a disturbing pattern of insecurity, referencing similar attacks in parts of Kogi State where residents, including clergy and their families, were abducted. It warned that the repeated incidents point to a deepening security crisis in the country.

CAN stressed that the protection of lives and property remains the primary responsibility of government, calling for swift, decisive, and transparent action to apprehend the perpetrators and rescue the abducted victims unharmed.

It also urged authorities to strengthen security presence in vulnerable communities and improve intelligence gathering to prevent further attacks.

The body condemned what it described as the growing normalization of violence against worshippers, warning that such acts reflect a dangerous disregard for life, faith, and national values.

It called on Nigerians and relevant authorities to speak out firmly against insecurity and ensure that places of worship are not turned into targets for criminal attacks.

CAN concluded by praying for comfort for the bereaved families, the safe return of the abducted worshippers, and lasting peace and security in the country.

By Samson Adeyanju

Catholic Television of Nigeria (CTV), has set its sights on becoming a major player in Nigeria’s mainstream media space as it prepares to mark its 15th anniversary and one year of broadcast on GOtv Channel 115.

At a press briefing in Abuja on Monday, the Chairperson of the National Planning Committee, Barr. Dr. Princess Frank-Chukwuani, projected a bold future for the faith-based station, expressing confidence that CTV would soon be visible at key national platforms, including the State House and National Assembly.

“I see CTV in the near future covering national issues and interviewing top government officials. The station will be everywhere,” she said.
The station, founded in 2010 by Emeritus Archbishop of Abuja, John Cardinal Onaiyekan, has grown into a prominent Catholic broadcasting station, promoting faith, family values and national development.

The Director of Communications, Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja and Executive Director, CTV, Very Rev. Fr. Patrick Alumuku, who was represented by the National Planning Committee Chairperson said CTV’s migration to GOtv Channel 115 on March 13, 2025, has significantly boosted its reach, with viewership rising by over 300 per cent to about eight million viewers across Africa.

He noted that beyond religious programming, CTV engages in balanced reporting, interfaith dialogue and civic coverage aimed at fostering unity.

On his part, the Deputy Director (Admin), Rev. Fr. Victor Ogunyemi, said the station’s content addresses pressing societal concerns such as insecurity, moral decline and family instability.

Speaking at the briefing, the Assistant Director of Communications, Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja, Rev. Fr. Kenneth Agwu, described the milestone as a testament to resilience, citing the high cost of electronic media and the sacrifices of staff and supporters in sustaining operations.

Also speaking, Chairman of the Publicity Sub-Committee, Mr. Henry Adaba, said CTV’s programmes help reshape mindsets, promote unity and counter religious intolerance.

The station’s 15th anniversary and award ceremony is scheduled for April 30, 2026, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church Event Centre, Maitama, Abuja, beginning with a Holy Mass at 6:00 p.m.

By Samson Adeyanju

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) on Saturday flagged off the construction of an Ecumenical Christian Chapel and Pilgrimage Centre at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, with CAN President Daniel Okoh and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, leading the charge.

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, Okoh described the project as a landmark initiative and a key legacy of CAN’s 50th anniversary, noting that it is expected to be completed and dedicated in October 2026.

He said the chapel and pilgrimage centre would provide a sacred space for travellers, pilgrims, and airport personnel to pray, reflect, and find spiritual renewal, stressing that airports are crossroads of human experiences that require such spiritual support.

Okoh commended the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, for approving and allocating the project site, as well as Akume for coordinating efforts toward the successful take off of the initiative.

He also called for continued support and timely fulfilment of pledges to ensure the project’s completion as scheduled.

In his remarks, Akume described the project as a symbol of the fusion of faith and national development, noting that it represents more than a physical structure but a sanctuary of hope and a refuge for spiritual reflection.

He disclosed that the project is estimated at N25 billion, adding that it aligns with the Federal Government’s commitment to improving passenger experience and upgrading infrastructure in the aviation sector.

According to him, the centre will serve as a place where travellers can reconnect with God amid the pressures of modern life, while also promoting unity, compassion, and shared national values.

The event attracted top government officials, religious leaders, and stakeholders, marking the formal commencement of what organisers described as a legacy project aimed at strengthening spiritual presence within Nigeria’s aviation space.