CAN Delegates Arrive Plateau for National Executive Council Meeting

Delegates of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) arrived in Plateau State on Monday ahead of the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting scheduled to begin on Tuesday, November 18, 2025.

The delegation was received at the Yakubu Gowon Airport, Jos, by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Special Duties, Rt. Hon. Istifanus Mwansat, who represented the Secretary to the State Government, Arc. Samuel Jatau, on behalf of Governor Caleb Mutfwang. Also on hand to receive the visitors were the Plateau State CAN Chairman, Rev. Dr. Dunka Gomwalk; the Special Adviser on Religious Affairs, Rev. Dr. Stephen Dangana; and other senior government officials.

Speaking on arrival, the Vice President of CAN, Rev. Dr. Stephen Baba Panya, said the choice of Plateau State as host for the meeting was informed by its strong Christian heritage and longstanding reputation for hospitality.
“It is a pleasure and privilege for us to be here. We are here for our National Executive CAN meeting starting tomorrow. Our President, His Eminence Archbishop Daniel O’Call, arrived ahead of us and will chair the meeting,” he stated.
“We are also here to pray for Plateau to plead with God for the peace, prosperity, and progress of this state. Plateau has long been a custodian of Christian heritage. Jos remains a welcoming city, and we believe our coming will encourage the people and showcase the hospitality the state is known for”

Later, the delegation was conducted on a tour of the Ten Commandments Prayer Ground by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Policy and Governance, Yiljap Abraham. He explained that the site, originally envisioned under the administration of former Governor Jonah Jang, has been significantly expanded to host larger worship gatherings.

According to him, the main seating capacity of 5,800 has been increased with additional wings of 1,200 and 1,000 seats, bringing the total capacity to nearly 8,000. The VIP and ministers’ platforms have also been upgraded ahead of this year’s Plateau Unity Christmas Festival, described as one of the largest state-organized Christian worship gatherings in Nigeria.

“There is no politics here only Christ and worship. All tribes and political affiliations dissolve in worship. The governor’s vision is for Christians to gather as one body to celebrate Christ together,” Abraham said.

CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Oko, expressed appreciation for the warm reception, describing Plateau not only as the “Home of Peace and Tourism” but also the “Home of Hospitality.”

“We came to attend the fourth quarterly meeting of the CAN Executive Council. Sometimes we take our meetings outside Abuja to stay connected to Christians at the grassroots,” he said.
“This meeting should have held in May but was postponed due to the passing of the state CAN chairman. We pray that the Lord brings lasting peace to Plateau.”

He added that Christians across Nigeria should expect a message of hope and solidarity as the nation navigates challenging times.

Welcoming the national executives, Plateau State CAN Chairman, Rev. Dr. Dunka Gomwalk, described the visit as a divine blessing arriving at a critical time for the state.

“It is an honor to receive the national executive so early in our tenure. Plateau has gone through many security and social challenges, and this visit is strategically timed by God to bring blessing upon the land,” he said.
“We believe the aftermath of this meeting will usher in greater stability and peace like never before.”

The delegation also met with the Plateau State Advisory Council on Inter-Religious Harmony.
Co-chairman Rev. Pandam Yamsat, former President of COCIN, welcomed the team, emphasizing the importance of strengthening interfaith unity across the state.

His Royal Highness, the Emir of Wase, Alhaji Mohammed Sambo Haruna who co-chairs the Council and also leads the Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) in Plateau was represented and conveyed goodwill messages on behalf of the Muslim community.