Northern Christians have reverted to 1964 identity towards strengthening their voice in promoting regional interest.

Apparently, Christian leaders in the 19 Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, adopted the identity of Forum of Northern Christians; also known as Northern Christian Association, NCA. The identity, they said, is aimed at clarifying their mandate and strengthening their regional voice without creating friction with the national body.

The Northern Christian leaders made the resolution at a stakeholders’ meeting of CAN chairmen from the 19 Northern states and the FCT in Kaduna, including State Secretaries and representatives of the youth and women wings. They converged to mark the first anniversary of the Northern Chairman, Rev. Joseph John Hayab, in office.

Stakeholders recalled that the association’s roots dated back to 1964 in Kaduna, when it was known as the Northern Christian Association, before evolving into the national Christian body in 1976.

According to them, the new name is intended to restore that original identity, while maintaining full allegiance to CAN at the national level under its President, Daniel Okoh.

Providing historical context, the first General Secretary of Northern CAN, Engr. Samuel Salifu, recalled that the Northern Christian Association was founded in 1964 in Kaduna, and later metamorphosed into the Christian Association of Nigeria in 1976 when Christian leaders across the country agreed to operate under one umbrella.

In his virtual address, another founding member and elder statesman, Prof. Yusuf Turaki, lamented the prevailing insecurity across Northern Nigeria.

He stated that many Christian communities have borne the brunt of kidnappings, displacement and destruction of livelihoods.

He urged the Forum to continue advocating lawful and constitutional means to protect vulnerable communities in northern Nigeria.