Christian leaders from the 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory have formally adopted a new identity, unveiling the Forum of Northern Christians.
The FNC is also known as the Northern Christian Association, in a move aimed at clarifying its mandate while maintaining loyalty to the national Christian body.
The decision was reached on Thursday in Kaduna during a stakeholders’ meeting of chairmen from the northern states and the FCT, alongside their secretaries and representatives of youth and women wings.
The gathering also marked the first anniversary in office of the northern chairman, Rev. Joseph Hayab.
Previously referred to as Northern CAN, the leaders said the description often created misunderstandings about its relationship with the national structure of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).
Addressing journalists after the meeting, Hayab explained that the change represents a return to history rather than a breakaway.
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He traced the association’s roots to 1964 in Kaduna, when it operated as the Northern Christian Association before evolving into the national body in 1976.
He noted that the revived name restores the original identity while maintaining full allegiance to CAN under its President, Daniel Okoh.
“We are CAN. We are Christians, and we remain members of CAN,” Hayab said, emphasising that the forum simply seeks a clearer regional identity when addressing issues affecting Christians in Northern Nigeria.
He noted that the word “Nigeria” was deliberately excluded from the revived name to avoid confusion with the national structure and to show respect to the mother body.
The Forum, he said, has been fully registered and incorporated as the Forum of Northern Christians and the FCT.
Hayab also outlined key concerns the body intends to focus on, including religious freedom, access to education, shortages of Christian Religious Knowledge teachers, and what he described as limited admission opportunities for Christian children in some parts of the North.
He said the priority is to ensure equal citizenship, respect, and opportunities for Christians in Northern Nigeria.
Providing historical context, Samuel Salifu, identified as the first General Secretary of Northern CAN, recalled that the Northern Christian Association was founded in 1964 and later became the national Christian umbrella body in 1976 during the military administration of Olusegun Obasanjo.
He noted that the late Interior Minister, Shehu Shagari, formalised the registration process at the time.
Salifu said the present name change was largely prompted by misconceptions that the regional body operated in opposition to the national CAN.
“There was never a Northern CAN as a separate entity from CAN,” he stated, adding that the new registration clarifies its position within the national framework.
Elder cleric Rev. Emmanuel Dziggau described the 1964 formation as a survival response by Christians in the region, urging current leaders to remain committed to justice and equity.
In a virtual address, one of the speakers, Yusuf Turaki, highlighted insecurity across Northern Nigeria, citing kidnappings, displacement, and destruction of livelihoods affecting many Christian communities.
He urged the Forum to continue advocating for lawful and constitutional measures to protect vulnerable groups.
Stakeholders at the meeting reaffirmed their loyalty to the national CAN leadership and pledged continued collaboration with the central body while maintaining a clearly defined regional structure.
They also expressed appreciation to past leaders for their contributions to Christian leadership in Northern Nigeria.
