CAN Delegates Arrive Plateau for National Executive Council Meeting — Pledge Prayers for Peace and Unity
Delegates of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) arrived in Plateau State on Monday ahead of the National Executive Council meeting set to begin on Tuesday, November 18, 2025.
The delegation touched down at the Yakubu Gowon Airport, Jos, where they were received by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Policy and Governance, Hon. Istifanus Mwansat, representing the Secretary to the State Government, Arc. Samuel Jatau, on behalf of Governor Caleb Mutfwang. Also present were the Plateau State CAN Chairman, Rev. Dr. Dunka Gomwalk, the Special Adviser on Religious Affairs, Rev. Dr. Stephen Dang Gana, and other senior government officials.
Speaking on arrival, the Vice President of CAN, Rev. Dr. Stephen Baba Panya, said the decision to hold the meeting in Plateau State was influenced by the state’s rich Christian heritage and longstanding hospitality.
“It is a pleasure and privilege for us to be here for our National Executive CAN meeting,” he said.
“Our President, His Eminence Archbishop Daniel O’Call, arrived earlier and will chair the meeting. We are here to pray for Plateau — to ask God for peace, prosperity and progress. Plateau has long been a strong Christian stronghold, and we believe our coming will encourage the people and showcase the state’s warm hospitality.”
Delegates Tour Ten Commandments Prayer Ground
Following their arrival, the delegates were conducted on a tour of the Ten Commandments Prayer Ground by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Policy and Governance, Yilchap Abraham. He explained that the site — originally conceptualized during the administration of former Governor Jonah Jang — has undergone significant expansion to host larger worship gatherings.
The main seating capacity of 5,800 has been increased with two additional wings seating 1,200 and 1,000 respectively, bringing the total capacity to nearly 8,000. The VIP and ministers’ platforms have also been expanded in preparation for the forthcoming Plateau Unity Christmas Festival, described as one of the largest state-organized Christian praise 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 believers to gather as one body to celebrate Christ,” Abraham said.
A Visit of Hope and Solidarity
CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Oko, expressed gratitude for the warm reception, describing Plateau not only as the “Home of Peace and Tourism” but also as the “Home of Hospitality.”
“We came for the fourth quarterly meeting of the CAN Executive Council. Sometimes we hold our sessions outside Abuja to stay connected to Christians at the grassroots,” he stated.
“This meeting was originally scheduled for May but was postponed following the passing of the state CAN chairman. We are here to pray with the people of Plateau, and we trust God for lasting peace.”
He assured Christians across Nigeria that the meeting will convey a renewed message of hope and solidarity in challenging times.
Welcoming the delegates, Plateau State CAN Chairman, Rev. Dr. Dunka Gomwalk, described the visit as divine and timely.
“It is a great honor to receive the national executive so early in our tenure. Plateau has faced serious security and social challenges, but this visit is ordained by God to bring blessing upon the land,” he said.
“We believe that the aftermath of this meeting will usher in greater stability and peace like never before.”
Inter-Religious Harmony Council Joins in Reception
The delegation also met with the Plateau State Advisory Council on Inter-Religious Harmony.
Co-chair, Rev. Pandam Yamsat, a former President of COCIN, welcomed the visitors and highlighted the importance of strengthening religious unity across the state.
His Royal Highness, the Emir of Wase, Alhaji Mohammed Sambo Haruna — who co-chairs the Council and leads the Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) in Plateau — was represented, and conveyed goodwill messages on behalf of the Muslim community.
 arrived in Plateau State on Monday ahead of the National Executive meeting){kind=link}