Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has been honoured with the Christian Icon Award by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) as the association marked its 50th anniversary with a thanksgiving service in Abuja.
Makinde shared the news following the special service held on Saturday, October 17, 2026, as CAN commemorated five decades of promoting Christian unity and contributing to national development.
In his message, the governor expressed gratitude for the recognition and joined Christians across Nigeria in celebrating what he described as a significant milestone in the history of CAN.
«“This morning, I was honoured to receive the Christian Icon Award at a service held to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Abuja.”»
He further congratulated CAN on attaining its golden jubilee, while offering prayers for an even more impactful future for the organisation and the Christian community in Nigeria.
«“I join other Christians to celebrate this golden jubilee of CAN and pray that the next 50 years will be even greater and more impactful than the past.”»
The Christian Association of Nigeria, established in 1976, describes itself as the umbrella body of Christians in Nigeria, with a central focus on promoting unity, peace, understanding and the welfare of the Christian community. Its stated objective is rooted in the biblical call for believers to be united.
The 50th anniversary celebration has featured a series of activities and discussions focusing not only on CAN's history but also on the role of the Church in Nigeria's future. A recent CAN Jubilee Colloquium in Abuja, for instance, examined issues including faith, governance, justice, national cohesion, protection of vulnerable citizens and the common good.
The anniversary service also brought together prominent political, religious and national figures. Reports from the event indicate that CAN recognised several notable Nigerians for their contributions to Christianity, public service and national development, including former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, former Head of State Yakubu Gowon, former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and other public officials.
For Makinde, the recognition came amid his broader message urging Christians to become more actively involved in the affairs of the nation. Speaking after receiving the award, he argued that Nigerians must focus on addressing the country's major socioeconomic challenges, particularly poverty, while encouraging Christians not to withdraw from politics or national decision-making.
The governor's remarks added a strong national-development dimension to the celebration, reinforcing the importance of faith, responsible citizenship and public service.
Reflecting on CAN's 50-year journey, Makinde prayed for God's continued guidance, grace and favour upon the association's leadership and Christians throughout Nigeria.
«“May God’s grace continue to abide with the leadership and with us Christians across our dear nation.”»
As CAN enters its next chapter, the golden jubilee provides an opportunity not only to celebrate five decades of Christian fellowship and service but also to consider the organisation's responsibility in contributing to peace, unity, good governance and national development.
For Governor Makinde, the Christian Icon Award represents both an honour and an opportunity to reaffirm the importance of faith, service and collective responsibility in building a better Nigeria.
The celebration therefore looks beyond the achievements of the past 50 years, with renewed prayers and expectations for a more united, peaceful and impactful Christian community in the decades ahead.
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