Delegates of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) arrived in Plateau State on Monday ahead of the National Executive Council meeting scheduled to flag off on Tuesday, November 18, 2025.
The delegation was received at the Yakubu Gowon Airport, Jos, 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. The Plateau State CAN Chairman, Rev. Dr. Dunka Gomwalk, Special Adviser on Religious Affairs, Rev. Dr. Stephen Dang Gana, and other government officials were also present.
Speaking on arrival, the Vice President of CAN, Rev. Dr. Stephen Baba Panya, said the choice of Plateau State for the meeting was inspired by its strong Christian heritage and its reputation for hospitality.
“It is a pleasure and privilege for us to be here. We have come 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 said.
“We are here to pray for Plateau—to plead with God for the peace, prosperity and progress of this state. Plateau has long been a strong Christian stronghold and 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.”
Delegates Tour Ten Commandments Ground
While conducting the delegation on a tour of the Ten Commandments Prayer Ground, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Policy and Governance, Yilchap Abraham, explained that the site—originally envisioned by former Governor Jonah Jang—has undergone significant expansion to accommodate larger worship gatherings.
He noted that the main seating capacity of 5,800 has been enlarged with additional wings of 1,200 and 1,000 seats each, pushing total capacity to nearly 8,000.
The VIP and ministers’ platforms have also been expanded ahead of this year’s Plateau Unity Christmas Festival, described as one of the largest state-hosted 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 Christians to gather as one body to celebrate Christ together,”
Abraham said.
CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Oko, described Plateau as not only the “Home of Peace and Tourism” but also the “Home of Hospitality,” expressing gratitude for the reception accorded the delegation.
“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.
“We are also here to pray with the people of Plateau. 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 should expect a message of hope and solidarity as the country navigates difficult times.
Welcoming the national delegation, Plateau CAN Chairman, Rev. Dr. Dunka Gomwalk, described the visit as a divine blessing coming at a critical moment 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 was also received by the Plateau State Advisory Council on Inter-Religious Harmony.
Co-chair Rev. Pandam Yamsat, former COCIN President, welcomed the team, noting 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 also leads the Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) in Plateau, was ably represented and extended goodwill messages on behalf of the Muslim community.
