The Christian Association of Nigeria in the 19 northern states and the federal capital territory (FCT), has conferred awards on the former President of CAN, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor.
Oritsejafor was honoured alongside, Philip Olaiya, a former chairman of the Northern States Christian Elders Forum (NOSCEF), John Achimugu, a lawyer and Andrew Yakubu, former managing director of the then Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation ( NNPC).
The awards were presented to them on Thursday by the Chairman of Northern CAN, Rev. Pam Yakubu, during the three-day special prayer summit, organised by the association at the Catholic Social Centre, Kaduna.
Pam commended the awardees for their positive impact on the church.
Oritsejafor, who is the founder and Senior Pastor of Word of Life Bible Church, was honoured for his “uncommon sacrifices for the economic emancipation of less privileged christians, particularly in the north.”
He was commended for numerous contributions to different christian groups and communities in the north.
Oritsejafor who was President of CAN from 2011 to 2016, is noted for his defense of the church in Nigeria and his enduring legacies in CAN.
Phillips Olaiya was awarded for his immense contributions to the church which are too numerous to mention.
He helped in building churches and giving financial support to different Christian organisations and individuals. He also gave financial support to many households in the 19 Northern states and the FCT during the COVID-19 pandemic.
He provided financial assistance to Northern CAN and NOSCEF on several occasions.
Achimugu, a legal practitioner was honoured for providing free legal services to Northern CAN for over three decades to date.
He is noted for his commitment to Northern CAN and for defending the rights of Christians in the North.
Yakubu, the former NNPC GMD, was also honoured for his support to Northern CAN.
He assisted Northern CAN in the construction of residential accommodation in Kaduna to address the accommodation needs of the association.
Oritsejafor’s award was received on his behalf by the Secretary General of Northern CAN, Elder Sunday Oibe, while that of Olaiya was received on his behalf by the Chairman of NOSCEF, Elder Ejoga Enalegwu.
Achimugu and Yakubu were present at the event for their awards.
Speaking through Oibe, Oritsejafor appealed to Christians in the North to remain united.
He said by so doing, the award conferred on him will make more meaning to him.
He decried the situation where Christians quarrel among themselves and disgrace each other especially in the media, “not minding that they all belong to the same Jesus Christ.”
