Christian leaders across the 19 Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory have adopted a new identity, unveiling the Forum of Northern Christians, also known as the Northern Christian Association, in what they described as a move to clarify their mandate and reinforce their regional voice. The body was previously referred to as Northern CAN, a name leaders said often created confusion about its relationship with the national structure of the Christian Association of Nigeria. According to him, the association was originally founded in 1964 in Kaduna as the Northern Christian Association before it later evolved into the Christian Association of Nigeria in 1976. But when we speak on issues affecting Christians in Northern Nigeria, we believe we should have a distinct and clear identity. Samuel Salifu said the 1964 formation of the Northern Christian Association was driven by the need for Christians in the region to organise themselves.

Source: Punch February 26, 2026 18:58 UTC