From: Femi Oyelola in Kaduna
Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), FCT Chapter, has honoured
the Chairman of Northern Christians in the 19 States and FCT, Rev. (Dr.) Joseph John Hayab, and the Senior Pastor of Dunamis International Gospel Centre Worldwide, Dr. Paul Enenche, with the Elijah’s Order of Merit Award.
The event was held on Thursday during a public lecture titled “The Church’s Response to the Menace of Insecurity in the Country,” at the National Christian Centre, Abuja.
Instituted to celebrate moral courage and prophetic leadership, the Elijah’s Order of Merit Award recognises spiritual leaders whose bold faith, integrity, and commitment to truth and justice mirror the biblical Prophet Elijah – a symbol of divine advocacy in turbulent times.
Speaking at the ceremony, FCT CAN Chairman, Rev. Timothy Amakom, said the award aims to honour exemplary leaders whose dedication to righteousness and good governance continues to inspire hope across the nation.
“The award is to celebrate those whose lives have been shining examples of faith, integrity, and impact. Leadership is not measured by title but by service.
“Their faithfulness in government, the church, and the marketplace is a testimony that the salt of the earth still preserves our nation.
“This is not God’s ultimate reward; that will come from Him. But as human beings, we must appreciate their sacrifices and contributions to the church and our nation,” Amakom said.
Speaking with journalists shortly after the event, Amakom described Hayab as “a decent, religious, honest, and faithful man whose leadership in Northern CAN remains highly commendable.”
He noted that his consistent advocacy for Christians in the North has strengthened unity within the body of Christ.
In his response, Rev. Hayab dedicated the award to “all faithful men and women who daily stand for truth, justice, and peace in a country yearning for unity.”
He said, “this recognition is a reminder that our service to God and humanity is never in vain. At a time when insecurity and intolerance threaten our peace, the church must continue to preach hope, show love, and stand as the moral voice of society.”
The Northern CAN Leader, previously served as Chairman of CAN in Kaduna State. He is also the Country Director of Global Peace Foundation Nigeria (GPFN) and Chief Executive Officer of the Christian Awareness Initiative of Nigeria (CHAIN).
A peace ambassador and interfaith advocate, he has served on several national interreligious committees for over two decades and was a former Special Adviser on Christian and Pilgrimage Matters to two former governors of Kaduna State.
Other recipients of the CAN honours include the immediate past Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Gwabin Musa (Nehemiah’s Order of Merit); Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume (Daniel’s Order of Merit); Sen. Philip Tanimu Aduda (Moses’ Order of Merit); Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama, SAN (Justice and Equity’s Order of Merit); and Rev. Dr. Israel Akanji (Peacemaker’s Order of Merit), among others.
A colourful gathering of church leaders, public servants, and representatives of faith-based organisations graced the event, commending CAN for promoting unity, moral leadership, and excellence in national service.
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