MERCY JAMES CALLS ON WOMEN TO JOIN ACTIVE POLITICS, SEEKS GREATER FEMALE PARTICIPATION IN LEADERSHIP

By Apex Media Network  

The Special Assistant to the Governor of Taraba State on Forest Conservation and National Women Leader of the National Alliance for Peace, Hon. Mercy James, has called on women to take an active role in politics and leadership, stressing the importance of their participation in decision-making and community development.

Hon. Mercy James made the call at the 1st North-East Annual Women Convention and Award Ceremony, organised by the Organization of African Instituted Churches, OAIC, and held at the CAN Secretariat in Jalingo, Taraba State.

She commended the OAIC for bringing women from across the North-East together to discuss issues affecting women and promote greater participation in leadership and development.

Hon. Mercy James urged women to move beyond supporting political activities and become active participants in the political process by seeking leadership positions and contributing their voices to decisions that affect society.

She also appreciated the Taraba State Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas, for giving women a significant place in his administration, saying the inclusion of women in government provides them with opportunities to contribute directly to governance and the development of the state.

She encouraged women to take advantage of available opportunities, support one another and remain united in their pursuit of leadership and meaningful participation in public affairs.

The Special Assistant further stressed the need for women to continue building one another and using their positions to positively impact their families, communities and the wider society.

At the ceremony, Hon. Mercy James was honoured with an award in recognition of her outstanding contributions and support to women and the community.

Receiving1 the award, she thanked the organisers for the recognition and said it would encourage her to do more in supporting women-focused initiatives and community development.

The convention brought together women and stakeholders from across the North-East, with discussions centred on women’s empowerment, leadership, political participation and their contribution to community development.

CAN TARABA LAUNCHES ₦10 BILLION CHRISTIAN CENTRE, AWOSHIRI CALLS FOR UNITY

The Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Taraba State Chapter, has launched a ₦10 billion fundraising campaign for the construction of a new Christian Centre in Jalingo, with the state leadership calling for unity and collective commitment towards the project.

The launch took place during the closing ceremony of the three-day CAN Ministers’ Conference in Jalingo, which brought together Christian leaders and ministers from across the state.

CAN Taraba Chairman, Very Reverend Father Williams P. Awoshiri, said the proposed centre belongs to the entire Christian community and should not be associated with any individual, denomination or congregation.

He called on Christians to put denominational differences aside and work together towards the realisation of the project, which is planned to accommodate about 5,000 people.

According to him, the centre is expected to provide a common platform for worship, fellowship, prayer, Christian leadership and engagement on issues affecting the Church and society.

Fr. Awoshiri appealed to Christians, government officials, traditional institutions, corporate organisations and individuals to contribute according to their capacity, including through financial support, building materials, professional services, labour and prayers.

He described the project as a legacy for future generations and urged stakeholders to ensure that it is built with excellence, integrity and transparency.

Chairman of the Conference Central Working Committee, Bishop Dr. Innocent Solomon, commended ministers and participants from the sixteen Local Government Areas and other parts of the state for their participation.

He urged them to take the lessons from the conference back to their communities, particularly in promoting peace, reconciliation, unity and responsible leadership.

The project also received support from the Muslim community.

The Taraba State Forum of Islamic Preachers, led by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Muslim Religious Matters, Alhaji Hussaini Ismail, attended the launch and donated ₦500,000 to CAN towards the fundraising initiative.

The gesture was described as a demonstration of interfaith understanding and peaceful coexistence in Taraba State.

The Chief Launcher, Mr. Niyi Adekoya, expressed his appreciation for the initiative, describing Taraba as a blessed land and calling for unity beyond religious differences.

Other speakers, including representatives of the United Methodist Church and traditional institutions, also called for cooperation among religious communities in promoting peace and development.

His Royal Highness, Pastor Dr. Haniel Henlenwheni Banti Daah Kpang Sanwi I, commended CAN leadership for organising the Ministers’ Conference and bringing Christian leaders and other stakeholders together.

The three-day conference, themed “The Church and the State: Partners in God’s Plan in a Changing World,” featured worship, prayer, teachings, leadership engagements and discussions on the role of the Church and its relationship with the State.

The conference ended with donations and pledges towards the proposed Christian Centre, as CAN Taraba called for collective action to turn the vision into reality.

Apex Media Network

TRADITIONAL LEADER COMMENDS CAN FOR SUCCESSFUL MINISTERS’ CONFERENCE

His Royal Highness, Pastor Dr. Haniel Henlenwheni Banti Daah Kpang Sanwi I, the visionary traditional leader of Yandang Land, has commended the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) for the successful organisation of its Ministers’ Conference, describing the gathering as a significant platform for strengthening Christian unity, peaceful coexistence and collaborative development in Taraba State.The traditional ruler gave the commendation while reflecting on the significance of the conference, which brought together Christian leaders, ministers, stakeholders and other key actors from across the state to deliberate on issues affecting the Church and society.

According to him, the conference demonstrated the importance of continuous dialogue and constructive engagement among Christian leaders, particularly at a time when unity, peace and mutual understanding remain essential to the progress and stability of communities.

His Royal Highness praised the leadership of CAN for creating an atmosphere where participants could exchange ideas, share experiences and collectively explore ways of strengthening the Church’s contribution to peacebuilding, community development and social transformation.

He noted that the Church has an important role to play beyond spiritual responsibilities, stressing that Christian leaders can significantly contribute to promoting peaceful coexistence, encouraging responsible citizenship, supporting vulnerable members of society and fostering development across communities. The traditional leader further described the conference as an opportunity for Christian leaders to reflect on their responsibilities and identify practical approaches to addressing contemporary challenges confronting individuals, families and communities.

He expressed optimism that the relationships, ideas and resolutions emerging from the conference would translate into meaningful actions capable of positively impacting the people of Taraba State.Pastor Dr. Banti Daah Kpang Sanwi I also encouraged Christian leaders to sustain the spirit of unity and cooperation demonstrated at the conference, urging them to continue working together with traditional institutions, government, civil society organisations and other stakeholders in the collective interest of the people.

He emphasised that stronger collaboration among key institutions would help create a more peaceful, inclusive and prosperous Taraba State, while also strengthening efforts toward community development and social cohesion.The traditional ruler congratulated the CAN leadership and all participants for the successful conference, expressing confidence that continued engagements of this nature would contribute significantly to building a brighter future for the people and advancing the overall development of Taraba State.

He reaffirmed his support for initiatives that promote peace, unity, dialogue and partnership, noting that sustainable development can only be achieved when leaders and communities work together toward common goals.

PHOTO NEWS: DAY THREE — MORNING SESSION

Highlights from the morning session of Day Three of the CAN Taraba Ministers’ Conference in Jalingo.

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MINISTERS CONVERGE IN JALINGO AS CAN TARABA SETS STAGE FOR THREE-DAY CONFERENCE

By Nformi Desmond 

Jalingo is witnessing the arrival of Christian ministers from across Taraba State as the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Taraba State Chapter, puts final arrangements in place for its three-day Ministers’ Conference.

About 850 ministers are expected from the sixteen Local Government Areas and two Development Areas, with participants already arriving and registering ahead of the conference, which begins tomorrow in Jalingo.

Themed “The Church and the State: Partners in God’s Plan in a Changing World,” the conference is designed to provide a platform for Christian leaders to examine their role in promoting unity, reconciliation and development in the state.

Chairman of the Central Working Committee, Bishop Dr. Innocent Solomon, says the gathering is a strategic moment for the Christian community, bringing leaders together for fellowship, reflection, dialogue and capacity building.

He says the conference will focus on strengthening relationships within the body of Christ, encouraging collaborative leadership and inspiring Christian leaders to contribute meaningfully to the development of Taraba State.

The conference is expected to attract prominent Christian leaders and public figures, including Governor Agbu Kefas, former Cross River State Governor Donald Duke, former CAN President Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, Archbishop Benjamin Kwashi, Archbishop Ignatius Ayau Kaigama and Bishop David Abioye.

As registration continues and ministers arrive from different parts of the state, the conference is expected to provide a meeting point for faith, leadership and constructive engagement on the future of the Church and Taraba State.

Justice Audu Emmanuel Dodo Rtd. Welcomes Planned Restructuring of CAN Secretariat

By Nformi Desmond

Justice Audu Emmanuel Dodo Rtd., Tii Ichen Chiefdom, Kurmi Local Government Area, has welcomed plans to restructure the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Taraba State Chapter Secretariat in Jalingo.

Justice Dodo said the restructuring would provide a more befitting and modern facility for Christian activities in the state.

He said having visited other parts of the country and seen well-developed CAN secretariats, he was optimistic that the proposed restructuring would give Taraba Christians a facility that reflects the unity, strength and dignity of the Church.

He stressed that the initiative goes beyond physical development, noting that a modern CAN Secretariat would provide an enabling environment for fellowship, leadership, dialogue and service.

Justice Dodo also expressed support for the proposed construction of the ultra-modern Christian Centre in Jalingo, urging Christians and other stakeholders to support the project.

He prayed for God's guidance, provision and wisdom for the CAN leadership and everyone involved in the projects, expressing confidence that the initiatives would be successfully delivered.

CAN Taraba Holds Three-Day Ministers’ Conference, Plans ₦10bn Christian Centre Launch

By Nformi Desmond

The Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Taraba State Chapter, will hold a three-day Ministers of the Gospel Conference from Tuesday, August 18 to Thursday, August 20, 2026.

The conference, with the theme, “The Roles of the Church and the State in Advancing God’s Purpose in a Changing World,” will take place at the CAN Secretariat along FGGC Road, Jalingo, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily.

Governor Agbu Kefas is expected to attend as Special Guest of Honour, while former CAN President, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, is the Guest Speaker.

Other speakers include former Cross River State Governor, Donald Duke; former CAN Vice President, Rev. Dr. Caleb Ahima; Anglican Archbishop of Jos Province, Benjamin Kwashi; and Catholic Archbishop of the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Abuja, His Grace Ignatius Ayau Kaigama.

CAN says about 850 participants from the 16 local government areas and the two special development areas are expected at the conference.

The organisers say the programme is designed to promote fellowship, reflection, dialogue and capacity building on the role of the Church and the State in advancing God’s purpose in a changing society.

The conference will climax on Friday, August 21, with the launch of ₦10 billion for the construction of an ultra-modern Christian Centre in Jalingo.

The launch will be chaired by the Speaker of the Taraba State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. John Kizito Bonzena.

Chief Niyi Adekoya is the Chief Launcher, while Chief Ayo Otulayo will serve as Deputy Chief Launcher.

The announcement was contained in a press release signed by the Planning Committee of CAN Taraba State Chapter.