By SN24.com 
By Peter Akpah.
Delegates of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) touched down in Plateau State on Monday, 17 November 2025, ahead of the association’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting slated to commence on Tuesday, 18 November 2025. The delegation was received at Yakubu Gowon Airport, Jos, by Hon. Istifanus Mwansat, Special Adviser to Governor Caleb Mutfwang on Policy and Governance, who represented Secretary to the State Government Arc. Samuel Jatau on the governor’s behalf. Also present were Plateau State CAN Chairman Rev. Dr. Dunka Gomwalk, Special Adviser on Religious Affairs Rev. Dr. Stephen Dang Gana and other senior government officials.
Speaking on arrival, CAN Vice‑President Rev. Dr. Stephen Baba Panya said the choice of Plateau for the NEC was inspired by the state’s strong Christian heritage and renowned 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, adding that the delegation had come “to pray for Plateau—to plead with God for the peace, prosperity and progress of this state” 
The delegates were later taken on a tour of the Ten Commandments Prayer Ground, a site originally conceived by former Governor Jonah David Jang and recently expanded. Special Adviser Yilchap Abraham explained that the main auditorium, which seats 5,800, has been enlarged with additional wings of 1,200 and 1,000 seats, bringing total capacity to nearly 8,000. The VIP and ministers’ platforms have also been upgraded in preparation for the upcoming Plateau Unity Christmas Festival, billed as one of Nigeria’s largest state‑hosted Christian praise gatherings. “There is no politics here—only Christ and worship. All tribes and political affiliations dissolve in worship,” Abraham said.
CAN President Archbishop Daniel Oko (referred to in the arrival remarks as Archbishop Daniel O’Call) described Plateau as both the “Home of Peace and Tourism” and the “Home of Hospitality,” thanking the state government for the warm reception. He noted that the meeting, originally scheduled for May, was postponed following the death of the state CAN chairman, and expressed hope that the gathering would usher in lasting peace for Plateau.
Welcoming the national delegation, Plateau CAN Chairman Rev. Dr. Dunka Gomwalk called the visit a divine blessing at a critical moment for the state. “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, expressing confidence that the aftermath of the meeting would bring greater stability and peace.
The delegation was also received by the Plateau State Advisory Council on Inter‑Religious Harmony. Co‑chair Rev. Pandam Yamsat, former President of COCIN, highlighted 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 leads Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) in Plateau, was represented and conveyed goodwill messages on behalf of the Muslim community.
The NEC meeting, the fourth quarterly session of CAN’s Executive Council, is being held outside Abuja to keep the leadership connected to grassroots Christians. Participants expect a message of hope and solidarity as Nigeria navigates a period of difficulty, with prayers focused on peace, prosperity and progress for Plateau and the nation at large.
The Christian Association of Nigeria, established in 1976, represents the interests of Christians across the country and plays a prominent role in advocating for religious freedom and social justice. The upcoming NEC in Plateau is expected to set the agenda for the association’s activities for the remainder of 2025 and into 2026.