Northern CAN Chair warns against complacency as Kaduna Baptist Conference ordains 37 Pastors
By Austine Agbo Emmanuel, Kaduna
Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory, Reverend John Joseph Hayab, has called on government and security agencies to sustain momentum in the fight against banditry and kidnapping, cautioning that Nigeria cannot afford to regress after recent gains in restoring peace.
Speaking at the ordination of 37 pastors by the Kaduna Baptist Conference over the weekend, Hayab observed that Kaduna State has experienced notable improvements in security over the last two years, with no incidents of clerics being abducted.
He, however, noted that recent cases in Kauru and Kudan local government areas underscore the need for continued vigilance.
“Our prayer is that insecurity has changed its face in Kaduna State,” Hayab stated. “We believe that none of these newly ordained pastors will be kidnapped, but government must not go to sleep until the last bandit is arrested.
“Security of lives and property remains the primary responsibility of government, and while we commend the governor and security agencies, we encourage them to intensify their efforts until violence, kidnapping and killings are completely wiped out.”
Addressing the new ministers, Hayab stressed that Nigeria’s moral and political renewal depends on bold preaching and encouraged them to speak against wrongdoing with courage, drawing inspiration from biblical figures.
“Go and preach liberation for souls, justice among men, righteousness in the nation. If our pastors preach truth and rebuke sin like Nathan rebuked David, society will raise leaders who will not misbehave in public office,” he said.
Reverend Yusuf Gwadah, Chairman of the Nigerian Baptist Convention, described the ordination as “a unique success,” while Reverend Ishaya Adamu Jangado, President of the Baptist Conference, explained that ordination grants full ministerial authority, though its greatest mandate remains preaching salvation that transforms communities.
Similarly, Acting President of the Baptist Theological Seminary Kaduna, Reverend Dr. Manasseh Haruna Panpe, reminded the new ministers that they are “ambassadors of Christ” and must serve with patience and integrity in a country yearning for moral renewal.
Reverend Job Olatunbosun Yusuf of Calvary Baptist Church, Samaru-Zaria, speaking on behalf of the newly ordained pastors, echoed the call for integrity. “We are called to lead society, not follow it into corruption. Even if government is not doing the right thing, ministers of the gospel must speak the truth,” he declared.
The event, which drew hundreds of worshippers and church leaders, culminated in the laying on of hands, symbolically commissioning the 37 pastors into full-time ministry with a solemn charge to defend truth, uphold justice, and contribute to national rebirth.