President Bola Tinubu has assured Nigerians that the ongoing recalibration of the nation’s security architecture would soon yield results capable of restoring public confidence.

The President gave the assurance on Friday during a meeting with a delegation of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), led by its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, at his Lagos residence.

This is contained in a statement issued by Presidential Spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga.

Tinubu said his administration remained committed to security sector reforms, including the establishment of state and community policing to address emerging threats across the country.

“The mood of the nation is peaceful, although our ungoverned spaces are so large. The challenge is real, but we will surmount it,” the president said.

He called on religious leaders to support government efforts through cooperation, vigilance and prayers, noting that some security measures required time to mature.

“We are very religious. We are prayer warriors. We need your focus, vigilance and cooperation,”

The president said state and community police would become a reality once the National Assembly completed the required legislative processes.

“Community and State Police will be a reality once the National Assembly completes the required legislative inputs,” he said.

Tinubu explained that delays in acquiring military hardware were affecting public perception, noting that such equipment was expensive and not readily available.

“Military hardware is difficult to replace. It is expensive and not available off the shelf,”

He disclosed that Nigeria had ordered four attack helicopters from the United States, while also engaging Turkey for additional support.

“Our orders for four attack helicopters from the United States of America will take some time to arrive. We have approached Turkey for assistance,”

The president said the government remained resolute despite the guerrilla tactics of bandits and insurgents, stressing that restoring peace remained a top priority.

On the recent abduction and release of school children in Niger and Kebbi States, Tinubu urged vigilance, saying the safety of the victims was paramount.

“The rhetoric on how the children were released or what happened to the kidnappers is secondary; the end justifies the means,” he said.

Responding, CAN President, Okoh, assured Tinubu of the Christian community’s support for his administration.

“You are our President. The Church has no choice but to support you and your administration,” Okoh said.

He commended the administration’s efforts at improving security, noting that the 2025 Christmas season was notably peaceful.

“This Christmas happened to be the first in many years that we were not woken up by midnight calls reporting attacks on churches,” he said.

Okoh also praised Tinubu’s engagement with religious bodies, saying it had strengthened trust between the government and the Church.

“Your commitment has closed the gap between the government and the Church. This has never happened before,” he said.

The CAN President appealed for sustained engagement through CAN’s structures at the 774 local government areas and requested the release of funds to the Christian Pilgrims’ Board.

Other members of the delegation included Vice President of CAN, Rev. Dr Stephen Panya Baba; President, Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, Bishop Francis Wale Oke; and representatives of the Catholic, Methodist and African Instituted Churches.

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has expressed disapproval over the title of a new movie, ‘A Very Dirty Christmas’, describing it as offensive and a mockery of the Christian faith.

​In a statement signed by its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, on Wednesday in Abuja, the association maintained that the title diminishes the spiritual significance of the birth of Jesus Christ.

​CAN therefore calls on the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) to explain how the title was approved for public exhibition, particularly during the Christmas season.

​The association noted that Christmas represents purity, peace, love, and redemption, adding that linking such a holy celebration with the word ‘dirty’ reduces a solemn religious observance to something crude and sensational.

​According to the statement, while CAN respects creative freedom and artistic expression, such freedom must be exercised with responsibility and sensitivity in a religiously diverse society like Nigeria.

​”Creativity should build understanding and unity, not provoke or offend deeply held beliefs.

​”The association is concerned that a film bearing such a title passed through regulatory and professional channels without adequate scrutiny,” the statement read.

​CAN urged industry bodies, including the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) and other Nollywood stakeholders, to take a firm stand against the use of religious themes and symbols in ways that may offend faith communities.

​The body specifically called on the producer of the film, Ini Edo, to show sensitivity to the concerns raised by the Christian community.

​The association further demanded that the producers and promoters of the film reconsider the title of the movie, issue a public apology to the Christian community and ensure that religious symbols and sacred seasons are treated with dignity.

​”At a time when the nation is already facing serious moral and social challenges, actions that trivialise sacred values only deepen division and erode mutual respect.

​”CAN remains committed to peaceful engagement but will continue to speak out whenever the dignity of the Christian faith is undermined in the public space,” it said.

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) says it was welcoming for the United States (U.S) Government to decide to help Nigeria fight and end killings and insecurity in the country.

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has congratulated the Catholic Church on the election of Pope Leo XIV, highlighting the significance of his role in promoting moral leadership and interfaith harmony in a complex global landscape.

CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, in a statement on Friday, described the election as a moment of spiritual renewal not just for Catholics but for all people of faith. He expressed hope that the new Pope would continue fostering dialogue, inclusivity, and global peace.

“Pope Leo XIV’s emergence comes at a time when the world needs steady spiritual leadership. We pray for wisdom and strength as he takes up this sacred duty,” the statement read.

 Reports show that Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost of the U.S. was elected as the 267th pope, taking the papal name Pope Leo XIV.

The announcement was made from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, where Cardinal Dominique Mamberti declared “Habemus Papam” to the cheering crowds gathered in St. Peter’s Square.

Pope Leo XIV, aged 69, is the first American pope in history and a former Superior General of the Augustinians.

He succeeds Pope Francis, the 266th pontiff of the Catholic Church and the first from Latin America who died on April 21, at the age of 88.

Archbishop Daniel Okoh, President, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), has called on Nigerians to be the agents of positive change as the government works towards fixing the economy and other challenges faced by Nigerians.

Okoh made the call in his message to Christians as they mark the 2024 Palm Sunday.

He urged Nigerians to reflect on the humility of Jesus Christ as they observe Palm Sunday, while extending friendship to neighbours and showing kindness to the marginalised.

Highlighting the significance of Palm Sunday in the Christian faith and commemorating the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, Okoh encouraged Nigerians to reflect on the teachings of Christ during this holy season.

He said that reflecting on the teachings of Christ would guarantee the hope of emerging as a stronger and more united society.

The CAN President urged Nigerians, especially leaders, to reflect on Christ’s humility as depicted in his choice of a donkey for his entry into Jerusalem, instead of a war chariot.

“The Palm Sunday offers us a beacon of light and inspiration.

“The image of Jesus riding into Jerusalem on a donkey and being welcomed by crowds waving palm branches and laying their cloaks on the ground, serves as a reminder of humility for our leaders and the power of peace, collective faith for all citizens.

“In reflecting on the lessons of Palm Sunday for contemporary Nigerian society, we are called to emulate the virtue of unity, exemplified by Jesus Christ.

“Just as the people of Jerusalem set aside their differences to welcome the Prince of Peace, let us set aside our prejudices, grievances and animosities, to foster a spirit of harmony, reconciliation, and understanding among ourselves,” he said.

He, however, called on Nigerians to set aside their differences and work towards fostering harmony, reconciliation, and understanding in the nation.