…Calls for Responsible Social Media Use
…Advocacte for the Church and State Governance
Emmanuel Awari-Jalingo
The Acting Secretary of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Taraba State Chapter, Rev. Dr. Phillip Micah Dopah, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to address Nigeria’s economic challenges and corruption, warning that a country with a high debt profile and widespread corruption is “a country without hope.”
Speaking at the year-end tenure and special award thanksgiving service held at the CAN Center in Jalingo, Dopah emphasized the need for a dependable economic team to formulate policies that can spur growth and alleviate the suffering of Nigerians.
“Our President should know that Nigerians are crying and suffering. There is hunger in the land, and the high cost of living is unbearable.
The fuel subsidy removal has taken a toll on many citizens,” Dopah said. He urged the president to take responsibility for his administration’s shortcomings and work towards ending bad governance.
Dopah also decried the frequent collapse of the national power grid, rising inequality, and the challenges faced by the poor. “The rich are getting richer, and the poor are getting poorer,” he lamented.
Advocacy for the Church and State Governance
The CAN official urged Christians to live as positive examples, serving as the “salt and light” of the world. He called on the Church to promote love, unity, and adherence to Christian values while condemning tribal sentiments and favoritism within Christian communities.
“We must stop tribal Christianity in the state. Some Christians, when they get appointments, only help those from their tribes or denominations,” he warned.
In his message, guest speaker Rev. Joseph Titus Nagombe emphasized gratitude and faith during challenging times, drawing from the theme “The Lord is Good All the Time” and referencing Psalms 100:5 and 34:8. Nagombe reminded Christians to rely on God and act neutrally, especially when in leadership positions.
Praise for Taraba Governor
Rev. Dopah commended Governor Agbu Kefas for his developmental efforts, including investments in education, security, and agriculture, as well as introducing a minimum wage of 70,000 Naira effective November 2024.
He highlighted initiatives like job creation and environmental sanitation programs, which he said were alleviating the suffering of women and youths.
However, Dopah pleaded with the state government to reconsider its stance on the charcoal trade, a livelihood for many struggling residents.
“Electricity is a problem, gas is too expensive, and petrol is beyond the reach of the common man. Charcoal, which is from God, has become a source of pain,” he said, urging a balance between regulating illegal activities and supporting legal businesses.
Calls for Responsible Social Media Use
Acting CAN Chairman Rev. Iro Moses Alyuda cautioned Christians against relying on unverified social media news, urging them to focus on promoting peace and practicing what they preach. “Social media is not where to solve problems; the Church is,” Alyuda said, adding that the upcoming CAN election would be peaceful.
The event celebrated unity, faith, and the contributions of key individuals to the Christian community while emphasizing the importance of love and collective progress.