By Our Correspondent
Senator Philip Aruwa Gyunka has received the Ambassador for Christ Award from the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in recognition of his commitment to the service of God and contributions to the Christian community.
Gyunka, who represented Nasarawa North Senatorial District in the 8th Senate, was among prominent Nigerians honoured at CAN’s Golden Jubilee celebration in Abuja.
Speaking with journalists, the former lawmaker, who recently received the Mada National Merit Award from the Mada Development Association, expressed delight at the recognition by the apex Christian body.
He dedicated the award to God and all those who had contributed to the spread of the gospel over the years, urging Christians to remain steadfast in God’s service, with the assurance that no labour would go unrewarded.
Commenting on the anniversary theme, “Walking Together in Faith,” Gyunka, who currently serves as Chairman of the Campaign Council for A.A. Sule’s senatorial bid, called for unity among Christians, irrespective of doctrinal differences.
He described the award as an honour and recognition of efforts to advance the Kingdom of God on earth.
“We will continue to stand firm in what we believe in, and we will not relent in speaking against anything that would bring ridicule or put undue pressure on the body of Christ,” he said.
Gyunka recalled his involvement in efforts to defend the Christian faith during controversies surrounding the taxation of religious organisations under the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA).
“I remember how some of us stood firm back then in defence of the faith during issues relating to religious bodies paying tax under the CAMA Act.
“About 12 of us, called the 12 disciples, came together with Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama (SAN) as our chairman to defend the faith. To the glory of God, that case was settled,” he said.
The former lawmaker also commended CAN for the diversity of its Golden Jubilee awards, noting that the association recognised not only prominent Christian leaders but also other Nigerians who had contributed to the advancement of the gospel.
He specifically mentioned the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, and state governors among those honoured.
“The diversity in the nature of awards given by CAN to celebrate those who have contributed in one way or another to the advancement of the gospel of Christ is highly commendable,” he said.
Gyunka further praised the unity among the different blocs within CAN and urged Christians to avoid divisions in the church.
In his homily at the award service, CAN Vice President, Rev. Dr. Stephen Panya Baba, said the anniversary theme underscored the need for Christians to work together despite their differences.
Drawing his reflection from Ephesians 4:4-6, Baba said it was God’s will for Christians to remain united under all circumstances.
He stressed the importance of promoting justice, equity and fairness within the body of Christ.
The cleric acknowledged that CAN’s 50-year journey had not been without challenges, citing internal disputes, interreligious tensions, public criticism and misinformation.
He, however, noted that the association had continued to grow stronger despite the difficulties.
“Let us look to the future with the belief that God’s plan for Nigeria is for good,” he said.
CAN was established in August 1976 by church leaders who saw the need for a united Christian body in Nigeria.
The association comprises several blocs, including the Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN), TEKAN/ECWA, the Christian Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria/Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (CPFN/PFN) and the Organisation of African Instituted Churches (OAIC), among others.
