Northern Christian Unity Key to Progress, Hayab Declares

By Mayen Etim, Kaduna

Chairman of the Northern Christian Association (NCA), Rev. Joseph John Hayab, has called for greater unity among Christians in Northern Nigeria, warning that divisions within the Church could undermine efforts to address the challenges facing the region and the nation.

Hayab made the call on Tuesday while receiving a delegation of the Charismatic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), Kaduna State Chapter, led by its National Coordinator, Archbishop Dr. James Francis, during a solidarity visit in Kaduna.

He stressed that unity among Christians had become imperative, noting that the effectiveness of the Church depends not on the size of individual denominations but on the ability of believers to work together in pursuit of shared objectives.

According to him, a united Christian community would be better positioned to promote peace, justice and national development.

“Northern Christians cannot afford to be divided. If we are united in purpose and vision, our collective voice will become a powerful force for peace, justice and national transformation,” Hayab said.

The NCA chairman noted that the challenges confronting Northern Nigeria and the country at large require stronger collaboration among churches, Christian leaders and faith-based organisations.

He urged Christians to set aside denominational differences and focus on initiatives that advance the welfare of the people.

Hayab also emphasized the need for the Church to continue providing moral leadership while actively promoting peace, reconciliation, social justice and national cohesion.

He commended the visiting bishops for the solidarity visit, describing it as a reflection of the growing commitment among Christian leaders to strengthen relationships and foster unity within the Christian faith.

Earlier, Archbishop Francis said the delegation visited Hayab to commend his contributions to Christianity and society, particularly his efforts in promoting unity and amplifying the voice of Christians across Northern Nigeria.

“We came today to pay our solidarity visit to our leader, our father, the Chairman of the Northern Christian Association, because of his tremendous achievements and his impact in the lives of Christians in the North,” Francis said.

He explained that members of the delegation were drawn from different denominations under the umbrella of the Charismatic Bishops Conference, demonstrating broad support for Hayab’s leadership.

Francis further pledged the conference’s readiness to collaborate with the NCA on initiatives aimed at strengthening the Church and contributing to societal development.

“We expect partnership, we expect loyalty, more loyalty to our leader, and we expect progress. We believe that by working together, we can achieve more for Christians and for the nation,” he added.