CAN Rejoinder Unnecessary – Sultan’s Media Team

The Media Team of the Sultan of Sokoto has described as unnecessary the recent rejoinder issued by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) concerning the planned foundation ceremony of an ecumenical chapel at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

In a press release signed by Prince Bashir Adefaka on Sunday, April 19, 2026, the Media Team addressed CAN’s position that the document generating public confusion originated from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), and that it neither issued nor approved any invitation to the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, to participate in the event.

However, the Sultan’s Media Team maintained that an official invitation card was duly sent to His Eminence, requesting his attendance as Royal Father of the Day. The invitation also listed Senate President Godswill Akpabio as Distinguished Guest of Honour, and Oluremi Tinubu as Mother of the Day.

According to the statement, the event is to be hosted by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, with CAN President Daniel Okoh and Peter Ogunmiyiwa serving as RSVP and organising chairman, respectively.

The Media Team expressed concern over CAN’s denial of the invitation, describing the development as unnecessary, particularly as the Sultan did not seek an invitation to attend the event.

It emphasised that the Sultan’s presence at a Christian ceremony would foster inter-religious peace and harmony, noting his role as Co-Chairman of the Nigerian Inter-Religious Council (NIREC). The statement also referenced global examples of interfaith engagement, where religious leaders participate in activities outside their faith traditions without adverse consequences.

The Media Team urged CAN to focus its public communications on promoting peaceful coexistence among Nigerians of diverse religious and ethnic backgrounds.