KAIGAMA, ORITSEJAFOR, DUKE, OTHERS TO STORM JALINGO FOR THREE-DAY MINISTERS OF THE GOSPEL CONFERENCE
JALINGO — Jalingo, the Taraba State capital, is set to host some of Nigeria’s prominent Christian leaders, former political office holders and ministers of the Gospel as the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Taraba State Chapter, holds a three-day Ministers of the Gospel Conference.
The conference, scheduled to commence on Tuesday, August 18, and run through Thursday, August 20, 2026, is expected to bring together about 850 participants from the 16 local government areas of Taraba State and the two special development areas.
The event, themed “The Roles of the Church and the State in Advancing God’s Purpose in a Changing World,” will take place at the State CAN Secretariat along FGGC Road, Jalingo, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily.
Among the high-profile personalities expected at the conference are the Catholic Archbishop of the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Abuja, Most Rev. Ignatius Ayau Kaigama; former President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor; and former Governor of Cross River State, Donald Duke.
Other notable speakers expected to participate include former Vice President of CAN, Rev. Dr. Caleb Ahima; Anglican Archbishop of Jos Province, Most Rev. Benjamin Kwashi; and other prominent Christian leaders from across the country.
Taraba State Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas, is billed as the Special Guest of Honour, while Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor will serve as the Guest Speaker.
In a statement issued in Jalingo on Monday night, the Taraba State CAN Chairman, Very Rev. Fr. Williams Awoshiri, and Secretary, Rev. Dr. Nelson Duna, said the conference was designed to provide an avenue for Christian leaders and ministers across the state to fellowship, reflect, engage in dialogue and build capacity on the role of the Church and government in promoting God’s purpose in contemporary society.
The organisers said the gathering would also provide an opportunity for participants to examine the changing social environment and discuss practical ways through which the Church can contribute meaningfully to peace, development, good governance and the wellbeing of citizens.
₦10BN CHRISTIAN CENTRE PROJECT
The conference will culminate in a grand finale on Friday, August 21, 2026, which will feature the launching of a ₦10 billion fund for the construction of an Ultra-Modern Christian Centre in Jalingo.
The launching will be held under the distinguished chairmanship of the Speaker of the Taraba State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. John Kizito Bonzena.
Chief Niyi Adekoya is expected to serve as the Chief Launcher, while Chief Ayo Otuyalo will be the Deputy Chief Launcher.
The proposed Christian Centre is expected to serve as a major facility for Christian activities, conferences, training, fellowship and other programmes aimed at strengthening the Christian community in Taraba State.
The CAN leadership said the conference and the proposed centre were part of broader efforts to strengthen unity, collaboration and purposeful engagement among Christian leaders and communities across the state.
With the participation of prominent national Christian figures and former political leaders, the three-day gathering is expected to attract significant attention as stakeholders deliberate on the relationship between the Church and the State and their respective roles in shaping a peaceful and progressive society.
