₦airaland Forum

The Christian Association of Nigeria has urged the House Committee on Aviation and Legislative Compliance to ensure a transparent and impartial investigation into the granting of an airstrip licence to the Living Faith Church Headquarters, popularly known as Canaanland, in Ota, Ogun State.

Recall that in October, the Minister for Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, had announced the granting of the License to the Living Faith Church for the construction of an airstrip.

Keyamo said the airstrip would be managed by the Federal Government through the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, following concerns among members of the House of Representatives, who advocated for the revocation of airstrip licenses issued to certain individuals and private organisations, citing security reasons.

In a statement on Saturday, the CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, acknowledged the lawmakers’ concerns regarding security and misuse of the airstrips, noting that the church adhered to all legal requirements in securing the license.

He urged the lawmakers to refrain from associating the church with potential illegal activities without substantiating the claims, adding that the church was committed to legality and transparency.

Okoh called on stakeholders to engage in constructive dialogue, noting that the situation presented an opportunity to strengthen the trust between religious organisations and the state and that CAN was ready to support efforts to strengthen national security and uphold the rights and freedom of religious institutions.

Part of the statement reads, “The recent government decision to grant a licence for the construction of an airstrip at the Living Faith Church headquarters in Ota, Ogun State, has drawn significant attention and concern from some members of the House of Representatives. These concerns primarily revolve around national security and the potential misuse of private airstrips”.

“As the House Committees on Aviation and Legislative Compliance undertake their investigation, it is imperative that this process remains transparent and impartial. To prematurely associate the church with potential illegal activities, without substantive evidence, risks undermining the integrity of both religious institutions and regulatory bodies. The church stands firm on its commitment to legality and transparency”.

“We urge the lawmakers to consider the broader implications of their actions and rhetoric, ensuring that religious undertones do not cloud objective judgment. The church has always been a stronghold for peace, development, and community service. It is essential to recognise that revoking the licence without substantial evidence could unjustly undermine the rights of religious organisations and set a troubling precedent for future cases. Demonising its efforts without just cause does a disservice not only to the church but to the principles of justice and fairness that bind our nation”.

“As we await the outcome of the investigation, we call on all stakeholders to engage in constructive dialogue and cooperation. Let this be an opportunity to strengthen, rather than fracture, the trust between religious communities and the state.

“The Christian Association of Nigeria stands ready to support measures that enhance national security while upholding the rights and freedoms of religious institutions”.

Administration1:
Is this really necessary at this point in this country

Stilloracle:
It is not sensible to grant airstrip license to Oyedepo. That man is a risk . He hates other religions and he's always involved in politics.
Such person airstrip can be used for illegal activities

Stilloracle:
It is not sensible to grant airstrip license to Oyedepo. That man is a risk . He hates other religions and he's always involved in politics.
Such person airstrip can be used for illegal activities

NADFOR:
Trash

epainos:
Religion is one of the most powerful weapons used to control the human race. Nigeria, as a multi-religious state, is an important country in the world. Just look at how this issue has gained popularity because Muslims are upset that a Christian leader has been given this opportunity. They even ruined their own chance by citing terrorism. They raised an unnecessary panicking caution while attempting to block a Christian leader, which has an even greater impact on them. When an Islamic religious leader applies for the same, they will be scrutinised 1000 times more than Oyedepo is. This is how we drag out issues for so long. This is exactly what Udume wants in the tax debate. To continue dragging it within themselves for no reason. Lol. When madness reigns, disgusting people believe they are in control. Lol.

Nigeria will face significant challenges in making progress. Multi-religion, culture, and language are supposed to be our strengths, but they are actually our greatest weaknesses.

But I remain hopeful that a new breed of leadership will emerge and take advantage of all of the opportunities presented by multi-religion, culture, and language, allowing us to significantly reduce our weaknesses. I believe that things will change, beginning with greater transparency in INEC, the body in charge of Nigerian elections. First, we must remove the president's authority to choose its leader. I believe the US style is preferable, in which there are six leaders with equal power and each party has a maximum of two members. This is exactly what we need in Nigeria.

Stilloracle:
It is not sensible to grant airstrip license to Oyedepo. That man is a risk . He hates other religions and he's always involved in politics.
Such person airstrip can be used for illegal activities

HeroicMeastro:
Would you have written all these grammer if the FG had given an Imam such approval in the first place?
Stop this hypocrisy!!

Stilloracle:
It is not sensible to grant airstrip license to Oyedepo. That man is a risk . He hates other religions and he's always involved in politics.
Such person airstrip can be used for illegal activities

Lithiumite:
I was born a Christian but this attempt to grant private airstrips to private individuals is absolutely unacceptable..... everyone would then start applying for one and this Can pose huge existential threath to the peace and security of this nation.....it's a no no!!

Administration1:
Is this really necessary at this point in this country