CAN at 50 Honours Papa Oshoffa With Father of Faith Award

Good news for Celestians everywhere. As the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) marked its golden jubilee in Abuja, the founder of the Celestial Church of Christ, Saint Samuel Bilewu Joseph Oshoffa, was honoured posthumously with CAN's Father of Faith Award.

According to a report from the CCC Worldwide media and publicity office, the award recognises Papa Oshoffa's enduring legacy and his contributions to the Christian faith. National papers including The Guardian, Punch and ThisDay covered the anniversary celebration, held at the National Christian Centre, Abuja, on Saturday, October 17, 2026, with First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu as special guest of honour.

What we know so far:
- The award was received on the founder's behalf by AVSE Kayode Ajala, Head of Media and Publicity, CCC Worldwide, alongside other church representatives.
- Other honourees at the jubilee included General Yakubu Gowon, Olusegun Obasanjo, Goodluck Jonathan and Yemi Osinbajo, who received the Pillar of Faith Award.
- The honour came the same weekend the church had scheduled the 41st remembrance service for the founder at Imeko.

Nearly eight decades after the church began in Porto-Novo in 1947, it is a joy to see Papa Oshoffa's place in Nigeria's Christian history recognised on such a national stage.

Over to you:
- What part of Papa Oshoffa's legacy means the most to you?
- How is your parish celebrating the founder's memory this season?

Sources: The CCC Worldwide (thecccworldwide.net), The Guardian Nigeria, Punch, ThisDay.
Photo: The CCC Worldwide (thecccworldwide.net).