Christian Council of Nigeria

Christian Council of Nigeria
AbbreviationCCN
Formation1929 (as Missionary Association)
1930 (as Christian Council of Nigeria)
Founded atIbadan / Lagos, Nigeria
TypeEcumenical organisation
HeadquartersNigeria
Region served
Nigeria
MembersVarious Protestant and African-initiated churches
Most Rev. Dr David O. Chikezie Onuoha
Rt. Rev. M. Evans Onyemara Ph.D.
AffiliationsChristian Association of Nigeria (one of five blocs)
World Council of Churches
Websiteccnnigeria.org.ng

The Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN) is the pioneer ecumenical body in Nigeria that serves as a fellowship of churches committed to promoting Christian unity, social justice, and upholding Christian values.[1][2] It is one of the five blocs that constitute the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).[3][4][5]

History

The Christian Council of Nigeria traces its origins to November 1929, when a small group of missionaries in southern Nigeria held an informal meeting in Ibadan to discuss the implications of a new Educational law that sought to separate religion from education.[6][7][8] This gathering involved representatives from mainland Protestant churches.[9][10]

The success of their collaborative efforts in education encouraged the missionaries to formalise their association.[10][11] In March 1930, a meeting was held in Lagos where a constitution was adopted, and the organisation was officially named the Christian Council of Nigeria.[6][7] Early efforts were made to include the Roman Catholic Church, but it did not join, viewing the CCN as a Protestant initiative.[7]

For the first dozen years, leadership was primarily in the hands of missionaries.[7] Over time, the CCN evolved from focusing mainly on educational issues to addressing broader matters affecting the lives of Nigerians, including social justice, peace, and national development.[12][2][13][14] It has since become the central ecumenical body for traditional Protestant and many African-initiated churches in Nigeria.[6][9][10]

The CCN is affiliated with the World Council of Churches.[15][16][17]

Activities

The CCN engages in advocacy for peace, equity, and social justice.[18][1] It organises seminars, workshops, and empowerment programmes, establishes peace centres, and collaborates with other religious groups and government bodies on issues of national concern, including responses to violence and insecurity affecting Christian communities.[19][20][21][22][23][24]

It also maintains specialised wings for women and youth.[25]

Membership

CCN comprises various Protestant, mainline, and African-initiated churches. Member churches include:[9]

It does not include the Catholic Church or most Pentecostal churches, which belong to other blocs in CAN.[3]

Structure and governance

The Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN) comprises national, state and local government levels, each with its own leadership.

At the national level, CCN is headed by the National Executive Council and the Governing Board.[26] The National Executive Council consists of the President, Vice President, General Secretary, Treasurer, and legal adviser.[27]

CCN Governing Board comprises representatives from member churches and organisations.[28] They have a regular tri-annual General Assembly.[29]

The state chapters are led by a chairman and composed of appointed and elected officers, such as the state directors and local government chairmen within the state. CCN also has a women and youth wing.[25][30][31]

Leadership

The leadership of the Christian Council of Nigeria consists of a President, Vice President, General Secretary and other officers elected or appointed from among its member churches. According to the latest available information, the president is Most Rev. Dr David O. Chikezie Onuoha, and the general secretary is Rt. Rev. M. Evans Onyemara, Ph.D., of the Methodist Church of Nigeria.[32]

Past General Secretaries

# Name Denomination Years
1The Rev. Theophilus A. AdejumobiNigerian Baptist Convention1962 – 1967
2Rt. Rev. John I. A. FalopeChurch of Nigeria (Anglican Communion)1967 – 1970
3Mr. Charles Obasola Olawale WilliamsMethodist Church Nigeria1970 – 1999
4Most Rev. Ubon Bassey UsungPresbyterian Church of Nigeria1999 – 2004
5Rev. Barr. Ikechukwu OkoriePresbyterian Church of Nigeria2004 – 2007
6Rev. Barr. Obafemi Ogbe (Acting)Church of the Lord (Aladura)2007 – 2010
7Rev. (Dr.) Yusuf Ibrahim WushishiNigerian Baptist Convention2010 – 2019
8Very Rev. M. Evans Onyemara Ph.D.Methodist Church Nigeria2019 – Till Date

Past Presidents

# Name Denomination Years
1Rev’d N.O. Dada, O.B.F.Methodist Church Nigeria1951 – 1953
2Rt. Rev’d S.O. Odutola, O.B.E., M.A., Dip. Th., D.D.Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion)1958 – 1960
3Dr. G.R. Ademola, M.B., B.S.D.P.H.Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion)1960 – 1962
4Sir. Louis Mbanefo, M.A., LlnChurch of Nigeria (Anglican Communion)1964 – 1970
5Chief S.J. MariereChurch of Nigeria (Anglican Communion)Dec 1970 – May 1971
6Rev’d Dr. E.A. Dahunsi, B.Sc., B.D. Th.D.Nigerian Baptist Convention1971 – 1973
7Rt. Rev’d F.O. SegunChurch of Nigeria (Anglican Communion)1973 – 1976
8Elder N.U. Akpan O.F.R.Presbyterian Church of Nigeria1976 – 1979
9Hon. Justice J.A. AdefarasinChurch of Nigeria (Anglican Communion)1979 – 1982
10Hon. Mr. Justice J.H. DanduaraChurch of Nigeria (Anglican Communion)1982 – 1985
11Barr. F.O. Ihenacho C.F.R., C.M.G., M.A.Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion)1985 – 1987
12Chief Ade Akomolafe, B.A., Dip. Ed, J.P. (Acting President)Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion)1987 – 1989
13Chief Ade Akomolafe, B.A., Dip. Ed, J.P. (President)Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion)1991 – 1992
14Rev’d Luther D. Cishak, B.A.COCIN1992 – 1996
15Rt. Rev’d C.C. Anyanwu M.A. Dip. Th., D.R.S.Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion)1996 – 1998
16Rev’d Dr. S.A. Faleye M.A. Ph.D.Nigerian Baptist Convention1998 – 2001
17Most Rev’d Dr. Josiah Idowu FearonChurch of Nigeria (Anglican Communion)2001 – 2004
18Most Rev’d Dr. Rogers UwadiMethodist Church Nigeria2004 – 2010
19The Most Rev’d Emmanuel J. UdofiaThe African Church of Nigeria2010 – 2016
20Most Rev. Dr. Benebo Fubara Fubara ManuelPresbyterian Church of Nigeria2016 – 2022


Relationship with Christian Association of Nigeria

The CCN forms the mainline Protestant bloc within the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), founded in 1976.[27] The other blocs are the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, the Organisation of African Instituted Churches, and the Evangelical Church Winning All / Fellowship of Churches of Christ in Nigeria.[3]

See also

References

  1. 1 2 "Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN) – Unity, Faith & Advocacy". Christian Council of Nigeria. Retrieved 2026-04-11.
  2. 1 2 Udofia, Emmanuel (April 13, 2015). "CCN STATEMENT ON THE 2015 NIGERIAN GENERAL ELECTIONS" (PDF).
  3. 1 2 3 "Blocs". Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN). Retrieved 2026-04-11.
  4. ↑ "Constitution of Christian Association of Nigeria". www.scribd.com. Retrieved 2026-04-11.
  5. ↑ "Buhari congratulates Archbishop Onuoha, CCN's President-elect". Pulse Nigeria. 2022-11-26. Retrieved 2026-04-11.
  6. 1 2 3 "CHRISTIAN COUNCIL OF NIGERIA (CCN) @90: Towards a Single Theological-Voice". Deji Okegbile's Blog. 2019-11-29. Retrieved 2026-04-11.
  7. 1 2 3 4 "CANSA - Christian AssociAtion Of Nigeria - South Africa". cansaf.org. Retrieved 2026-04-11.
  8. ↑ Canada, Immigration and Refugee Board of (2002-02-07). "The involvement of the Nigerian YMCA in demonstrations or Christian/Muslim conflict in Nigeria and reported deaths of YMCA officials/members after 2000. [NGA38407.E]". www.ecoi.net. Retrieved 2026-04-11.
  9. 1 2 3 "Member Churches". Christian Council of Nigeria. Retrieved 2026-04-11.
  10. 1 2 3 Adetunbi, Moses (December 2024). "ECUMENICAL MOVEMENTS IN NIGERIA AND THE ROLE OF THE CHURCH OF NIGERIA (ANGLICAN COMMUNION) IN UPHOLDING UNITY". ACU Journal of Humanitied. 7 (2).
  11. ↑ Christiantopics (2024-12-10). "Project - Role of christian missionaries in shaping early formal education in Nigeria". Christian Theology Research Project Topics. Retrieved 2026-04-11.
  12. ↑ "Ministries & Programs". Christian Council of Nigeria. Retrieved 2026-04-11.
  13. ↑ "US Attack Threat: Christian Council urges Tinubu to end terror killings in Nigeria now". The Authority. Abuja, Nigeria. 2025-11-07. Retrieved 2026-04-11.
  14. ↑ "News". Christian Council of Nigeria. Retrieved 2026-04-11.
  15. ↑ "Nigeria | World Council of Churches". www.oikoumene.org. Retrieved 2026-04-11.
  16. ↑ "CCN working for responsible elections in Nigeria | World Council of Churches". www.oikoumene.org. Retrieved 2026-04-11.
  17. ↑ "WCC welcomes new members | World Council of Churches". www.oikoumene.org. Retrieved 2026-04-11.
  18. ↑ Emmason, Jerry (December 2025). "Christian Council Demands Accountability In New Tax Regime". Leadership.
  19. ↑ Oluwasakin, Vincent (2023). "THE CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA, VIOLENCE AND INSECURITY: RESPONSES FROM THE CHRISTIAN COUNCIL OF NIGERIA". Bulletin of Ecumenical Theology.
  20. ↑ Whistler, The (2025-11-22). "Nigerian Christian Council Bemoans Terrorist Attacks". The Whistler. Retrieved 2026-04-11.
  21. ↑ Asogwa, Nneka (March 30, 2026). "Plateau: Christian Youth Council Decries Fresh Killings, Demands Justice". The Whistler.
  22. ↑ "Events". Christian Council of Nigeria. Retrieved 2026-04-11.
  23. ↑ admin (2025-03-05). "JNI, CCN commend DGSS for hosting interfaith iftar to promote religious harmony". Christian Council of Nigeria. Retrieved 2026-04-11.
  24. ↑ Jeremiah, Urowayino (2022-06-18). "Religious leaders brainstorm on HIV treatment adherence". Vanguard News. Retrieved 2026-04-11.
  25. 1 2 "Youth Ministry". Christian Council of Nigeria. Retrieved 2026-04-11.
  26. ↑ "Leadership & Governance". Christian Council of Nigeria. Retrieved 2026-04-11.
  27. 1 2 "About CAN". Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN). Retrieved 2026-04-11.
  28. ↑ "Leadership & Governance". Christian Council of Nigeria. Retrieved 2026-04-11.
  29. ↑ Team, CAN Media (2025-11-26). "CAN President Calls for Justice, Security and Unity at CCN's 32nd Triennial General Assembly | Christian Association of Nigeria". Retrieved 2026-04-11.
  30. ↑ "NIGERIA: Women Wing of Christian Council Get EXCOs". www.mewc.org. Retrieved 2026-04-11.
  31. ↑ Newman, Eucharia (November 9, 2025). "YOWICCN's New President Promises To Unite Youths Across Denominations". The Whistler.
  32. ↑ "Leadership & Governance". Christian Council of Nigeria. Retrieved 2026-04-11.
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