By NEXTER
The remains of the pioneer Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Nasarawa State, Rev. Andarawus Auta (Rtd), was laid to rest on Sunday in Lafia, the state capital, amidst eulogies and tears from family , friends and well wishers.
The deceased who served as the Nasarawa State CAN Chairman from 1996-1998, died at the age of 97 after a protracted illness.
Born May 15, 1927, Auta died on April 11, 2025 in a Jos hospital, Plateau State.
Speaking during a church service at the First Baptist Church Lafia, Rev. Israel Akanji, President of Nigeria Baptist Convention, described the deceased as a hero of the church.
According to him, the deceased brought the Baptist Church to Nasarawa State and had established over 60 branches with many associations, among others.
He said there is no Reverend or Pastor of the denomination in Northern Nigeria that had contributed and established the number of churches like the deceased.
Akanji further said that just like it happened in the days of old, God Almighty would raise someone who would replace the deceased to continue to win souls for Him.
He called on the children of the deceased and the younger generation in the church to emulate the legacies that he left behind.
Also speaking, His Grace, Most Rev. President, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Daniel Okoh, who was represented by the association’s vice president, Dr Rev. Caleb Ahima, extended his condolences to the immediate family of the deceased and the entire Christians in the state for the loss.
“As the first CAN Chairman, he was a great blessing to the entire Christian community in the state and the country,” Okoh stressed.
Gov. Abdullahi Sule, represented by his deputy, Dr Emmanuel Akabe, said the deceased was among those who laid the foundation of peaceful coexistence and religious tolerance in the state.
The governor said that the state and the Christian community had indeed lost a revered patriot who had worked hard to unite the state and win souls for Christ.
He added that the state is rather celebrating the life and time of the clergy because of the positive legacies he had left behind.
“The deceased had lived a life of service to God and humanity and had continued to play a significant role to ensure that no religious crisis is experienced in the state,” Gov. Sule added.
In his goodwill message, Rt. Rev. Godwin Robinson, Bishop, Anglican Diocese of Lafia, said that the pioneer CAN Chairman had lived beyond every barrier.
He added that the deceased had related with everybody without any restrictions on account of religion, or tribe and urged everyone to emulate him so as to make the world a better place for all to live in peace.
