The Youth Wing of the Christian Association of Nigeria has debunked speculations suggesting that the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu’s donation of seven hybrid CNG 18-seater buses to the group was politically motivated or linked to the 2027 general elections.
YOWICAN’s National Chairman, Ambassador Belusochukwu Michael Enwere, made the clarification at the weekend during the association’s National Convention and official presentation of the hybrid buses at the National Christian Centre, Abuja.
The event brought together Christian leaders and youth delegates from the six geopolitical zones of the country. It also featured goodwill messages from the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, represented by the General Secretary, Apostle (Prof.) Samson Fatokun, and from the National Chaplain of the National Ecumenical Centre, Rev. Ini Ukpuho.
Ambassador Enwere explained that the First Lady’s donation was a gesture of goodwill aimed at promoting evangelism, empowering Christian youths, and supporting community development initiatives across the nation.
“It is very important to note that these buses were not donated with any political intent or in connection with elections. That was never the donor’s intention. Her Excellency made it clear that the purpose is to spread the gospel and make our work easier in our various zones, states, and communities, and that is exactly what we are doing,” he said.
According to him, one bus will serve the national secretariat while the remaining six have been allocated to YOWICAN’s zonal offices to enhance mobility and facilitate missionary activities across the country.
“These buses are in good hands within the zonal structures. Each zone will ensure proper use and maintenance. The CNG buses are cost-effective and easy to use. If you don’t want to use petrol, you can use CNG, which is very affordable. You can fill up for not more than N3,000 or N4,000 and it will last up to seven hours,” he assured.
While appreciating the First Lady for her generosity and vision, Enwere seized the opportunity to decry the continued attacks on Christians in parts of Northern Nigeria, calling for decisive government action.
“The continued killings of Christians, particularly in Northern Nigeria, is a sombre reality that demands our collective attention and action.
“We call on the government at all levels to intensify efforts to secure lives and property, bring perpetrators to justice, and ensure every Nigerian can worship freely without fear,” he said.
He further expressed gratitude to Senator Oluremi Tinubu for her benevolence and to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for promoting the use of CNG vehicles as part of the federal government’s energy transition initiative.
In his keynote address, Enwere described the National Convention as a moral awakening for Christian youths to live as examples of righteousness and hope in a troubled society.
“Our theme, ‘Shine Bright: Reflecting God’s Glory,’ drawn from Matthew 5:16, reminds us that shining bright is not merely an aspiration but a divine mandate. In a world shrouded in darkness, we are called to be vessels of divine light that illuminate paths and draw souls to the glory of God,” he said.
He also encouraged the youths to remain steadfast in their faith, emphasizing forgiveness and love over vengeance.
“We must resist the temptation of vengeance and live out the love and forgiveness taught by our Lord Jesus Christ,” he added.
Representing the CAN President, Apostle (Prof.) Samson Fatokun urged young Christians to uphold holiness and diligence as essential principles of faith.
“Without holiness, we cannot go anywhere. Holiness without hard work is daunting, and hard work without holiness is laziness.
“Grace must not be abused. If you abuse grace, grace will abuse you; if you disgrace grace, grace will disgrace you; but if you grace grace, grace will grace you,” he said.
Similarly, National Chaplain of the National Ecumenical Centre, Rev. Ini Ukpuho, drew from Jeremiah 1:6 and 1 Timothy 4:12 to remind the youths never to let anyone despise their youth but to be examples in faith, purity, and speech.
The convention concluded with thanksgiving prayers and the formal handover of the seven hybrid CNG buses to YOWICAN’s national and zonal chapters.
