The Kebbi State Chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has denied viral reports claiming it rejected a ₦30 million donation from the state government.
In a statement signed by CAN chairman in the state, Venerable Ayyuba Kanta, the association clarified that the fund was not a personal gift to any pastor but support for a two-day statewide Christian crusade.
“We wish to make it clear to the general public and the state government that the N30 million gift was in support of the Kebbi State Healing and Deliverance Crusade held in Birnin Kebbi. The event was jointly organised by the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) and the Kebbi State Chapter of CAN,” the statement read.
According to CAN, Pastor Dr Paul Enenche, who ministered during the crusade, has a personal policy of not accepting gifts at evangelical or charity events.
As a result, he recommended that the monies be used at the discretion of the state’s CAN leadership for developmental projects.
The association stated that the money has since been moved to the construction of a perimeter fence at the Christian cemetery, which was just approved by Governor Nasir Idris.
The association also conveyed its gratitude to Governor Idris for releasing the state stadium for the crusade, the Presidential Lodge banquet hall for the ministers’ conference, and permitting the distribution of palliatives to students and women throughout the event.
Reaffirming the good relationship between the Christian community and the Kebbi State Government, Kanta described Idris as “a jolly friend of all Christians and CAN leadership in the state”.