The Youth Wing of the Christian Association of Nigeria (YOWICAN) has debunked claims suggesting that the recent donation of seven hybrid CNG 18-seater buses by Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, was politically motivated or linked to the 2027 general elections.
YOWICAN National Chairman, Ambassador Belusochukwu Michael Enwere, made the clarification over the weekend during the group’s National Convention and official presentation of the hybrid buses at the National Christian Centre, Abuja.
The event attracted Christian leaders and youth representatives from all six geopolitical zones of the country. It also featured goodwill messages from the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Archbishop Daniel Okoh, represented by the General Secretary, Apostle (Prof.) Samson Fatokun, and the National Chaplain of the National Ecumenical Centre, Rev. Ini Ukpuho.
Ambassador Enwere emphasized that the First Lady’s gesture was purely driven by her desire to support evangelism, youth empowerment, and community development, not politics.
“It is 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 across various zones, states, and communities — and that is exactly what we are doing,” Enwere stated.
He explained that the seven buses — one for the national secretariat and six for zonal offices — would significantly improve the mobility and outreach efforts of Christian youths across Nigeria.
“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 manage. You can fill up for as low as N3,000 to N4,000, and it will last up to seven hours,” he added.
While commending Senator Tinubu’s benevolence and vision, Enwere also raised concerns about the continued killings of Christians, especially in Northern Nigeria, calling on the government to act swiftly to protect lives and uphold justice.
“The persistent killings of Christians, particularly in Northern Nigeria, is a tragic reality that requires urgent attention. We call on all levels of government to intensify efforts to secure lives and property, ensure justice for victims, and guarantee freedom of worship for every Nigerian,” he said.
Delivering his keynote address, Enwere described the National Convention as a rallying call for Christian youths to become beacons of hope and moral integrity in today’s 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 covered in darkness, we must be vessels of light that illuminate paths and draw souls to God’s glory,” he said.
Enwere further urged youths to stay firm in their faith, avoid retaliation, and embrace love and forgiveness in line with the teachings of Jesus Christ.
“We must resist the temptation of vengeance and instead live out the love and forgiveness taught by our Lord Jesus Christ,” he advised.
Representing CAN President, Apostle (Prof.) Samson Fatokun, charged the youths to combine holiness with hard work, describing them as twin pillars of a productive Christian life.
“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.
In a related exhortation, Rev. Ini Ukpuho, National Chaplain of the National Ecumenical Centre, cited Jeremiah 1:6 and 1 Timothy 4:12, encouraging Christian youths not to let anyone despise their youth but to lead by example in speech, faith, and purity.
The convention concluded with prayers of thanksgiving and the formal handover of the seven hybrid CNG buses to the YOWICAN national and zonal chapters.
