Eulogies, tears as Nasarawa’s pioneer CAN Chairman laid to rest
By Faith AM
The remains of the Nasarawa State pioneer Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) 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 had served as the Nasarawa State CAN Chairman from 1996-1998, died at the age of 97 after a protracted illness.
Born May 15, 1927, died on April 11, 2025 in a hospital in Jos, Plateau State.
Speaking at the church service at the First Baptist Church Lafia, President of Nigeria Baptist Convention, Rev. Israel Akanji described the deceased as a hero to the church.
He said the deceased was the one who brought the Baptist Church to the present Nasarawa State and had established over 60 branches with many associations, among others.
Reverend Akanji further emphasised that best on record before the church, there is no Reverend or Pastor of the denomination in Northern Nigeria that had contributed and established the number of churches like late Reverend AA Auta.
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 just as he called on the children of the deceased and the younger generation in the church to emulate the legacies that the deceased left behind.
Also, His Grace, Most Rev. President, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Daniel Okoh, said the Christian community was grateful for the well-spent life of the deceased.
The CAN President is represented by the Vice President of CAN, Dr. Stephen Baba-Panya 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 State and the entire Christian community in the State and the country”, according to Okoh.
Gov. Abdullahi Sule, represented by his deputy Dr Emmanuel Akabe, described the deceased as 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 lives and times 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 because of domination, religion, or tribe and urged everyone to emulate him to make the world a better place for all to live in peace.
