A faithful Christian often represents “showers of blessing’.as rooted in biblical imagery of Ezekiel 34:26, where God promises sending rain as manifestation of abundant favour.
Also, believers who walk in obedience and love, are bound to record an overflow of God’s grace to refresh the world around them.
Just as physical rain revives dry and thirsty grounds, a devoted believer brings God’s peace, kindness, and hope to bear on weary environments.
God’s covenant in the scripture often states that He will make His people “a blessing” to their surrounding communities and families.
These uncommon attributes can be ascribed to the former General Secretary of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN ) Engr. Samuel Lando Sani Salifu, who celebrated his 80th birthday on Saturday, 22nd August, 2026.
Engr. Salifu’s faithfulness has birthed spiritual and virtuous fruits like love, joy, and goodness, proving that God’s nourishing grace has been active in his life.
The All Nations Christian Assembly, (ANCA) Sabon Tasha, Kaduna, North West Nigeria, venue of the celebration was filled to capacity by hundreds of Christian faithful including the clergy from different denominations, family members as well as friends from across religious divides .
Notable personalities in attendance included the Chairman, Northern Christian Association, Rev Joseph Hayab, ECWA General Secretary, Rev.Yunusa Nmadu, Director, Management Information Systems, Elder Olutomi Oloniyo, the Olimene Attah Igala and Onu Igala Community, Kaduna, Elder Chief Joseph Daikwo, General J.A. Iyodo, (rtd), Air Commodore Samuel Haruna (rtd), Barr. John Achimugu, Engr.Abdul Audu, Rev. Dr. Joe Onuche and Rev. Emmanuel Adaji. The former Governor Ahmed Makarfi and the President, Middle Belt Forum, Dr Bitrus Pogu were represented.
Choir groups made up of both the young and aged, from different denominations treated the assemblage with captivating songs compelling the celebrant and his special guests to take to the stage.
From L- R — Rev Nmadu, Wife of the Celebrant, SLS Salifu and Rev. Hayab
Describing Engr. SLS Salifu as a colossus, a servant- leader, and a father of faith in a tribute, Rev. Joseph Hayab, acknowledged that the celebrant’s 80 years on earth, represents a remarkable tapestry of faith, courage and selfless service.
“As the former General Secretary of the Christian Association of Nigeria, you stood at the helm during some of the defining moments of our nation’s religious history. Your intellectual depth , your unwavering voice for the voiceless and your strategic wisdom helped shape the church in Nigeria. You were not merely an administrator, you were a defender of the faith, a pillar of strength and a symbol of unity for the church, particularly in the challenging terrain of Northern Nigeria. Your strong advocacy for the Northern Christian Association is not borne of partisanship, but of a righteous desire to ensure justice, equity and the protection of minority rights in our beloved nation”.
Across section of the people
In its tribute titled Celebrating an Icon @ 80, the Christian Solidarity Worldwide Nigeria (CSWN) through its Chairman , Board of Trustees, Rev. Dr Jeremiah Gado quoted from the book of Isaiah 46:4 which assured believers that ” Even to your old age Iam He, and to gray hairs I will carry you”. At CSWN, we celebrate a builder,a servant- leader, a man of conviction, a mentor and a dogged fighter for justice, fairness and equity. A quintessential champion of Freedom of Religion or Belief ( FoRB).
The Kogi East Christian Elders Forum led by Pst. Joseph Egwuda, noted that “reaching this remarkable milestone by the celebrant, is a testimony of God’s faithfulness and to a life dedicated to leadership, service and the welfare of others. We are deeply grateful for your exemplary leadership, guidance, encouragement and the positive impact you have made in our lives individually and the wider community”.
The
Some family members
General Overseer of the Christian Evangelical Fellowship of Nations, Rev. Malachi Ogakwu enthused ” We celebrate God’s faithfulness over your life and thank Him for all the achievement, milestone and remarkable accomplishments He has enabled you to attain.We celebrate you and wish you many more glorious and fulfilling years ahead”.
In its tribute, the Stefano’s Foundation notes that “Reaching this remarkable milestone is a testament to a life defined by wisdom, integrity and exceptional service. Your legacy of leadership continues to inspire us daily at Stefanos Foundation : serving as a beacon of courage resilience and statesmanship. We are immensely grateful for the profound impact of your service, the depth of your counsel and the vision with which you have steered us for over two decades”.
Praying for more years in good health and vitality, on behalf of the daughter in-laws from Lakorok family of Bagunje, Billiri LGA of Gombe State, Dr. Yila Umaru Lakorok said, ” We celebrate a fortright and thorough man, as well as a loving father with a large heart”
The celebrant, Engr. SLS Salifu was born on the 18th of August 1946 in Ochemeje, Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State. In addition to other pious engagements , Engr. Salifu was privileged to serve the body of Jesus Christ from 1986 to 1990 as the Task Force Secretary, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Northern States and Abuja as well as the National Secretary CAN Headquarters, Abuja from 2004 – 2011.
