PFN@40: Clergy urge moral reawakening, national renewal amid economic, social crises

By Seyi Odewale

As the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) clocks 40, leaders of the Christian body are using the milestone not merely for celebration, but as a sober call for moral renewal, national unity, and responsible leadership amid Nigeria’s deepening economic and social crises.

Founded in 1985 following Rev. Dr Uma Ukpai’s “Greater Lagos for Christ” crusade, the PFN has evolved into a powerful coalition of Pentecostal churches with presence in all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

However, at a time when corruption, insecurity, and moral decadence have eroded the nation’s values, PFN leaders say the anniversary should serve as a turning point for both the Church and the country.

The 40th anniversary celebration, themed around thanksgiving and national reflection, will be marked across all states, beginning in Cross River on October 18 at Gold City Church, Calabar, followed by Lagos on October 23 at the Redemption Camp, and Abuja on October 27.

Speaking ahead of the event, Cross River PFN chairman, Apostle Trinity Ogar, said the fellowship must use the anniversary “as a time of repentance, revival and rededication to the original gospel message of righteousness, truth, and service to humanity.”

According to him, “This unique occasion offers an opportunity for us to rededicate our lives to the teachings of Jesus Christ and pray for the unity, survival and peaceful co-existence of one another rather than engaging in ungodly acts that have derailed our national growth and development.”

Apostle Ogar lamented that while Nigeria remains deeply religious, corruption, injustice, and moral compromise persist at every level of leadership.

“It is not enough to gather in churches,” he said, “we must reflect the true light of Christ in our conduct, especially in politics, governance and daily living.”

He urged leaders across the country to seek divine direction in governance, warning that a nation that ignores spiritual and ethical guidance risks continued instability.

The PFN chairman paid tribute to the founders of the fellowship, the late Archbishop Benson Idahosa, Rev. Dr Uma Ukpai, Pastor Oritsejafor Ayo, Bishop Mike Okonkwo, Dr Felix Omobude, and W. F. Kumuyi, among others, describing them as visionaries who laid the foundation for a unified Pentecostal voice in Nigeria.

“As we celebrate 40 years of PFN’s impact, we must rekindle that original vision, to be the conscience of the nation,” he said. “This is not the time for the Church to be complacent or divided by politics and denominational rivalry.”

Ogar also acknowledged the leadership of PFN National President, Bishop Dr Francis Wale Oke, and other national and state executives for sustaining the fellowship’s relevance in turbulent times.

The Cross River Thanksgiving service will be held at Gold City Gospel Ministry, No. 9 Ikot Abasi Obori, off Calabar-Calabar Road, at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 18, 2025.

In his closing remarks, Apostle Ogar called for deeper collaboration between the Church, government, and civil society to restore integrity and compassion to national life.

“As PFN moves from glory to glory,” he said, “we must remember that spiritual revival is the only path to Nigeria’s moral and national rebirth.