..as Church of God Ministries marks 50th anniversary

By Uzo Ugwunze

The National Leader of The Church of God Ministry Incorporated CGM and Chairman National Church Council, Evangelist Prof Uzochukwu Solomon Nwanonyuo, has urged Christian leaders and believers across Nigeria to remain steadfast in their faith and uphold the teachings and doctrines of the Holy Scriptures.

Prof. Nwanonyuo expressed concern over what he described as the growing influence of unbiblical practices in some churches, warning that certain activities had deviated from the fundamental principles of Christianity.

The prelate gave the advice while addressing newsmen shortly after The Church of God Ministry Inc. marked its Golden Jubilee anniversary with a grand celebration held from Friday, October 23 to Sunday October 25, 2026, at its National Headquarters, 7A New Cemetery Road, Onitsha, Anambra State, under the theme “A Legacy of Faith, A Future of Hope.”

Nwanonyuo lamented that some religious institutions were increasingly accommodating practices he characterised as occultic and satanic, thereby undermining the spiritual integrity of the Church and exposing worshippers to influences contrary to the teachings of Jesus Christ.

The cleric called on church leaders to protect the Christian faith from practices that compromise biblical truth, as well as undue interference from political interests, social pressures and other external influences. He maintained that the Church must remain committed to its spiritual responsibilities and the teachings of Christ.

Addressing the role of ministers, bishops and other Christian leaders in politics, Prof Nwanonyuo cautioned against turning religious leaders into instruments for advancing partisan interests. He urged the clergy to maintain political neutrality and avoid using their positions to influence members’ voting decisions.

According to him, church leaders are representatives of Christ and must demonstrate holiness, righteousness and integrity in their conduct. He stressed that religious leaders should not publicly dictate political choices to their congregations or compromise their spiritual responsibilities for political favour.

He further maintained that voting should remain a matter of individual conscience, explaining that citizens should assess the performance of political officeholders and decide whether to retain or replace them through the ballot box.

The cleric also called for a clear distinction between the Church and partisan politics, citing the biblical teaching of Jesus Christ: “Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s.”

He explained that those who choose to participate actively in politics should do so in that capacity, while those entrusted with the leadership of the Church must discharge their responsibilities with the decorum and integrity expected of Christian ministers.

Prof Nwanonyuo reaffirmed the need for the Church to preserve its independence, uphold the truth of the Christian faith and remain faithful to the teachings of Scripture. He said such commitment was essential to fulfilling the mission of Jesus Christ and preparing humanity for His second coming.

Speaking on the 2027 general elections, Prof. Uzochukwu Nwanonyuo, National Leader of The Church of God Ministry urged politicians and citizens to embrace peace and unity ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He called on INEC to ensure free, fair and credible polls, and warned politicians and voters against do-or-die politics, violence and intimidation during the electoral process.

Nwanonyuo advised winners to be magnanimous, voters to follow their conscience, and all stakeholders to prioritize national peace and democratic stability.

Earlier in his welcome address, the National Leader and Chairman of the National Church Council (NCC), Evangelist Prof. Uzochukwu Solomon Nwanonyuo, said the 50-year journey is a testimony of God’s faithfulness, preservation and grace. He welcomed the Board of Trustees, founding fathers, ministers, elders, guests and members, noting that the church’s existence is sustained by God as the Author and Finisher of its faith.

Prof. Nwanonyuo traced the church’s history to 1976 when early believers, led by Pastor Fabian Dozie Obiadi and others, broke away from Sabbath white-garment churches over practices they described as occultic and ungodly. The movement, initially called Evangelical Church of God and later registered as The Church of God Ministry Incorporated, started in Onitsha and spread across Anambra, Imo, Abia, Enugu, Delta, Rivers, Lagos, Niger, FCT Abuja and other states.

He recalled the church’s trying period in 2002 when schism led to the exit of some members to form another church, but said the church survived the loss of members and properties and continued to grow.

On achievements, the NCC Chairman said his administration, which came on board in 2020 and was re-elected for a second term, has implemented major reforms including modernisation of the headquarters into a two-storey edifice, commencement of the campground project and expansion of evangelism and church planting.

He paid tribute to departed pioneers and financial contributors including families of Late Elder Louis Okoye, Elder Christopher Chukwudum, and ministers who died in active service, stressing that their sacrifices laid the foundation for the ministry.

Looking to the future, Prof. Nwanonyuo said the church’s priorities for the next 50 years include spiritual vitality, doctrinal integrity, Sabbath observance, youth mentorship, evangelism, accountable leadership and humanitarian service, urging all members to preserve the legacy of faith for future generations.

Speaking on advice for young ministers, the Senior Pastor and BOT Chairman of The Church of God Ministry, Pastor Fabian Dozie Obiadi, urged young ministers to remain prayerful, committed and disciplined in their calling, noting that God will help them succeed if they stay faithful.

On the role of the church in national transformation, Pastor Obiadi said despite the numerous challenges facing Nigeria, the church can still transform the nation through prayers, stressing that committed intercession can bring positive change.

The founding father emphasized that prayer remains the church’s greatest tool for national rebirth, expressing confidence that God can turn around the country’s fortunes if the church remains steadfast in its spiritual responsibility.

Contributing, another founding father, Elder Barr. Anthony Anonyuo thanked the almighty God for the expansion, success and sustainance of The Church of God Ministry Inc. despite challenges in a changing world.

Elder Barr Anonyuo who was part of the numerous awardees also thanked God for keeping him alive to witness the golden age of the ministry after 50 years of labor in God’s vineyard praying God to continue to bless the church and more especially the present Leadership which God has raised to bring about revival in the endtime church.

By Our Reporter

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has challenged the 14-year prison sentence imposed on a Christian woman, Lami Dawa, over allegations that she converted an adult Muslim woman to Christianity in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.

The association said it had filed an appeal against the conviction and expressed concern over Dawa’s continued detention, calling for the protection of religious freedom and the fundamental rights of all individuals.

CAN National President, Daniel Okoh, disclosed this in a statement issued on Saturday, saying the association was closely monitoring the case and would pursue the matter through appropriate legal and institutional channels.

Dawa was reportedly convicted in May 2026 by a Borno State High Court judge, A. B. Kumdila, on five counts bordering on child abduction, removal from parental custody, denial of education, and interference with religious practice and conversion.

Reacting to the development, Okoh said the circumstances surrounding the case raised important constitutional questions, particularly regarding the freedom of individuals to choose and practise their religion.

“The Association is particularly concerned by reports that the case arose from circumstances involving the conversion of an adult woman to Christianity, although the precise facts and legal basis of the conviction are still being verified,” the statement reads.

“An appeal has been filed and CAN is committed to allowing the judicial process to run its course.

“The Association believes that every individual has the right to freely choose, change or practise their religion or belief without coercion, intimidation or unlawful punishment.”

The CAN president urged relevant authorities to ensure that the rights of everyone involved in the matter were respected and that the case was handled in line with the provisions of the Constitution and applicable laws.

He added that the association would continue to follow developments in the case while engaging relevant authorities through established legal and institutional processes

By Our Reporter

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will depart Abuja on Thursday for Makkah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, to perform Umrah, Lesser Haji, an Islamic spiritual exercise involving a pilgrimage to the Holy City.

A statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy), said the visit gives the President an opportunity for spiritual reflection, devotion, and prayers for Nigeria’s peace, unity, stability, and continued progress.

‘’While in Makkah, President Tinubu will perform the religious rites associated with Umrah, seeking Allah’s guidance and blessings for Nigeria and its people, ‘’the statement said.

Before leaving Abuja, President Tinubu will commission some equipment acquired by the Nigerian Air Force for its operations at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport.

The President is expected back in the country next week, after completing the spiritual exercise