PFN Celebrates 40 Years Anniversary

 

The PFN Conference for the year was a historic gathering, marking the four decades of fellowship with messages of change that launched the church's appeal to national and political spheres, and charges for internal integrity. 

The program started with a very moving tribute by Bishop Wale Oke to the late Rev. Uma Ukpai, who died on the 6th of October 2025. It was not received as a cause for grieving, but instead as a demonstration of divine timing and ageless service and unflinching commitment to the gospel. The dedication was offered by Bishop Wale Oke, who said the funeral was a PFN affair and that they would "carry the people along so we can all celebrate the man whose ministry was used as a trigger for the fellowship of the PFN" when he organized a crusade that led to the founding of PFN. He also thanked God for Rev Uma Ukpai's family, wife, and children.

The celebration of the 40th Anniversary began with a commanding review of the PFN's origin. The video was played backtracking the spirit fire to the upper room when the fire of the Holy Spirit came upon the twelve apostles. 

The video noted that the same fire landed on a fertile ground in the guise of Nigeria when it came to Africa, even though during the early years, Pentecostals were mocked for their zealousness, dedication, zeal, and firm belief in supernatural power and miracles. The PFN was born for Pentecostal oneness with God and unity, not for politically, but passionately. This birth was justified by the conference in awarding the twelve elders who were the PFN's founding fathers. Bishop Wale Oke thanked all present, noting that the PFN started like a mustard seed.

A notable aspect of the event revolved around the powerful, stirring messages. Bishop David Oyedepo instructed that the church is the light of the world, using South Korea as an example of nation transformation before prophesying that the same wave is sweeping into Nigeria. Bishop Oyedepo shifted the attention from power to wisdom and asked the believers to understand that divine wisdom is their heritage to come up with solutions. This was also insisted on by Pastor Femi Emmanuel, where he urged Christians not to blind their eyes to the nation and prayed for ruling, bluntly asserting that after God's power is political power and pushing for Christians to be equipped in order to inherit this nation with good leaders. The event also highlighted the importance of the political deliberation by the fact that Rev Bukola Adeleken, the Lagos State Governor's Special Adviser on Christian Religion Matters, was present and gave a speech in the Governor's absence. 

Also, internal criticism was provided by Apostle Joshua Selman. Delivering a message entitled "Purify Church," Apostle Selman defined seven deadly diseases, which include battling sex and all forms of immorality, warning of the selfishness of wealth and worldly lust, and cleansing the sin of the tongue. Apostle Selman called for accountability, denouncing inefficiency in zeal that has caused a "fashion of dishonour to fathers.". He made a radical proposal, where he underlined the fact that mental preparation for ministry is not all about prayers and fasting and urged the leaders to hire professional help to screen the men who are qualified to be in the pulpit. The passionate prayer sessions were coordinated by various ministers, including Pastor Jerry Eze and P-Daniel, and the mood was set by lively worship from Lillian Nneji, Beejaysax and Buchi. The conference climaxed with essential award recognitions and goodwill speech lead by Pastor Iren on behalf of the Youth Wing, and visits from Pastor Yemi David (Lagos state chairman of the Glory to Glory Wing) and Rev Mrs. Adelakun (on behalf of the Women's Wing). The conference ended on the note of commitment to oneness and country transformation, with emphasis on the next forty years of influence.