Ukorebi Esien | October 16, 2025
CALABAR — As the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) marks its 40th anniversary, members across the country are reflecting on the enduring legacy of its founding father, the late Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai, whose vision of unity among Pentecostal churches continues to shape the fellowship's mission four decades later.
The PFN, which emerged from Rev. Ukpai's historic Greater Lagos for Christ crusade in the mid-1980s, has since grown into a formidable national faith movement with functional structures in all 36 states, the Federal Capital Territory, and most local government areas and wards.
The 40th anniversary celebration is being marked nationwide, with state chapters hosting Thanksgiving services and revival sessions. In Cross River State, the event will be held on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at Gold City Gospel Ministry, Calabar. Lagos will host its celebration at Redemption Camp on October 23, while Abuja follows on October 27.
Speaking ahead of the Cross River celebration, the State Chairman of PFN, Apostle Trinity Ogar, described the anniversary as a defining moment for Christians to recommit themselves to the gospel and to the founding ideals of unity and evangelism championed by the late Uma Ukpai.
"This unique occasion offers an opportunity for us to rededicate our lives to the teachings of Jesus Christ and to pray for the unity, survival, and peaceful coexistence of one another rather than engaging in ungodly acts that could derail our national growth and development," Ogar stated.
He urged Nigerian leaders to seek divine guidance in governance, noting that humility before God would help them make the right decisions at critical times.
Ogar also paid glowing tribute to the fellowship's founding fathers and pioneer leaders, including Rev. Dr Uma Ukpai, Archbishop Benson Idahosa, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, Bishop Mike Okonkwo, Dr Felix Omobude, and Pastor W. F. Kumuyi, among others, who, through divine inspiration, built the foundation upon which PFN stands today.
"Rev. Uma Ukpai dreamed of a united Pentecostal front that would speak with one voice in Nigeria," Ogar noted. "Forty years on, that dream lives on through the fellowship's strong structure and continued expansion across the nation."
He extended felicitations to the PFN National President, Bishop Dr Francis Wale Oke, the National Advisory Council (NAC), and the National Executive Council (NEC) for their leadership, while commending the National Vice President (South-South), Archbishop Emmah Isong, and the Cross River State Executive Council for their dedication to the work of the gospel.
Apostle Ogar further called on all PFN members, clergy, and believers across the state to attend the thanksgiving service, scheduled for 3:00 p.m. at Gold City Gospel Ministry, No. 9 Ikot Abasi Obori, off Calabar-Calabar Road.
He also acknowledged the fellowship's cordial relationship with the state government, traditional institutions, and other Christian blocs, expressing optimism that the next decade would witness greater unity and revival within the body of Christ.
As PFN celebrates 40 years of growth, the life and legacy of Rev. Uma Ukpai stand as a lasting reminder of how one man's vision of unity, evangelism, and faith can transform the spiritual landscape of a nation.
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