By Uchenna Eletuo
The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) on Thursday celebrated its 40 years of existence, with a special tribute to the late global evangelist, Dr Uma Ukpai, whose evangelistic work birthed the PFN.
Hundreds of members of the association gathered at the Redemption Camp, near Lagos, to celebrate the anniversary, recounting the assoassociation’s journey in the past four decades.
They reaffirmed commitment to propagating the gospel of Jesus Christ, working for a better Nigeria and impacting humanity.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event had the theme: “PFN: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow”.
The President of PFN, Bishop Francis Wale-Oke, described the celebration as a moment of gratitude, reflection and commitment.
He said it was a celebration of four decades of unity, revival and national impact through the Pentecostal movement.
“We are here to celebrate the goodness of the Lord over the past 40 years.
“PFN started like a mustard seed in Lagos. Today it is in every local government area, every state, and several nations of the world. To God be the glory.
He described Ukpai as an icon with much legacies.
“Evangelist Ukpai has gone home.
“A titan and an iconic man of God, whose 1985 crusade at the National Stadium, Lagos – Lagos for Christ – was the spark that birthed PFN. His legacy will live forever.”
According to Wale-Oke, PFN of today is strong, vibrant and relevant and the PFN of tomorrow will be greater.
“It will be a fellowship of revivalists carrying the fire of Pentecost to every corner of the world.” he said.
NAN reports that Uma passed away on Oct. 6, 2025, at the age of 80.
The congregation watched a documentary celebrating Ukpai’s ministry and influence. They prayed for his family and ministry.
They also watched a video that chronicled PFN’s journey since 1985, tracing its evolution from a small coalition of Pentecostal pastors into a strong Christian voice.
They also paid tributes to PFN’s past leaders, including Rev. James Boyejo, Pastor William Kumuyi, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, late Archbishop Benson Idahosa, Dr Mike Okonkwo, Bishop Ayo Oritsejafor and Archbishop Frank Ogagba.
The body gave special awards to 12 PFN founding fathers in recognition of their contributions.
Bishop David Oyedepo, Founder of Living Faith Church Worldwide, said that faith revival and life transformation should be the focus of PFN.
“Nigeria’s pentecostal movement has flourished across nations and must now lead through divine wisdom.
“ The impact of the church in Nigeria cannot be ignored. We are the salt of the earth and the light of the world.
“Our revival must translate into social and economic transformation,” he said.
In a sermon at the event, Pastor Joshua Selman, Founder of Koinonia Global, identified issues confronting Christianity in Nigeria to include immorality, materialism, pride, unhealthy rivalry and doctrinal imbalance.
“We cannot love Jesus so much that we begin to kill one another as proof of that love,” he said.
Selmam cautioned against division and competition among gospel preachers.
He urged provision of emotional and psychological support for pastors to strengthen their mental health. (NAN)www.nannews.ng
Edited by Ijeoma Popoola
