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Tag: PFN

  • PFN proffers solution to prison congestion

    PFN proffers solution to prison congestion

    Prison Fellowship Nigeria (PFN) has advocated the adoption of restorative justice as a critical solution to decongest correctional centres across the country.

    Dr Jacob Tsado, Executive Director of PFN, a Christian Non-governmental Organisation, made the call at the opening of the Fellowship’s 2025 Prayer Week on Sunday in Abuja.

    Restorative justice “is an approach to justice that focuses on repairing the harm caused by crime or wrongdoing, rather than solely on punishment.

    “It emphasises healing, accountability, and restoring relationships between those affected by the offense; encourages offenders to take responsibility for their actions and the harm they caused”.

    Tsado said that restorative justice, should be incorporated in the nation’s justice system because it is a more humane, effective, and affordable alternative to the traditional punitive model.

    According to Tsado, restorative justice facilitates reconciliation between offenders and their victims, thereby significantly reducing the number of people being sent to correctional centres.

    He said this will help in addressing the severe issue where correctional facilities hold significantly more inmates than their designed capacity.

    “Our justice system needs a lot of help,, and so much work need to be done. Why should it be that 60 per cent to 70 per cent of inmates in the correctional centres are awaiting trial? That is unjust.

    “So, we need citizens to be aware of the things going on in this sector,” he said.

    Tsado said the PFN is partnering with  state governments to introduce restorative justice into the criminal justice system.

    According to Tsado, the Fellowship also uses the Prayer Week to create awareness of the needs in the sector.

    Tsado said that the Fellowship has made a lot of impact in Correctional Centres across Nigeria with its representatives in almost all the states of Nigeria rendering assistance, medical supplies, humanitarian supplies, legal aid, restorative justice among others.

    The Deputy Vice Chairman of PFN Board, Yinka Oyewole, said the Fellowship is adding value to correctional centres educationally, materially and in programmes to address the needs of the children of the inmates.

    Oyewole said the Fellowship also has programmes for those released, by preparing them for the next stage of life, emotionally, psychologically, financially and so on.

    He called on the Minister of Federal Capital Territory,  Nyesom Wike, to partner with PFN, in reducing crimes in the territory

    Also speaking , Mr Edose John, Director of Prison and Hospital Outreach, Foursquare Gospel Church, Asokoro, commended the government’s effort in correctional centres especially in the areas of education and skill acquisition.

    John however, said there was need to do more in renovating the centres , provide good accommodation, improved welfare among others.

    Dr Elijah Ogusanya, PFN’s Deputy Executive Director, called on the government to take the welfare of the inmates seriously and support the NGOs that have good programmes for inmates.

  • Oborevwori tasks public officers on selflessness

    Oborevwori tasks public officers on selflessness

    Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta on Wednesday, charged public office holders in the state to put the interest of the people above self in the discharge of their duties.

    The governor gave the charge when  the new executive of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), State Chapter, led by Bishop Abos Willie, called on him at Government House, Asaba.

    He said it was the lack of fear of God that made some public office holders to put themselves above the collective interest of the people.

    Oborevwori attributed the successes so far recorded by his administration in the last 19 months to divine directive and God’s providence and pledged to continue to put God first in the governance of the state.

    He congratulated members of the new PFN executive in the state on their successful election and promised to synergies with them in advancing the M.O.R.E Agenda of his administration.

    “First, let me congratulate the new executive members of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Delta state Chapter.

    “As an administration, we are grateful to God for the successes that we have recorded so far.

    “It is by divine wisdom that we have been able to judiciously allocate resources that meet competing needs and made the right choices and decisions.

    “As a government, we are determined to continue to trust God for wisdom, guidance and direction to successfully execute the programmes that we have outlined under the M.O.R.E Agenda.

    “I know that, in partnership with the Christian body, we will succeed because, as an Elder in the Living Faith Church, we put God first in everything that we do.

    “We are elected or appointed to serve interest of the people and not for our personal interest; as such, the interest of the people should come first.

    “By the time you put the interest of the people first, you will succeed but when you put your personal interest first, you will fail,” he said.

    He said his administration was committed to doing those things that would positively impact on the lives of the people at the grassroot.

    “l want to assure you that, as a government, we will continue to partner with relevant stakeholders in order to move the state forward,” Oborevwori said.

    He implored the PFN and the church to continue to pray for the state and the nation, affirming that God was needed to reverse the ugly trend in the country.

    Earlier, the State PFN Chairman, Bishop Abos Willie, said the visit was not only to introduce the new executive to the governor but to also congratulate him on his giant strides and recognition by the ThisDay Newspaper and Arise Television as the Governor -of -The -Year.

    Willie reminded the governor of the need to sustain zero tolerance for shoddy projects, stressing that the bold step would stamp out the syndrome of abandonment of projects in the state.

    He outlined the programmes of his administration to include the value of the Holy Bible, religious harmony, integrity in Christianity and value of being born again.

    He, however, urges the state government  support in achieving the set goals.

  • PFN denies having squabbles under Oke’s leadership

    PFN denies having squabbles under Oke’s leadership

    Bishop Emmah Isong, National Publicity Secretary of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) has disclosed that there are no skirmishes in the fellowship.

    Isong made the assertion during an interview with journalists on Monday in Calabar while reacting to reports on national dailies, stating that the fellowship was in disarray under the leadership of Archbishop Wale Oke.

    The publicity secretary who is also the founder, Christian Central Chapel International, (CCCI) said the accusations made by one Mr Olalekan Bilesanmi was an attempt  by the  writer to jeopardise Oke’s reelection bid.

    He stressed that claims that Oke was inept,  incompetent and never a promise keeper were fake and a figment of the writer’s imagination.

    He said, they had never had the fellowship been this vibrant adding that the comments against the PFN president was a roadside discussion and does not hold water.

    “I think the fellow misfired, I have seen that national daily featured by the young man and I want to tell you  that there is no storm whatsoever in the PFN.”There are no schism in our great fellowship and our national president  Dr. Wale Oke, is leading the fellowship robustly.

    “In his leadership, we have found greater moment of unity and friendship, never had the PFN enjoyed a high apex of relationship like this,” he said.

    Speaking further, he said the president has raised the fellowship to a point that they had strong, young generation of leaders, who they call the next generation of PFN.

    While describing the president as a man of proven integrity, and capacity to lead the body to higher heights he said God endowed him with wisdom.

    “We have laid a foundation of our second National Secretariat in Abuja, our National Secretariat had been in Lagos in the past 40 years but now we are going to have another Secretariat in Abuja, this  had never been so,” he said.

  • Dr Uma Ukpai clocks 80, recalls losing father at tender age

    Dr Uma Ukpai clocks 80, recalls losing father at tender age

    Today, January 7, 2025, the father of Pentecostal Christian movement in Nigeria and the President of Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association (UUEA), Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai attained the age of 80 years and joined the club of octogenarians.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Uma Ukpai’s transformative Greater Lagos Crusades for Christ, which brought together church leaders from different denominations paved the way and was the pregnancy that gave birth to the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), born in May 1985.

    Born on January 7, 1945 in Asaga Ohafia, Abia state of Nigeria, Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai, holds a certificate in Electrical Engineering Practice, a Diploma in Journalism, BSc and PhD in Divinity.

    He was educated at Khana County Council school Ogoni Rivers state. All Saints Secondary school Aba, Niger Delta Technical College now Boys Technical College Aba in Abia state.

    He also attended South Florida Christian College, Maimi Florida USA, School of Journalism and Television Prishan Hermitage, United Kingdom and Burke Bible College, Kentucky, USA.

    Sequel to the death of his father when he was about 10 years of age, he once remarked that:

    “I know what it means to lose a father and to be a father at a tender age. I know what it is to save money to pay school fees, so I have feelings for the poor, for I know what it means to be poor.

    “I learned early in life, that the stone satan throws at you can become your stepping staircase to life of abundance”.

    Ukpai’s Evangelist Association, which functions as a bridge building between different denominations regularly holds city wide crusades like The Greater Lagos Crusadesf For Christ, which gave birth to the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN); Greater Ohafia Crusade For Christ and One million Man crusade.

    Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai is the Chairman of the King of Kings hospital and Uma Ukpai Eye Specialists Hospital all in Asaga, Ohafia in Abia state of Nigeria.

    He is also the proprietor of Uma Ukpai School of Theology and Bible Studies Uyo Akwa Ibom state. He owns the Uma Ukpai Polytechnic, Asaga and a fashion school in Uyo Akwa Ibom state.

    Rev Dr Uma Ukpai is married to Dr. (Mrs). Philomena Uma Ukpai and they are blessed with seven children.

  • PFN inaugurates new executives in Lagos

    PFN inaugurates new executives in Lagos

    The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Lagos State,  has inaugurated its new executives while calling for unity in the body of Christ. Archbishop  Joseph Imariabe-Ojo, Inauguration Chairman, PFN Lagos State, before the inauguration,  dissolved the out-gone exco made up of chairmen of the 21 state provincial councils and others.

    He restated the PFN’s mandate of  evangelism, humanitarian works and unity of purpose, urging the new executive to focus on them for their four-year tenure.

    He said that as an umbrella organisation of the pentecostal churches in Nigeria, the infusion of a fresh breath of unity by the executives would attract the Holy Spirit to use PFN to do greater exploits.

    Speaking during the administration of oath of office on the new executives, Imariabe-Ojo, said the body had been praying for a new dawn. According to him, with inauguration of the new executives, the era of the new dawn had come.

    “Under God, you are to uphold the unity of the body of Christ under your supervision. Under God, you are to uphold the standards of faith. Under God and oath, you must function to unite all pentecostal assembly and other body of Christ in the state and in Nigeria,” he said.

    Imariabe-Ojo said the new executives should function in a manner that would make PFN relevant in the society and cooperate with the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).

    The National President of PFN, Bishop Francis Wale-Oke, who blessed the executives, said their  having been chosen for the job was a call to service.

    He urged them as stewards of the church, to discard the posture of ‘I’ for ‘we’, to achieve desired goals.

    Wale-Oke tasked the team to infuse innovations into the body of Christ to positively influence the Church and Nigerian society to remain relevant.

    In his acceptance speech on behalf of others, the Chairman of the new executives, Pastor Yemi David, said they would work hard to make PFN impact felt in Lagos by carrying out community projects that would change lives in the society.

    He said its inauguration, a year before the PFN 40th anniversary, was inspirational with great expectations from them.

    The inauguration of the new executives was held at the Covenant Nation Church, National Theatre, Lagos. Delegates at the occasion were drawn from the national body and the state zones.

  • PFN reacts over Plateau killings

    PFN reacts over Plateau killings

    The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) has condemned the recent killings in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau.

    Bishop Francis Wale-Oke condemned the killings during a condolence visit to Gov. Caleb Mutfwang on Thursday in Jos.

    Gunmen had, between Saturday and Sunday, attacked 25 villages, killing no fewer than 148 people, destroying no fewer than 1,290 houses and farmlands.

    No fewer than 88 people also  sustained various degrees of injuries in the attacks.

    Wale-Oke, who described the killings as senseless, needless and barbaric, called on the Federal Government to find a  lasting solution to the security challenges in the state.

    ”I’m here on behalf of the over 65 million members of PFN in Nigeria to commiserate with you and the people of Plateau over the recent attacks and killings in the state.

    ”PFN condemns these killings because it is needless, senseless and barbaric; it is so painful and unprovoked.

    ”We are praying with you and the people, particularly those who lost their loved ones and properties.

    ”We are also calling on President Bola Tinubu to show his will power and end the insecurity confronting not only Plateau, but all parts of the country,” he called.

    Responding, Mutfwang thanked the PFN leader for the visit, adding that it would further encourage him to do his best toward improving the lives of Plateau people.

    The governor said that he ventured into politics to contribute his quarter to development and called on religious leaders to support him toward making the state the pride of the nation

    Mutfwang, who described the killings as unfortunate, promised to do everything within his powers to secure the lives and property of the people.

    ”I did not become governor to be attending burials of my people, but lead them on the path of sustainable growth and development.

    ”This is why I want to urge the church to unite and support us to better the lots of our people.

    ”In spite of our challenges, Nigeria is a great country; we are not classmates with any African country.

    ”But we must put our differences aside, tolerate each other and move forward,” he said.

    The governor thanked President Tinubu for sending a delegation, led by Vice President Kashim Shettima, to meet with the victims and assess the situation of things.

    He said that the visit was a demonstration of the President’s political will to deal with the current security situation in the state.

  • Pray for political leaders, Oborevwori charges Delta PFN

    Pray for political leaders, Oborevwori charges Delta PFN

    Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori has called on religious leaders to continue to pray and intercede for political leaders across the country in these trying times.

    Governor Oborevwori made the call on Tuesday, when the Chairman and Executive members of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Delta State Chapter, led by Bishop Kingsley Enakirerhi, paid him a courtesy visit at Government House, Asaba.

    He said he was always happy whenever fathers of faith visit him, adding that their prayers and support is what every political leader needs at this point in time.

    Oborevwori who said he was a servant leader chosen at this time to lead the state, stressed the need for the Church to identify with the government by praying at all times for the will of God to be done.

    He said that as a government, his administration was committed to delivering on his M.O.R.E Agenda towards fulfilling his social contract with the people for the good of all Deltans.

    According to him, “it is my pleasure and a thing of joy to be in your midst today. I remember asking the church to pray for me during my election for the will of God to be done. The church stood by me and God gave us victory.

    “The church has always been a stabilising factor in our country Nigeria. And I will therefore appeal to our fathers in faith to continue to intercede not just for me, but for all the political leaders in Nigeria at this time.”

    The Governor further commended members of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Delta state chapter for standing firm for truth and justice and urged them to continue in that stead.

    “I note with delight that the PFN in Delta State has been a consistent voice of reason and patriotism. You have always stood firm on the side of truth and justice and I commend you for that.”

    Earlier, President of the PFN, Bishop Kingsley Enakirerhi said that they were in Government House, Asaba to rejoice with the Governor and appreciate God for his victory not just at the polls but also at the court.

    He maintained that the Governor is one of their very own as he is the first member of the PFN body to be a governor in the state. Noting that the governor is also an elder in the church.

    “We are here today to appreciate God Almighty for the victory he gave to you during the last election. You already know that you and I are from the same Delta Central and you know the kind of battles we fought.

    “We are here also as your own body because you belong to the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria. And we stand solidly behind you.

    “We are also here to thank God for the victories at the court. You are the first Pentecostal Fellowship member and an elder of the church to be a governor of this state.”

    The Bishop also commended the Governor for the flyovers, cloverleaf and road expansion in Warri and Effurun contracts signed with Julius Berger Nigeria Plc., stating that; “it is an evidence that your promise to do more is what you mean and we celebrate you for that.”

  • 2023: PFN calls for cancelation, repeat of elections in trouble areas across Nig

    2023: PFN calls for cancelation, repeat of elections in trouble areas across Nig

    Wevole Ezin

    The Chairman of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, (PFN), Cross River State, Dr Lawrence Ekwok has called for the cancellation and repeat of elections in trouble areas.

    He said such action should be taken in areas where some people were not allowed to vote or where Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), Ballot boxes and other election materials were carted away or destroyed by political thugs.

    The state PFM Chairman made the call yesterday to newsmen in Calabar.

    Dr. Ekwok added, “other areas where elections should be canceled and repeated should include polling units or states where ballot papers did not contain the logo of some of the political parties.

    “Doing this will avoid possible protests from those who feel disenfranchised and will also discourage thuggery of any form.

    “If this is done eventual winner of the election will be confident of having the mandate of the Nigerian people while also discouraging thuggery and impunity in future elections.”

    He however condemned a situation where ordinary Nigerians will openly threaten other citizens and warning them to go home if they will not vote for a certain candidate, adding that “ nobody is more Nigerian than other Nigerians “

    He called on INEC to match action with words by doing everything possible to convince Nigerians that the commission is truly committed to conducting free, fair and credible elections.

    The PFN Chairman called on the people of Cross River , especially members of the PFN to come out in large numbers to vote massively in the governorship and House of Assembly elections in March 11, 2023 elections.

    He also called for a quick upload of election results by INEC to avoid the suspicion of fowl play.

    ##

  • 2023: Don’t lose sleep over Muslim-Muslim ticket – Bishop Kwakpovwe advises Nigerians

    2023: Don’t lose sleep over Muslim-Muslim ticket – Bishop Kwakpovwe advises Nigerians

    Bishop Chris Kwakpovwe, the General Overseer of Manna Prayer Mountain and Publisher of the popular Our Daily Manna has advised Nigerians, especially Christians not to be too bothered about the All People’s Congress, APC’s controversial Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket.

    Bishop Kwakpovwe made the declaration during the 2022 edition of the Mid-Year World Anointing Service held at the ministry’s headquarters, 8 -13 Omotayo Banwo Street Ogudu, Orioke, Lagos on Saturday July 23rd.

    The Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, PFN and other prominent Nigerians have all kicked against the emergence of APC’s Muslim-Muslim ticket, describing it as evil and insensitive.

    With the theme, ‘Oh Finger Of God; Show Up For Me’, the grand finale of the 14 days programme, which was beamed live across the world, an overwhelming huge crowd filled the ministry’s (Mountain) auditorium with overflows of worshippers outside.

    The pharmacist-turned preacher, Bishop Chris said; “The Muslim-Muslim ticket doesn’t worry me. After all, we campaigned for late MKO Abiola, who was a Muslim from Ogun State and Babagana Kingibe, another Muslim from Borno State. Nigerians at that time were united in voting them to victory – The Popular June 12 election which was annuled by the military. Maybe by now, Nigeria would have been like America.

    “So the Muslim-Muslim ticket is not my worry. The whole country voted for that man. But Babangida and the Junta annulled the election. My plea to all of you is to ensure you pick your PVC and vote for the best candidate.”

    Speaking further, he said; “Please don’t misquote me. I didn’t say PDP is better than APC or whatever. But what I’m saying is that I don’t believe in condemning anybody, but my counsel to those complaining that the Muslim-Muslim ticket is bad or terrible, is that; carry your PVC and remove those you don’t want, even if it’s Christian-Christian ticket, if they are not doing well, what do you do ? Use your PVC to vote them out.”

    According to Bishop Kwakpovwe, If anybody has the intention to islamise Nigeria, such people would not be alive to witness it.

    “Where is Leah Sharibu? That wonderful Christian girl? Where is she today? She is still in captivity. What wickedness is this? I’m not saying be Obidient, or “be PDP or APC” because I am a father to all. But hear me carefully. We will not support evil. Anybody secretly planning to bring Jihadists into this country; I make a decree today: That they shall.not be alive to accomplish it in Jesus name.

    “Anybody that will allow this suffering to continue shall not win the election.”

    He however urged Nigerians to continue praying for their leaders as he submitted that a good man with good intentions might bow to pressure and change whenever they get elected.

    “Obi can enter and change. APC can enter and change. The same with PDP, etc. So my prayer is that anyone that would take us back to square one shall not get there. Always pray for your leaders. They are always under pressure from insincere political friends.”

    The bishop urged members and the nation to pray especially for the month of August and September, saying that the two months are significant.

    While Bishop Chris Kwakpovwe led prayers, with intermittently preaching in his usual charismatic style, large number of the worshippers were healed of different ailments as many gave incredible testimonies during the service.

    Online viewers also called to give their testimonies of healings and how the atmosphere changed at various locations across the Globe.

    Soul-thrilling praise and worship songs were orchestrated by the very wonderful choir -Manna Voices, who dictated the tunes for the revival that left participants dancing and rejoicing.
    It was indeed a manifestation of God’s Finger!

  • PFN sets up advisory committee on 2023 elections

    The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) has set up a committee to consult widely and advise it on the direction to go in the forthcoming 2023 general elections.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Rev. Steven Dangana, the Chairman of Fellowship in Plateau made this known in a statement in Jos, Plateau State.

    Rev. Dangana explained that the decision was taken at its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting on June 16 in Lagos State.

    According to Dangana, the PFN NEC advised Christians to obtain their Permanent Voters Card (PVCs) ahead of the 2023 general elections.

    He also said that the Fellowship had declared June 26, as ”PVC Sunday”, adding that members would be expected to attend church service with their PVCs that day.

    Dangana called on heads of churches to mobilise their members who were eligible, to register for their PVCs.