The African Church Nigeria is set for its 125th anniversary celebration, vowing to preserve its heritage for future generations.

At a press conference in Lagos on Saturday, the Primate of the church, Most Rev. Augustine Odufuwa, unveiled the logo and theme of the anniversary celebration.

Mr Odufuwa said the anniversary would celebrate 125 years of faith, sacrifice, service and divine preservation.

“Today, we do more than unveil a logo or announce a programme. We open a new chapter in a story that God began 125 years ago.

“One hundred and twenty-five years have witnessed changing generations, societies and circumstances, yet remained anchored in Christ’s gospel.

“Our testimony is simple: God has been faithful,” he said.

Mr Odufuwa said the church’s history was woven into Nigeria’s religious and social history.

He expressed gratitude to the church’s founding fathers and mothers for their faith, courage and sacrifices.

He said the anniversary theme was “125 Years of Grace: A Future Unfolding”, citing Isaiah 43:19 in the Bible.

“The theme deliberately joins remembrance with expectation. The first part is our testimony. The second is our mandate.

“We celebrate what God has done, and we refuse to believe that our greatest days are behind us. Grace brought us here, grace will lead us forward.

“The next chapter requires a church faithful to the scripture, conscious of its heritage, and responsive to its times,” he said.

The primate said the church must preserve its heritage while embracing necessary reforms and innovations.

He stressed the need to prepare young people to shape the church’s future.

“Our young people must not merely inherit our history; they must be equipped to shape the next chapter.

“This is why the programme has been designed not as a single-day ceremony.

“It is a season of remembrance, renewal, evangelism, service and celebration,” he said.

Mr Odufuwa said activities to celebrate the anniversary would include a 40-day campaign from September 4 to October 12.

The primate said the campaign would feature historical activities, interviews, podcasts, documentaries, digital engagements and prayer videos.

According to him, the historical activities would include a national Bible and history quiz and historical essay competitions for younger generations.

The primate said the quiz competition would be concluded on October 12, while three outstanding essays would receive recognition during the Founders’ Day Thanksgiving Service, which would be part of the celebration.

Mr Odufuwa said evangelism, crusades, hospital and prison ministries, school outreach and community service projects would also be part of the celebration.

He said provinces and dioceses would hold an exchange of pulpits on Oct. 4 to strengthen fellowship and reaffirm the church’s shared mission.

The primate said the main celebration would hold on October 13 and feature thanksgiving, goodwill messages, awards, anniversary cake cutting and the launch of legacy projects.

Mr Odufuwa said the anniversary celebration would be concluded on Oct. 18 across the church’s parishes worldwide.

The primate appealed to the media to help document and promote the church’s history.

“Do not merely report this milestone. Help us tell its story.”

Mr Odufuwa also spoke on insecurity in Nigeria, saying that prayers had been helping to tackle it.

“Insecurity in Nigeria is in transit; it will be forgotten soon,” he assured.

The primate called for a more inclusive and community-based approach to improving security across the country.

“We cannot leave it in the hands of government alone. All hands must be on deck.

“The church should strengthen peace-building and continue contributing to efforts toward a safer and more peaceful society,” he said.

The incoming Lay President, Debo Oduguwa, said the church’s founding fathers did not only pursue soul-winning but also established schools and hospitals to meet the needs of their immediate environment.

Mr Oduguwa said the founders faced numerous challenges but weathered all storms to make the church impactful.

“Despite the numerous challenges they faced, they weathered all storms to make the church impactful,” he said.

He said the government and relevant stakeholders, including the church, must rise to address the nation’s security challenges.

Gladys Obajulaiye, chairperson, 125th Founders’ Day Anniversary Planning Committee of the church, urged the media to partner with the church in preserving its 125-year history and Christian heritage.

She said the anniversary was designed not merely as a series of ceremonies but as a season of remembrance, renewal, service, fellowship and legacy.

She urged Nigerians to reflect on the church’s journey of faith, sacrifice and service.

The African Church will mark its 125th Founders’ Day Anniversary on October 13, 2026.

(NAN)