President, Christian Association of Nigeria, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, has described the Founder and General Overseer of the All Christian Fellowship Mission, Rev. Williams Okoye, as “a true servant of God whose humility and service remain exemplary.’’

Mr Okoh, in a goodwill message at the ACFM’s 50th anniversary celebrations in Abuja, urged younger Christians to uphold the values of faith, service and integrity that Mr Okoye has demonstrated over decades.

He recalled meeting the cleric during the 2005 National Political Reform Conference, noting that Mr Okoye’s passion for good governance and national transformation had always complemented his devotion to ministry.

Mr Okoh said, “Through the years, his advocacy, humility and faith have been a beacon to many. Every time he calls, it is always about the well-being of the nation or the church. That is the pastor in him.’’

The CAN president also acknowledged the sacrifices of Mr Okoye’s family and the congregation, praying that God would grant the church more fruitful years of service.

In his remarks, Mr Okoye said that the journey which began in August 1975 had grown into a global mission with branches across Nigeria, Rwanda, Uganda and Burkina Faso.

He attributed the success of the church to God’s grace, faithfulness and the dedication of its members.

He stated, “The theme of this celebration, ‘God Our Helper’ (1 Samuel 7:12), is most fitting. The mission of this church has always been to bring people to Christ, nurture them to maturity and equip them for God’s service in the world. Only the grace of God has brought us thus far.”

Mr Okoye while appreciating God for the help so far in the ministry, encouraged Nigerians to always be thankful to God irrespective of the circumstances they go through as that was the key to moving forward in life.

The National President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, Bishop Wale Oke and the Founder of the Living Word Conquerors Global Assembly, Bishop David Abioye, emphasised integrity as the bedrock of excellence in society.

They, respectively, urged Nigerians to invest in human development.

The leader of the Living Seed Ministry, Gbile Akanni, in a sermon stressed that, in spite of the great work achieved by the church, there is still more work to do.

He congratulated the church on the 50th anniversary and prayed for better years ahead.

Chairman of the Anniversary Planning Committee, Pastor Titus Omolewa, said the event also featured awards to honour members and partners who had made outstanding contributions over the last five decades.

According to him, 124 members who have served for more than 40 years received long membership awards, while special awards were presented to two surviving pioneers of the mission.

Seven posthumous awards were also given, including one to the late wife of the general overseer, recognised as a prayer warrior and pillar of the church in its early years.

One of the awardees, Victor Okoye, expressed gratitude for the recognition, reflecting on his 46 years of service in the mission, particularly in the music ministry.

He said, “All Christian Fellowship Mission has been more than just a church to me. It has been a family, a spiritual anchor and a place of purpose. This award is a blessing I will always cherish.’’

He described the day as bittersweet, noting the absence of his late mother, who had played a pivotal role in the growth of the mission.

Mr Okoye added, “Her absence is deeply felt, but her legacy lives on, not just in our family but in this church, she served so faithfully.’’

(NAN)