The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) has celebrated 40 years of service, spiritual leadership and national relevance.
What began as a gathering of vision-driven leaders in the mid-1980s has grown into a movement of over 65 million Pentecostal believers in Nigeria and beyond.
With the theme “PFN: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow”, PFN honoured pioneers and reaffirmed its continued commitment to Nigeria’s moral, social and spiritual advancement.
The anniversary is not only a commemoration of the mid-1980s founding, but also a platform for launching into a future of renewed purpose and revival.
PFN’s story traces back to a pivotal evangelistic event in 1985, when the “Greater Lagos for Christ” crusade, led by the late evangelist Uma Ukpai brought together Pentecostal leaders and ignited the idea of a national fellowship. According to the Guardian, the PFN was formally recognising this heritage when it honoured its founding fathers at the 40th-anniversary thanksgiving event.
In his remarks at the anniversary event, PFN’s National President, Bishop Francis Wale Oke, recalled that PFN
“was birthed out of the ‘Greater Lagos for Christ’ crusade by the late … Uma Ukpai”
and described him as “a great apostle with an unwavering passion for soul-winning and a detribalised servant of God whose ministry transcended ethnic and regional boundaries.”
Talking about the national structure of the PFN, it comprises a National Executive Council, Board of Trustees, state chapters and youth/women’s wings.
For Bishop Francis Wale Oke, steering the fellowship into a season of generational renewal by bringing younger ministers into the fold is something he holds ever so dearly. At the anniversary meeting, many younger-generation pastors were visibly present, taking part in panels and praise segments as part of the younger leadership cohort.
As one younger leader put it during a praise session:
“We stand on firm shoulders, yet we’re called to run a fresh race.”
For instance, in Lagos State, the PFN chapter under the chairmanship of Yemi Davids played a notable role in making sure the event was successfully one and was duly recognized at the event. Further emphasizing the importance of the younger generation of leaders to the body.
Going back in time, it must be said that the PFN owes much to its founding fathers. A generation of pastors and evangelists who set aside denominational distinctions to forge a common purpose. Among those recognised at the 40-year celebration were:
- Bishop Benson Abrifor (Head Mission and Presiding Archbishop of Gospel Church of Christ Worldwide)
- Archbishop Ayo Oritsejafor (National Leadership Award)
- Apostle Emmanuel Iren (Emerging Leaders Tribute)
- Rev. D.O. Ogunkanmi of Christ Gospel Church Mission
- Archbishop Benson Idahosa (posthumously)
- Uma Ukpai — whose 1985 crusade is cited as the spark for PFN’s formation.
- Rev. Charles Osueke
- Rev. O. Ezekiel
- Rev. D.O. Ogunkanmi of Christ Gospel Church Mission
- Pastor William Kumuyi
- Rev. Samuel Odunaike
- Pastor E.O. Abina
- Bishop Mike Okonkwo of The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM) (Evangelism & Unity Award)
- Pastor E.A. Adeboye.
In his address, Bishop Oke commended the vision and commitment of these men, saying their labour and sacrifice laid “the strong foundation upon which the PFN continues to stand today.”
Over the past four decades, PFN’s influence has extended beyond church walls into education, health, social empowerment and national advocacy.
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo‑Olu (represented at the event) described PFN as
“a moral compass for our public life … speaking truth to power with courage and grace, calling leaders to accountability and upholding the sanctity of life, justice and peace.”
In his sermon, Bishop David Oyedepo of Living Faith Church Worldwide also urged Christians to step into roles of societal influence, saying:
“Through wisdom, kings reign and princes decree justice… It is time to start calling down the wisdom of God to keep creating solutions to the seemingly impossible challenges of life around us.”
The 40th anniversary served as much a tribute as a celebration to Uma Ukpai, whose legacy continues to inform PFN’s vision. The event honored him among other founding fathers, celebrating his evangelistic zeal and national spanning ministry.
Looking ahead, PFN’s leadership emphasized that the 40-year mark is not a finish line but a launching pad. According to Bishop Oke:
“We are here to celebrate the goodness of the Lord over the past 40 years… To God be the glory. PFN of today is strong, vibrant and relevant and the PFN of tomorrow will be greater.”
The fellowship is placing strong emphasis on revival, unity across generations, and youth leadership development.
With over 65 million members nationwide, the PFN today commands one of the largest faith-based constituencies in Nigeria. That number reflects not just churches, but ministries, ministers, and brethren aligned with the fellowship’s umbrella aim of unity and cooperation.
It’s also fair to mention the fact that the PFN is an important body in the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and has always been a vocal for Pentecostal & Charismatic Christians in national dialogues in the discourse of faith, policy, social welfare.
In a country grappling with moral and social challenges, the PFN’s commitments to transformation, service, and the common good cannot be understated in nation building.
As it steps into its next chapter, the vision remains clear: to carry the fire of Pentecost into every corner of Nigeria and beyond, trusting that the best is yet to come.
