Rev. Raymond Ikekhamen Oboagwina, a revered spiritual leader and devoted minister, has announced his retirement, marking the close of an impactful chapter in the Assemblies of God Church and leaving a legacy of faith, resilience, and dedication. Born on February 20, 1956, in Udoneria, Igueben Local Government, Edo State, Nigeria, Rev. Oboagwina’s life journey exemplifies an unwavering commitment to service, grounded in humble beginnings. As the first son of the late Mr. Ehiamen and Mrs. Victoria Oboagwina, he grew up with the values that would later shape his decades-long ministry.
Despite financial constraints that prevented him from continuing his formal education beyond primary school, his thrist for knowledge and dedication to his calling remained unshaken. After completing his early education at Assemblies of God Mission School in Edo State, he trained as a mechanic, a trade he practiced until he answered the call to ministry in 1976. Pursuing his spiritual path with great determination, he enrolled in Western Bible College (now Southwest Advance School of Theology) in 1981. His academic pursuits led him to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Theology from Global University, USA, and later a B.Sc. in Mass Communication from Tansian University, underscoring his lifelong commitment to learning and his faith.
Raised in the Assemblies of God Church, he embraced his faith early, dedicating his life to Christ as a teenager and receiving water baptism in 1976. His call to ministry became increasingly profound after moving to Lagos in 1977, and in 1981, he left his position at Biwark Limited to follow his calling into full-time ministry. Throughout his career, he served in various leadership roles across churches in Nigeria, beginning with the establishment of the Assemblies of God Church Alimosho in 1982, which he opened while attending Bible school.
Over the years, he served as a leader in numerous Assemblies of God Churches, including Ebute-Metta, Ketu, Ogba, Mushin, Shomolu, and Bariga. Each new assignment brought unique challenges, yet his dedication and humility ensured his success in fostering spiritual growth and strengthening each community. His impact in Alimosho, where he served as a Christ Ambassador and Missions coordinator, set the tone for the many lives he would touch throughout Lagos. At Mushin Church, he overcame significant structural issues to save the building from collapse, while his 15-year tenure as District Treasurer was marked by financial stewardship that contributed to the church’s growth and sustainability.
As he steps down from his formal pastoral duties, his contributions to the Assemblies of God Nigeria, and to the body of Christ, are celebrated with admiration and gratitude. His retirement marks the end of a remarkable era, yet his influence will live on through the churches he led, the lives he touched, and the example he set for future generations of faith leaders. His legacy will be remembered not only for his steadfast leadership but for his gentle, compassionate nature that has left a lasting imprint on the hearts of many
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