By Vera Wisdom-Bassey
The Ekiti State Governor, Abayomi Oyebanji, has called on Nigerians to trust in God for the restoration and recovery of the nation’s economy, urging the people to remain steadfast in faith and hope.
Governor Oyebanji made the appeal at the 70th Anniversary (Platinum Jubilee) celebration of the Foursquare Gospel Church in Nigeria, held at the Church’s Camp Ground in Ajebo, Ogun State. Represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr. Niyi Adebayo, the governor commended the Church for its contributions to moral and spiritual growth, nation-building, and community development over the decades.
He expressed gratitude to God for the progress of the Church, noting that it has remained a source of inspiration, nurturing millions of believers in wisdom and faith.
“I call on God to do that which He has promised; to fulfill His purpose for our lives and to restore and recover the economy of our dear nation, Nigeria,” Oyebanji said.
“We thank God for how far He has taken this Church over the past seven decades. Through its work, people have been nurtured, have grown in wisdom and stature, and the Church has remained firmly in the kingdom. I thank God for this platinum celebration.”
The governor urged Nigerians to draw lessons from the Church’s resilience, discipline, and unity, stressing that faith-based institutions have a vital role to play in rebuilding moral and economic foundations.
In his goodwill address, the International President of the Foursquare Gospel Church, Rev. Randy Remington, expressed admiration for the Nigerian Church’s strong faith, social impact, and unwavering devotion to God.
“We have seen the evidence of the gospel in Nigeria and across the world. Most importantly, we care about education, health care, and a holistic approach to the gospel. There is a deep spiritual hunger for God among Nigerians. The way Nigerians worship, with such passion and joy, is very inspiring,” he said.
Rev. Remington added that the Nigerian church’s vibrancy provides valuable lessons for other nations. “We from the United States have a lot to learn from the Nigerian Church. Nigerians are stepping higher in God, and the way they worship joyfully is very inspiring.”
He emphasised that true gospel ministry must extend beyond preaching to include practical services that improve lives, such as education, health, and community care, values the Foursquare Church in Nigeria has embodied through its various initiatives.
The General Overseer of the Foursquare Gospel Church in Nigeria, Rev. Sam Aboyeji, expressed deep gratitude to God for sustaining the ministry through seven decades of challenges and victories.
“We have come a long way as a church in the past 70 years. It has not been without crises, but God has helped us. Now that we are in our jubilee season, we believe He will move in greater ways among us,” he said.
He explained that the church’s growth has been driven by its commitment to holistic ministry, community service, and evangelism. One of the highlights of the anniversary was the commissioning of an ultra-modern hospital built by the church to cater for the health needs of surrounding communities.
Rev. Aboyeji revealed that the idea for the hospital stemmed from the urgent health challenges faced by residents of nearby villages.
“The hospital came out of necessity. The small health centre we had before served about eight to 10 communities around here,” he said. “Today, in Nigeria, it is difficult to access proper health care without insurance, which is not easy for many people to afford. Most villagers cannot even pay the ₦15,000 annual hospital fee. For many of them, this centre has been their only source of medical help.”
He said the hospital treated more than 2,500 patients in the last year alone, prompting the government to request an upgrade to better serve the population. “Now, we have a bigger community to serve,” he added.
He explained that the church decided to expand the facility into a modern hospital, equipped to handle a wider range of health issues while maintaining affordable services for the poor. The initiative, he said, reflects the church’s commitment to demonstrating God’s love through tangible acts of compassion.
The 70th anniversary drew a large crowd of worshippers, dignitaries, and clergy from across Nigeria and the Diaspora. Among those present were prominent church leaders, including Pastor Enoch Adeboye of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Bishop David Oyedepo of Living Faith Church, Bishop Wale Oke of the Sword of the Spirit Ministries, and the International General Overseer of the Church, Rev. Faronbi, and his wife.
The event featured worship, thanksgiving, tributes, and prayers for Nigeria’s peace and economic renewal.
