As The Apostolic Church Nigeria begins its weeklong 49th LAWMNA Annual International Convention, the Territorial Chairman of Lagos and Western, Mid-Western/Northern Areas (LAWMNA), Pastor (Dr) Senior Gabriel Okpako Uyeh, speaks with select media representatives at the Church’s International Convention Grounds, Olorunda-Ketu, Lagos. He reflects on the history of the church, the present realities in Nigeria, and the role of the church in nation-building. ADEOLA OGUNLADE reports
HOW do you feel about this year’s convention and the journey so far?
It is with great pleasure and the awesome grace of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ that I welcome you. I thank God for another opportunity to witness this year’s Convention—our 49th Annual International Convention. We are grateful for His loving kindness over His Church and His protection over His people. Truly, to God be the glory for the great things He has done
This Church has quite a long and rich history. Can you tell us more about its origins and growth?
Yes, indeed. This year marks the 106th year of the great revival that birthed The Apostolic Church Nigeria. It all began with visionary fathers from denominations such as the Church Missionary Society (CMS) who caught the Pentecostal fire. They formed the Precious Stone Society and later the Diamond Society around 1918, affiliating with the Faith Tabernacle in the United States. Despite persecutions, they preached boldly, healed the sick, and brought many to Christ.
Later, as persecution intensified from orthodox institutions and colonial authorities, the Lord led them to invite the leaders of The Apostolic Church, Great Britain, for affiliation. That partnership birthed what we now know as The Apostolic Church Nigeria, widely recognised as the mother of modern classical Pentecostalism in the country. Ever since, the church has been marching on.
For a church that has existed for over a century, what has sustained The Apostolic Church through the years?
It is purely the Spirit of God. The power of the Holy Spirit is what has kept us going. We believe in the ministry of the Holy Spirit, and it is that same Spirit that continues to uphold the church.
What about the relationship with the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), which also emerged from this movement?
It’s important to understand that in the early 1940s, there was a misunderstanding, especially around the doctrine of divine healing, which led to a split. A group broke away and formed the Christ Apostolic Church. I say this purely as a historical fact, not to malign our sister denomination. Today, both churches maintain a healthy relationship and cooperate under the Christian Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (CPFN).
What can you tell us about the structure and mission fields of The Apostolic Church Nigeria?
The Church is structured into six territories: LAWMNA, Cross River, Igboland, Maritime, Akwa Ibom, and Andoni. The LAWMNA Territory, where I serve, has grown significantly. We now have 189 Areas spreading across the South West, Edo, Delta, and Nigeria’s North Central, East, and West zones. Internationally, we have missionary fields in countries like Côte d’Ivoire, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Uganda, North America, Niger Republic, Lesotho, and Canada. Our mandate remains clear: Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature (Mark 16:15).
For a church that has existed for over a century, what has sustained The Apostolic Church through the years?
It is purely the Spirit of God. The power of the Holy Spirit is what has kept us going. We believe in the ministry of the Holy Spirit, and it is that same Spirit that continues to uphold the church. We glorify God for the Glorious Vision and worthy Christian legacy he gave to us, and which our founding fathers of faith transferred and committed to this generation.
What should the public expect from this year’s convention?
This year’s convention is very significant—it’s the 49th, paving the way to our Golden Jubilee next year, if Christ tarries. The theme is “I know thy works” (Revelation 2:2). It is a divine call for self-examination, for believers and even unbelievers, to understand God’s unwavering awareness of our actions—whether good or bad. We hope it challenges all attendees to walk in the will of God and live uprightly.
You touched on national issues in your address. How do you see the current state of Nigeria?
The situation of things in the world today and Nigeria in particular, the wickedness, oppression, repression and leadership challenges in all sectors of the economy, is telling us that something is amiss, something is wrong. And the Lord is calling our consciousness to it. If we appreciate that we shall one day give account to God, we must learn to do well to our brothers and sisters, and our neighbours. Those in leadership should run away from and eschew all the atrocious cases of corruption that are giving the country a bad reputation today and making headlines in the media. No doubt, there appears to be a leadership deficit in the country today, given the hardship and trauma that pervades the land.
Our political class, rather than uniting to find plausible solutions to the multifarious problems of the country, is busy fighting over 2027. Yet people are dying of hunger. There is much agony, hunger and misery in the land. The insecurity remains unabated. Farmers in Benue and Plateau states, widely recognised as the food baskets of the country, and most states of the South West, not to mention the North East, are finding it difficult to go to farms.
Our politicians must know that a day of reckoning is coming, not just the Election Day, but the judgment day when we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. The Lord God knows your work, whether you do good or bad. He knows those who are serving the people with sincerity of heart, and those who are doing so just to accumulate wealth for their children’s children.
There is a need for all Nigerians, irrespective of tribe or religious affiliations, to wake up to the consciousness that they have contributions to make if Nigeria is to be better.
Isn’t the church putting all the blame on the government for the country’s current woes?
Not at all. I will never place the blame solely on the government. A few months ago, we visited Aso Rock and told the President that Nigerians are suffering and unhappy. He responded, saying he is not happy. We laughed and asked, “You’re not happy?” He said, “Why should I be happy when people are constantly abusing me?”
Even the President is feeling the pressure. The truth is, as citizens, we are all part of the problem. In one way or another, we have contributed to the challenges facing Nigeria. It’s time we all take responsibility and work together to build a better nation.
What efforts is the church making to encourage Christians to get involved in politics?
Our church has a clear standard: we do not forbid members from participating in politics. Politics is not taboo. Many of our members are already holding public offices. However, we urge them to shine the light of Christ wherever they find themselves. We don’t punish anyone for joining politics; everyone has the right to choose their path. What matters is that Christians in public office should lead with integrity and righteousness.
What role do you see the Church playing in national development?
The Church must not keep silent. We are committed to praying for Nigeria and speaking the truth boldly. We must continually urge the government to provide security, affordable food, and good governance. The GDP may have risen statistically, but this has not translated to better living standards for Nigerians. The cost of living is not just high—it is killing. The pain is widespread, and it demands compassionate governance and action. In essence, the fundamental problem of the country appears to be a defiling economic solution; we need to look at an alternative way out in other major influential spheres of human living. It must not be allowed to become a pang. The government must address this with love and compassion. It should listen more to the socio-political aspirations of the people to stop the uneasiness and mistrust in the land.
You mentioned the Church’s RAISE Agenda. What progress has been made?
By God’s grace, the RAISE Agenda has recorded significant milestones. Apart from our spiritual mission, we serve communities through our Prison Ministry and Widowed Persons Initiatives. We are also empowering youth through business ventures across Lagos, Ibadan, Warri, and more. Also, as part of our corporate social responsibility, as I am speaking to you now, our hospital project is currently under construction. We continue to build the capacity of our ministers and workforce through seminars and training, and in particular, attending to their welfare. We have recently significantly increased their welfare package in spite of the economic downturn and instability. We trust God to continue sustaining us.
Are there any internal reforms you’re driving within the Territory?
Yes, one of the most notable is our implementation of the Church’s new retirement policy. At LAWMNA, we are phasing out ministers above 75 years. By next year, that process will be completed—and I, too, will retire. My role now is to see through its successful execution.
What message do you have for Nigerians and the global Church?
Nigerians, regardless of tribe or religion, must rise with a shared sense of responsibility for national healing and transformation. We all have a role to play. For the Church, let us never tire of praying, speaking truth, and serving our communities with integrity and love.
