African Church Set For 125th Anniversary

The African Church Nigeria is set for its 125th anniversary celebration, promising to preserve its heritage for future generations.

At a press conference in Lagos yesterday, the primate of the church, Most Rev. Augustine Odufuwa, unveiled the logo and theme of the anniversary celebration.

Odufuwa said the anniversary would celebrate 125 years of faith, sacrifice, service and divine preservation.
“Today, we do more than unveil a logo or announce a programme. We open a new chapter in a story that God began 125 years ago.

“One hundred and twenty-five years have witnessed changing generations, societies and circumstances, yet remained anchored in Christ’s gospel.

“Our testimony is simple: God has been faithful,” he said.

Odufuwa said the church’s history was woven into Nigeria’s religious and social history.

He expressed gratitude to the church’s founding fathers and mothers for their faith, courage and sacrifices.

He said the anniversary theme is ,“125 Years of Grace: A Future Unfolding”, citing the Book of Isaiah 43 verse 19 in the Bible.

“The theme deliberately joins remembrance with expectation. The first part is our testimony.
The second is our mandate.

“We celebrate what God has done, and we refuse to believe that our greatest days are behind us. Grace brought us here, grace will lead us forward.

“The next chapter requires a church faithful to the scripture, conscious of its heritage, and responsive to its times,” he said.

The primate said the church must preserve its heritage while embracing necessary reforms and innovations.

He stressed the need to prepare young people to shape the church’s future.

“Our young people must not merely inherit our history; they must be equipped to shape the next chapter.

“This is why the programme has been designed not as a single-day ceremony.

“It is a season of remembrance, renewal, evangelism, service and celebration,” he said. (NAN)