The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) marked 40 years of ministry on Thursday with a special tribute to the late global evangelist, Dr. Uma Ukpai, whose evangelistic work laid the foundation for the PFN.
Hundreds of members gathered at Redemption Camp to celebrate four decades of growth, unity, and national impact.
The event, themed “PFN: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow,” highlighted the association’s journey since its inception in 1985.
Bishop Francis Wale-Oke, President of PFN, described the event as a time of gratitude, reflection, and renewed commitment.
“We are here to celebrate the goodness of the Lord over the past 40 years. PFN started like a mustard seed in Lagos.
”Today it is in every local government area, every state, and several nations of the world. To God be the glory,” he said.
Wale-Oke praised Ukpai as a visionary whose 1985 crusade, “Lagos for Christ” at the National Stadium, ignited the Pentecostal movement that eventually birthed PFN.
“Evangelist Ukpai has gone home, a titan and an iconic man of God. His legacy will live forever,” Wale-Oke said.
The anniversary also featured a documentary chronicling Ukpai’s ministry, PFN’s growth, and the contributions of past leaders, including Rev. James Boyejo, Pastor William Kumuyi, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, the late Archbishop Benson Idahosa, Dr. Mike Okonkwo, Bishop Ayo Oritsejafor, and Archbishop Frank Ogagba.
Special awards were given to 12 PFN founding fathers in recognition of their service.
Bishop David Oyedepo, Founder of Living Faith Church Worldwide, urged PFN to focus on faith revival and life transformation, stressing that the Pentecostal movement must lead with divine wisdom to achieve social and economic impact.
In a sermon, Pastor Joshua Selman, Founder of Koinonia Global, addressed challenges facing Christianity in Nigeria, including immorality, materialism, pride, unhealthy rivalry, and doctrinal imbalance.
He encouraged unity among gospel ministers and the provision of emotional and psychological support for pastors to strengthen their well-being.
Dr. Uma Ukpai passed away on Oct. 6, 2025, at the age of 80. The PFN celebration not only honored his memory but also reinforced the fellowship’s mission to carry the fire of Pentecost across the world.
